AIARE 2 Snoqualmie Pass
AIARE 2 Snoqualmie Pass
AIARE 2 Snoqualmie Pass is an advanced winter backcountry decision-making course for students who have completed AIARE 1 and have meaningful touring experience. This course helps students improve observation habits, terrain selection, planning, and group decision-making in more complex winter conditions.
The course combines preparation, field practice, and instructor coaching to help students move beyond foundational concepts and develop a more detailed process for winter backcountry travel.
Our custom crafted AIARE course provides several online learning resources for self paced work leading up to our in person sessions. We will have a 1 hour virtual session in the week before our course. Our specially crafted courses give you 25% more field time with our pro instructors in the North Cascades in Washington and less time sitting inside suffering from power point fatigue.
The AIARE 2 is a three-day/24-hour 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.
The AIARE 2 is a three-day course for those who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills.
- Hazard Identification: Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify terrain where avalanche consequences are more severe.
- Observation and Analysis: Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to select appropriate terrain before and during field travel.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrate leadership within a small team, facilitate group discussions, promote appropriate terrain selection, and utilize risk management strategies.
- Forecasting: Implement a basic forecasting framework to use with or without local supporting avalanche information.
Advanced Avalanche Knowledge with Our AIARE 2 Course
Our AIARE 2 Avalanche Course is a comprehensive three-day, 24-hour program designed to enhance your decision-making skills in complex backcountry situations. Perfect for those who aspire to lead small travel groups, navigate more challenging terrain, and develop travel plans with limited resources, this course builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in AIARE 1.
The AIARE 2 course deepens your understanding of avalanche hazard management by focusing on critical hazard assessment factors. You'll learn to analyze weather, snowpack, and avalanche processes and understand how these elements influence observations and travel decisions in avalanche terrain.
Pre-Course: Start with self-guided online learning followed by a two-hour virtual check-in.
Day 1: Participate in an in-person pro level A.M. meeting session at the Pass then head into the field for baseline observations.
Day 2: Continue with a brief in-person pro level A.M. meeting session at the Pass then more info gathering in the Alpental Valley.
Day 3: Wrap up with a brief in-person pro level A.M. meeting session at the Pass then execute a well crafted ski tour at Alpental Valley, Common Wealth, or Kendall Lakes .
Join Us for an Unforgettable Learning Experience
Enhance your avalanche safety skills and become a more confident and knowledgeable backcountry leader. Register now for our AIARE 2 Avalanche Course and take your avalanche education to the next level.
AIARE 2 is for backcountry travelers who have completed AIARE 1, have real touring experience, and want a more advanced decision-making process.
AIARE Rescue or similar recent field practice is commonly required or strongly recommended before AIARE 2.
AIARE 1 introduces foundational planning and terrain concepts, while AIARE 2 goes deeper into observations, group process, terrain choices, and applying a more advanced framework.
The field sessions are held around Snoqualmie Pass or nearby terrain, with the exact plan based on weather, access, and conditions.
Yes. Splitboarders are welcome when they have an efficient touring setup, prior AIARE 1 education, and enough experience to travel with the group.
Gear list
Gear list
Gear required varies trip to trip. Your guide helps you decide what to bring or leave during the gear check. Need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet? Let us know when you book.
Cancellation
It is your responsibility to be familiar with our Payment, Cancellation, and Rescheduling Policies. When you book a course with Guided Exposure, you are agreeing to our policies outlined here:
