Join us in the Big Hole Mountains just outside of Idaho Falls, ID. It’s a special riding area about 30 minutes to the northwest of Idaho Falls, ID.

The level 2 course is $495 per person.

Schedule:

• • Day 1 – Level 2 – Field Day: 9am – 5pm
  • Day 2 – Level 2 – Field Day: 9am – 5pm
  • Day 3 – Level 2 – Field Day: 9am – 5pm

Course Description

The Level 2 course 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. This course builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the Level 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.

Who Should Take this Course

The Motorized Level 2 course is for snowbikers and snowmobilers who have taken a Level 1 and are proficient riders capable of traversing through various types of terrain. This course provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. Participants will have completed the Level 1 and Rescue courses. Aspiring professionals will need to take Level 1 and Level 2 courses as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Level 2 course you 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.
• Participants must be able to ride proficiently, meaning you have strong riding skills and are able to sidehill on both sides of the snowmobile or snowbike and be able to execute downhill u-turns and can ride in steep terrain.
• An AIARE or equivalent Level 1 training is required.
• A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is highly recommended before taking the Level 2 course.

Pre Course Work

An online classroom session and coursework done at your own pace and to be completed before the first “on-snow” day of the course, the earlier you sign up the more time you have to complete the pre-course work. Details will be sent out to students after they register.