AIARE Level 2 (Recreation Track)

**This course is being offered as an intensive, Avalanche Rescue + Level 2 Combination Course. Participants have the option to take both AIARE 2 and Avalanche Rescue, or one course independently.

Participants that wish to take the combination course must register for both AIARE 2 and Avalanche Rescue. These participants will also be offered a discount- $545 for both courses. E-mail annie.graeter@gmail.com for a discount code. Registration for the Avalanche Rescue course can be found here: https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/tacoma-branch/committees/tacoma-climbing-committee/tacoma-climbing-subcommittee-avalanche-education/course-templates/aiare-level-2-recreation-track-tacoma/aiare-level-2-recreation-track-tacoma-2019 

Those who take AIARE 2 only will be required to show proof of Avalanche Rescue Course completion. 

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

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.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course, participants should be able to: 

• Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
• 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.

PREREQUISITES

• Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
• An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Level 1 training is required. Backcountry skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers welcome.
• A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the AIARE 2 course.
• AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course.

PARTNERS AND GUIDES

This course is taught by our partners at Edgeworks Climbing Gym and their staff of AIARE Certified Instructors.

Course Dates 

Each day will begin at 8am  at the Nisqually Lodge  in Ashford (just out side the Longmire Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park). A significant portion of each day will include time in the field based out of Paradise, Mount Rainier. You must have chains for your car to drive the road to Paradise.

• Day 1: Friday, March 8th, 8 AM to 5 PM. Meet at Nisqually Lodge. Field portion at Paradise.
• Day 2: Saturday, March 9, 8 AM to 5 PM. Meet at Nisqually Lodge. Field portion at Paradise.
• Day 3: Sunday, March 10, 8 AM to 5 PM Meet at Nisqually Lodge. Field portion at Paradise.