AIARE LEVEL 2 AVALANCHE COURSES
MAMMOTH LAKES, CA // EASTERN SIERRA
Our 2024/25 AIARE Level 2 schedule will be posted in July. To ensure you’re up to date with all of our programming, we recommend signing up for our eNewsletter and following us on Instagram @goldenstateguiding.
The AIARE Level 2 avalanche course curriculum is designed to build off of your existing skill set acquired from your Level 1 and Companion Rescue course. The AIARE Level 2 course focuses on advanced decision making in more complex terrain, leadership skills in a small group setting, developing travel plans with limited online resources, and identifying how weather and snowpack conditions are related to observations and discussions. The AIARE Level 2 is a great course for backcountry travelers looking to advance their skill set into more complex terrain.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 we’ve opted to run our Level 2 for 3 days in the field as opposed to the traditional first day being in a classroom or online setting. We’ve found being in the field for all 3 days has been incredibly valuable for our students. It offers more hands on instruction and gives our AIARE Leaders and Instructors a better platform to answer questions and deliver the course curriculum.
All AIARE Level 2 students will be required to complete the online learning course prior to your first day in the field. Please be prepared to set aside a couple of hours prior to your first day to complete this training. Our AIARE Level 2 course curriculum is outlined below as well as whats included in the cost of the course.
***This year we are offering the option to add on our Companion Rescue Course running February 1st at a discounted rate and savings of $50. Choose the bundle option at check out if you’d like to include this 1 day course***
***Note you must have taken an AIARE Level 1 and Companion Rescue course before registering for your AIARE Level 2. It’s highly recommended you spend a minimum of 1 year practicing your Level 1 and Companion Rescue skills before taking a Level 2 course.***
AIARE LEVEL 2 AVALANCHE COURSE INFO
COST: $695
LOCATION: MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
COURSE LENGTH: 3 DAYS (24 HOURS)
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2023/24 AIARE LEVEL 2 SCHEDULE
February 2nd - 4th, 2024 (Complete)
February 1st - 4th, 2024 (Companion Rescue Bundle - Complete)
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DAY 1
We begin our AIARE Level 2 course in the field in Mammoth Lakes. The first day in the field will cover the below topics.
Avalanche equipment review
Discuss current snowpack in local area
Use weather, snow, avalanche observations to build trip plans before entering the field
Terrain analysis
DAY 2
Our second day will begin in the field in Mammoth Lakes and will cover the below topics.
Beacon and equipment trailhead check
Implement trip plans in the field using risk management framework
Build leadership skills within a small team
Snow column and pit tests
Trip planning and preparation review for the following day
DAY 3
Our third day will begin in the field in Mammoth Lakes and will cover the below topics. We aim to have the third day conclude by 3:00 pm.
Fine tune trip planning and risk management strategies
Avalanche hazard analysis in the field
Practice using informal and formal observations that can be used in the absence of a local avalanche forecast
Decision making in avalanche terrain
Route finding, travel decisions and techniques
Course debrief
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COST INCLUDES
Professionally trained AIARE Leader
Beacon, shovel, and probe
AIARE waterproof field book
AIARE digital student manual
Online discount codes at our partners Weston Backcountry, Volcom, and Ridge Merino’s websites
20% off snow travel equipment rentals at Mammoth Mountaineering
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Our AIARE recreational courses are facilitated in the Mammoth Lakes region in the Eastern Sierra. Transportation and lodging are not covered in the cost of any AIARE course. Please note, a car with the ability to travel in winter road conditions is recommend for the course in case a weather system is encountered. Upon registration you’ll receive a confirmation email confirming you are registered for your course. Two weeks before your first day we’ll send a detailed itinerary outlining your AIARE course as well as an equipment list, local lodging, and gear rental locations in town. It’s highly recommended you come to the course familiar with your snow travel mode of transportation, whether that be a ski touring setup, splitboard, or snowshoes. We thank you in advance for coming prepared and look forward to a few great days in the field with you!
