Level 2 Avalanche course

*Beartooth Powder Guides is an approved American Avalanche Association course provider. All Level 2 courses offer curriculum which exceeds the requirements set forth by the American Avalanche Association.

 This is a 4 day course designed for advanced backcountry skiers and riders that want to take their backcountry avalanche knowledge and companion rescue skills to the next level. Prior avalanche training and experience required. (Completed Level 1 or experienced backcountry travelers that have attended a basic avalanche course).

**This course includes an 8 Hour Avalanche Rescue Course for students planning on continuing on the AAA Pro Avalanche Education track. (Pro 1)

Level 2 Course topics

  • The course will include 8 hours spent on advanced avalanche rescue and accident mitigation

  • Concepts in avalanche hazard and basic avalanche terminology

  • Trailhead checks and travel protocol

  • Formation of persistent weak layers

  • Recognizing avalanche terrain

  • Travel procedures in avalanche terrain

  • Understanding avalanche release-initiation, fracture, and propogation

  • How weather changes the snowpack

  • Wet snow metamorphism

  • Deeper understanding of human factors and how they can influence decision making

  • Making and interpreting the avalanche forecast bulletin

  • Applied information gathering and tour planning

  • SWAG documentation

  • Tracking season snowpack history

  • Target observations and snowpack tests to fill knowledge gaps and address current/suspected avalanche character

  • Use of an avalanche checklist in the field to provide a system for prioritizing information

  • Discussion and working as a team focusing on minimizing possible human factor traps

  • Discussion of accident case studies and decision-making scenarios

This course is based on guidelines established by the American Avalanche Association