AIARE LEVEL 2
AIARE Level 2 - Avalanche Training
ADVANCING AVALANCHE DECISION-MAKING & LEADERSHIP
AIARE Level 2 is designed for backcountry travelers who are ready to advance their avalanche knowledge, decision-making, and leadership skills. Building on AIARE Level 1, you’ll take a deeper look at weather, snowpack, avalanche processes, and terrain and how they interact to influence avalanche hazard.
You’ll learn to use forecasts and field observations to assess avalanche conditions, evaluate terrain and consequences, develop and adapt travel plans, and manage uncertainty as conditions change.
The course also focuses on group leadership and risk management, including communicating risk, facilitating group decisions, and selecting appropriate terrain based on the conditions.
This is a women-specific AIARE Level 2 course. We welcome women-identifying, femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming participants who are comfortable learning in a femme-centered space.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
By the end of AIARE 2, you'll have advanced skills in:
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Evaluating weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations
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Identifying avalanche hazards and assessing more complex terrain
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Using forecasts and field observations to make informed terrain decisions
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Developing and adapting backcountry travel plans
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Leading a small group, communicating risk, and facilitating group decisions
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Applying risk-management strategies when conditions, information, or resources are limited
The goal isn't to make you an avalanche expert in three days. It's to build on your Level 1 foundation and give you the tools, practice, and confidence to make thoughtful decisions and lead others in avalanche terrain.
COURSE FORMAT
~6 HOURS - Self-paced online learning
2 HOURS - Live virtual session
2 FULL DAYS - Hands-on field learning
Total course commitment: approximately 24 hours.
Need avalanche rescue gear?
We offer a limited number of backcountry packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for rent during registration.
COURSE SCHEDULE
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Pre-course self-paced learning — approximately 6 hours - You’ll receive access to the online learning after you register. If you register before October 31, you’ll receive access via email on November 1. This learning is required before your field days, so give yourself plenty of time to work through the material at your own pace and come ready to jump into the course.
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1 evening online session — 5:30–7:30 PM - We’ll meet virtually to get to know the group, review course logistics, and prepare for our field days.
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2 full days in the field - We’ll travel to different locations throughout Summit County. Plan to arrive early in the morning for a group discussion on weather, avalanche conditions, and mapping before heading to the trailhead. Expect to spend the full day outside putting your learning into practice.
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend staying in Silverthorne, Frisco, or Breckenridge to make getting to our field locations easier. Specific meeting and trailhead locations will be shared with participants before the course.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER
Please make sure you:
· Are comfortable skiing or riding in variable, off-piste terrain
· Have access to an AT ski or splitboard setup
· Can commit to the full online + field course
· Are prepared for full days outside in winter conditions
· Understand that you are responsible for having the required equipment
Prerequisites: AIARE Level 1 or equivalent Level 1 avalanche education and an AIARE or AAA-approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course are required. A winter of practical backcountry experience after completing Level 1 is highly recommended.
FEMME-CENTERED
Learn alongside women and femme-identifying adventurers.
WHY TAKE A COURSE WITH US?
Learn avalanche education in a space built for women and femme-identifying adventurers.
VNTRbirds courses combine professional avalanche education with the community, mentorship, and support we've built over years of getting women into the backcountry.
You'll learn from experienced, certified educators in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, skills are practiced, and there's no expectation that you already know everything.
EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS
Professional, certified avalanche instructors.
COMMUNITY
Leave with more than a certificate, you'll have people to keep learning with.
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We honor their enduring connection to this land, their history, and their culture. As we enjoy the beauty and resources of this region, we recognize the past and present contributions of the Ute people, and we commit to fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous communities.
WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
AIARE 2 is not the end of your avalanche education—it’s another step in building the experience, judgment, and leadership skills that come with time in the mountains.
Keep practicing. Travel with different partners, seek out new terrain and conditions, continue refining your observations and decision-making, and take advantage of opportunities to learn from others. Experience is where the framework you’ve built in AIARE 1 and 2 really comes to life.
VNTRbirds offers AIARE Rescue, Refresher courses, community events, and other opportunities to keep learning, practicing, and connecting with the backcountry community.
Need help paying for AIARE 2?
We believe avalanche education should be accessible. Financial assistance is available through our VNTRbirds Scholarship Program.
[ APPLY FOR AN AIARE 2 SCHOLARSHIP → ]
IMPORTANT INFO
Age: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Helmet: Helmets are required for all field days.
Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Course commitment: Participants must complete the required self-paced online learning, live online session, and both field days.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Participants are responsible for having the required backcountry equipment for the course, including:
AT skis or splitboard
Avalanche transceiver
Shovel
Probe
Backcountry-specific backpack
Helmet
Appropriate winter clothing and gear
Need avalanche safety gear? A limited number of avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes are available to rent from VNTRbirds and can be added during registration.
All personal equipment must be in good working order.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. If space is available, participants may request a one-time transfer to another VNTRbirds course or clinic for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
BEFORE YOU JOIN US
All participants must complete the required waiver and medical history form before the course.
Questions before you register?
Not sure if AIARE 1 is the right fit, wondering about gear, or just want to talk it through? Reach out! We're happy to help.
VNTRbirds@gmail.com