Learn More Tour Options - AIARE 2 (Part 6 - Resort to Backcountry) February

About the Resort to Backcountry Program

Let’s get you backcountry skiing + splitboarding safely and confidently!

So you've found yourself with an AIARE 1 and you've been touring into bigger and better backcountry. Now it is time to consider AIARE 2, which will mentor you in ways to avoid selected terrain for safer travel, and how and when it may be more reasonable to venture into bigger terrain.

What to Expect:

With self-study (5hrs), an evening course (3hrs on Thurs 2/7) and two field days (8hrs each), AIARE 2 is the final in the 3-part series of “Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain”. The AIARE 2 is a course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where resources are scarce.

The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

Our guiding and training partner has a network of instructors that are former ski patrollers, active Pro Observers for NWAC, certified ski guides, and professional climbers and skiers that are excited to show you the ropes.

Who Should Take this Course

This class is for aspiring trip leaders seeking more advanced tools to make sound decisions in terrain were avalanche problems exists.

Those that have taken AIARE 1 & Avalanche Rescue and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience, looking to go deeper into your knowledge of the snowpack, avalanche conditions, and trip planning. 

What You'll Learn:

• Observation and recording of factors that affect or indicate snow stability
• Observation guidelines for weather, snowpack, and avalanches
• Propagation tests, test profiles
• Introduce stability analysis and forecasting
• Avalanche terrain recognition, slab mechanics and skier triggering concepts
• Complex Terrain travel techniques, route selection and decision making

How to Register:

• Grab the discount code from the #backcountry2023-24 slack channel
• RSVP on this event to take you to registration on our guiding partners site
• Choose your preferred date
• Finalise registration and pay

Logistics:

• Be prepared for an early start and done around 5pm
• Meet at Gearhouse for carpooling
• Pick-up gear (if reserved)
• Bring own clothing, snacks/lunch and water

What it Costs: 

Member

$445 + free gear

Non-Member

$495 (gear not included or +$200 with gear)

How to Register:

• Gearhouse MEMBERS: Grab the 10% discount code from the #backcountry2023-24 slack channel
• RSVP on this event to take you to registration on our guiding partners site
• Choose your preferred date
• Finalize registration and pay

What's Next:

Keep touring with your Gearhouse friends - or perhaps Mountaineering?