AIARE Level 2 


Course Description 

The AIARE Rec 2 course has been designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced students who have taken an AIARE Rec 1 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course. 

The American Institute for Avalanche Safety and Education (AIARE) Level 2 Rec is a three-day/24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations including: leading travel in small groups, traveling in more complicated terrain, and developing travel plans with limited resources.

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

Course Objectives 

Students can expect to learn about the following topics: 
  • Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more sever. 
  • Use and interpret weather, snow and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field. 
  • Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that include facilitating small group discussion, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk management strategies. 
  • Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with and in the absences of local supporting avalanche information. 

Course Details 

  • Inclusions: AIARE Level 2 Course Manual, AIARE Field Book, AIARE Level 2 Rec certificate upon successful completion of course. 
  • Exclusions: Lodging, food, avalanche safety gear, backcountry touring gear.* 
  • Required Reading: The Avalanche Handbook, by McClung and Schaerer**
  • Suggested Reading: Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain,by Tremper

INtroducing our new Cat skiing COurse:

For the first time ever Irwin Guides is offering an AIARE Levels 1 & 2 course that include a cat bump to explore our terrain. 

Most of our runs begin on Scarp Ridge which offers panoramic views of the Elk Mountains with peaks towering over 13-14,000 feet. Although Irwin is only 10 miles from the town of Crested Butte, Colorado, it receives three times more snow than the town itself. At an average of 600 inches per year, Irwin is considered a powder mecca. 

Plenty of Terrain for advanced skiers and thrill-seekers, we have extensive challenging terrain varying from open alpine bowls, steep narrow chutes and couloirs, and tight tree skiing. We also have many cliffs and rock bands that offer the chance to catch anywhere between 5-40 feet of air. Our terrain offers the unique opportunity for powder skiing on slopes of 30 and 40 degrees. 

Irwin Guides is proud to partner with Ortovox! 



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course overview 

PACKING LIST
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR 
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST.
PRE-REQUISITES
Participants must have the ability to travel in 
avalanche terrain. An AIARE 1 Course and 
AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course are required
 before taking AIARE level 2 rec.

*You must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Textbook

The Avalanche Handbook is the official text 
book for the AIARE Level 2 course. 
2020/2021 CB Based dates:

January 22nd
February 19th
SHE JUMPS COURSES: 
DATES TBD
FRIENDS HUT Based: 
DATES TBD


Additional avalanche education available prior to course dates:
Pricing
$475 per person - Crested Butte Based 
$635 per person - Irwin Cat Ski Operation Level 2 Course 
$1,550 per person - Friends Hut Level 2 Based Course 
ratio
6:1 
Max 12 students, 2 instructors
Rentals available
*Avalanche safety gear and backcountry touring set-ups can be rented for an additional fee.





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