LEVEL 2
cOURSE
Level 2 Backcountry expands on what you learned in Level 1, focusing on terrain evaluation and practical snowpack analysis. Perfect for those with previous experience, this course helps you refine your skills and make informed decisions when tackling more varied and challenging backcountry terrain.
Avalanche forecasting and advanced terrain assessment
Refine your skills in complex route planning and risk management
Deepen your understanding of snowpack evaluation
Ideal for those preparing for more technical terrain
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call— we can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility.
AIARE Level 2 Description
Take your backcountry skiing to the next level this winter with an AIARE Level 2 course. Start by refreshing the skills you learned in your AIARE Level 1 course, then continue on to more advanced concepts and skills. Prepare your team to travel farther, higher and with greater efficiency into new terrain with increased confidence.
Topics covered will include:
- In-Depth Avalanche Anatomy
- Complex Weather
- Snowpack Analysis
- Advanced Terrain Management
- Progressive Travel Techniques
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Backcountry Level 2 journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or visit our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you out in the snow!
Quick Information
Learn the decision-making skills necessary to evaluate and travel in avalanche terrain in an AIARE Level 2 course with the Vail Valley’s #1 Recommended Apex Mountain School. The prerequisites for this course include an Avalanche Rescue course and any AAA certified Level 1 course.
Also available by private – visit our private avalanche education page
2024-25 DATES
- January 11-13 (Spots available: 6)
- February 08-10 (Spots available: 6)
**Minimum of 3 students required to run.**
**Availability updated weekly. For the most current availability, please check the booking calendar on the right side of the page.**
COST
Max ratio 1 instructor to 6 clients
Course: $695
Includes:
- Student Manual
- AIARE Field Book
- Apex Mountain School SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
- 3 Full Field Days
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
DIFFICULTY
Moderate – Difficult
DURATION
Three 8-hour days
LOCATION
Classroom Location – Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas
*Courses run regardless of snow/weather conditions*
NOTE: Participants must complete an AIARE Level 1 and Rescue course before taking the level 2
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
What you should bring
WHAT TO BRING
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
- Beacon/probe/shovel (rental available)
- Clothing for activities and standing in cold/snowy weather (no cotton
- Long underwear
- Insulating layers
- Outer layer (wind/waterproof shell pant and top)
- Down puffy
- Warm gloves, mitts, headband, and hat/facemask/buff
- Goggles and sunglassesSmall personal first aid kit (sunscreen/lip-balm, moleskin, band-aids, medication, etc.)
- Helmet (recommended)
- Water Bottle
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Pack
- Food and water/hot liquid!
ALIPINE TOURING, TELEMARK OR SPLITBOARDING EQUIPMENT
- You are required to arrive with equipment. Whether yours or rental, understand how to use your equipment in advance, how to transition the equipment, skins are cut and all equipment is functional and in working order PRIOR to our field days.
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
- Avalanche probe – 260 cm or longer, no integrated ski pole probes or shovel-packed probes
- Collapsible metal shovel
- Digital avalanche transceiver (457 kHz frequency)
- Air bag (optional)
- Personal first aid kit (blisters, meds, wound care, gloves/face shield, splinting material, sugar etc.)
- Repair kit, specific to your mode of travel (consider multi-tool, bit driver, hose clamps, straps, spare screws, tape, zip ties, spare basket, pole repair, spark plugs, drive belt etc…)
- Insulating pad (can be part of pack)
- Rescue sled, portable w/ supporting slings/straps (OPTIONAL, one per group is sufficient)
- Emergency shelter as appropriate (OPTIONAL, space blanket, guide’s tarp, bivy sac / bothy bag etc…)
SNOW STUDY / OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT
- CLINOMETER/inclinometer
- 2 mechanical pencils
- Field notebook (Apex provides these)
- 3m long intermittently knotted cord (2-4mm thick) or manufactured Rutschblock cord
- Snow saw (min 35cm blade). 70-100cm folding long-saw may replace Rutschblock cord.
- Snow thermometers (qty 2, graduated in degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit). Dial stem and/or glass/alcohol types are commonly used. Electronic thermometers are acceptable – be sure to have extra batteries.
- Crystal identification screen; dark color
- Magnifier (Otherwise known as Loupe), 10x-15x
- Folding ruler (graduated in centimeters. 2 meter length)
- You will need a laptop, tablet or smartphone for accessing weather stations and submitting observations (bring to class each day).
NAVEGATION TOOLS
- Terrain Images (optional)
- Local maps
- Compass
- Altimeter/GPS or smartphone
- Small binocular or monocular for distance viewing
- Communications equipment (all optional, as Apex has):
- Two-way radio, GMRS or VHF
- Satellite phone or transponder (SPOT, DeLorme)
BOOKS
- Avalanche Handbook (2006 3rd Edition, available for purchase from Apex)
- SWAG book (Snow, weather, and avalanches: observation guidelines for avalanche programs in the US, 2010, available for purchase from Apex)
- You will need a laptop, tablet or smartphone for accessing weather stations and submitting observations (bring to class each day).
Trip Insurance
Safeguard your guided trips and mountain courses with comprehensive trip insurance, offering peace of mind and protection throughout your adventurous explorations.
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
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