aiare level 2
LOCATION: Mammoth Lakes, CA // Eastern Sierra
COURSE OUTING LENGTH: 3 DAYS (Optional - 1-Day Avalanche Rescue Add-On)
The AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course builds on the skills developed in AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue, focusing on advanced decision-making in more complex avalanche terrain, leadership in small groups, trip planning with limited resources, and understanding the relationship between weather, snowpack, and field observations. Designed for backcountry travelers looking to advance their skills, our Level 2 is taught over three consecutive days entirely in the field, providing more hands-on instruction and real-world learning than traditional classroom-based formats. Prerequisites include successful completion of both an AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue course, and AIARE recommends spending at least one season applying those skills before progressing to Level 2. Students also have the option to bundle our 1-day Avalanche Rescue Course at checkout and save $50.
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LEVEL 2 ONLY (3 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
LEVEL 2 + AVALANCHE RESCUE BUNDLE (4 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
(Avalanche Rescue Bundle) -
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
-
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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***THREE PERSON MINIMUM
Three People per day $465Four People per day $360
Five People (+) per day $285
***Private courses available - click here to inquire***
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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!
***CANCELLATION POLICY
It’s in the best interest for all of our AIARE avalanche students to be familiar with our Cancellation Policy. Due to the high demand of avalanche courses, we must stick to our Cancellation Policy. We are happy to work with any students on solutions if a problem arises and they are unable to attend their scheduled course. Thank you in advance for understanding.
The AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course builds on the skills developed in AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue, focusing on advanced decision-making in more complex avalanche terrain, leadership in small groups, trip planning with limited resources, and understanding the relationship between weather, snowpack, and field observations. Designed for backcountry travelers looking to advance their skills, our Level 2 is taught over three consecutive days entirely in the field, providing more hands-on instruction and real-world learning than traditional classroom-based formats. Prerequisites include successful completion of both an AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue course, and AIARE recommends spending at least one season applying those skills before progressing to Level 2. Students also have the option to bundle our 1-day Avalanche Rescue Course at checkout and save $50.
LOCATION: Mammoth Lakes, CA // Eastern Sierra
COURSE OUTING LENGTH: 3 DAYS (Optional - 1-Day Avalanche Rescue Add-On)
-
LEVEL 2 ONLY (3 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
LEVEL 2 + AVALANCHE RESCUE BUNDLE (4 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
(Avalanche Rescue Bundle) -
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
-
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
-
***THREE PERSON MINIMUM
Three People per day $465Four People per day $360
Five People (+) per day $285
***Private courses available - click here to inquire***
-
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!
***CANCELLATION POLICY
It’s in the best interest for all of our AIARE avalanche students to be familiar with our Cancellation Policy. Due to the high demand of avalanche courses, we must stick to our Cancellation Policy. We are happy to work with any students on solutions if a problem arises and they are unable to attend their scheduled course. Thank you in advance for understanding.
BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING OUR AIARE AVALANCHE COURSES!
