Thank you for choosing Sawtooth Mountain Guides for your avalanche course! This page will help you prepare and get the most from your course. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Forms & Paperwork
Did you complete our online Client Information and Acknowledgment of Risk?Equipment
Equipment ListSome notes on gear:
- Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or a splitboard setup are required.
- Please make sure your equipment is in good working order and you are familiar with its operation. Instructors are always happy to offer tips for using your equipment, but time during an avalanche course is limited.
- We require a modern, minimum 3-antenna beacon. We may be able to provide one if necessary.
- Make sure your avalanche beacon has fresh batteries and that you know how to assemble your shovel and probe. We can supply avalanche rescue equipment if needed.
- We recommend purchasing an inclinometer and snow saw – you will find these very helpful!
Logistics
Printable Map to SMG HeadquartersAIARE Level 2 Course Agenda
Some notes on logistics:
- The course will meet at 8am at the Sawtooth Mountain Guides Headquarters in Stanley.
- Please show up dressed to head outdoors.
- The course does not include food or lodging. Days typically run from 8am to 6pm.
- There are a few restaurants open in Stanley during the winter.
- Suggested lodging:
- Stanley Town Square offers rooms and condos above our Headquarters.
- Triangle C Cabins
- Redfish Riverside Inn
- Jerry’s Cabins & Motel
- Mountain Village Lodge
Course Material
We supply a spiral bound AIARE 2 Course Manual and waterproof Field Book at the start of the course. If you wish to review the manual or field book beforehand, you can download it below. Please do not share these links.
AIARE Level 2 Student Manual (password protected, check confirmation email)AIARE Field Book
Pre-Course Study
To get the most from your AIARE Level 2 requires a solid understanding of AIARE Level 1 concepts. Reviewing the following material will be very helpful, especially if it’s been a while since your Level 1 or it was not an AIARE course.
AIARE 1 Online Learning Module (Excellent review of AIARE 1 material)AIARE 2 Pre-Course Quiz (Please complete before class)
Pre-Course Activity – Tracking the season’s conditions
Weather & Conditions
Our weather and conditions page has links to local weather stations, webcams, and weather forecasts.
Sawtooth Mountain Guides Weather & Conditions PageTerrain Maps
If you wish to preview and familiarize yourself with the terrain used during the field sessions, you can download the following topo maps:
Avenza Mapping Mobile App will be used on the course. Available for free on iOS and Android.Galena Summit Map (Stanley Courses)
Banner Summit Map (Stanley Courses)
Recommended Reading
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Tremper Snow, Weather, and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines (SWAG) – View online at the American Avalanche Association The Human Factor online series by Powder MagazineSnow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek by the New York Times
Avalanche Danger Scale Video by the Forest Service National Avalanche Center
Avalanche Problem Type Definitions by the Forest Service National Avalanche Center
Avalanche Problem Video by the Forest Service National Avalanche Center
Course Evaluation
We are passionate about providing the best avalanche course possible and are always striving to improve. At the end of your course, please complete our online course evaluation and offer any feedback you believe will help create a better course.
Online Course Evaluation