AIARE Hut Based Level 2 Avalanche Course – Williams Peak Yurt

Learn the key elements of making sound decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain while staying at Williams Peak Yurt.

The AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course – Analyzing Snow Stability & Avalanche Hazard is for advanced backcountry skiers and riders, especially those who venture deeper into the backcountry or recreate in areas without a local avalanche bulletin.

The AIARE Level 2 was recently shortened to three days and re-designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students. Based on new guidelines from the American Avalanche Association, there are now separate tracks for recreational and professional avalanche education. You can read more about the split here. If you’ve been deterred in the past from taking a Level 2 because you felt it was a semi-professional course and/or too heavily focused on snow science, now is the time to sign up!

The AIARE Level 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE Level 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. In the pre-course learning and throughout the field days, you will learn about mountain weather and key snowpack processes. During field tours you will learn critical snowpack and weather observation skills, advanced terrain management, and tour leadership techniques.

Our nationally recognized instructors and unmatched learning environment (i.e. incredible ski terrain!) will provide the best possible education experience during your AIARE Level 2 Avalanche. This course is based at Williams Peak Yurt. We also offer AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Courses  based in Stanley and Ketchum/Sun Valley. Let us teach you how to minimize your risk while maximizing your skiing or riding!

Prerequisites for this course:

  • Completion of a Level 1 Course
  • Completion of the new Avalanche Rescue Course. The Avalanche Rescue Course curriculum was updated in 2017.
  • Completion of 5-7 hours of pre-course learning. This will be sent to you a month prior to the start of your course.
  • Ability to comfortably ski/ride black diamond runs in-bounds at a resort
  • PREPARE for backcountry travel by tracking conditions, investigating trip options and practicing rescue during realistic scenarios.
  • Develop a trip PLAN utilizing the current avalanche advisory.
  • Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklist to monitor conditions and communicate associated hazard and risk with your group.
  • Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklist to recognize avalanche terrain and choose terrain that matches the current conditions and skills of the group.
  • Contribute to a TEAM that travels and decides together, listens to every voice, challenges assumptions and respects any veto.
  • Routinely instigate and participate in a group DEBRIEF to intentionally develop experience.
  • Create a plan for continuing development of skills and experience.
  • Describe what to do if they or a member of their party is caught in an avalanche.
  • Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.
  • Set up a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue response.
  • Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.
  • Develop a plan for continued practice.

Prior to the course: 5-7 hours of online learning prior to the course

Day 1:

  • Course Introduction and Outcomes
  • Travel to Williams Peak Yurt
  • Practice Avalanche Rescue

Day 2:

  • Introduction to the AIARE Risk Management Framework
  • PREPARE:
    • Track the Season’s Changes
    • Investigate Trip Options
  • PLAN:
    • Assemble Your Group
    • Anticipate the Hazard
    • Plan Your Route
    • Discuss Your Emergency Plan
    • RIDE SAFELY Checklist
  • Field Ski Tour: Observational Techniques, Snowpack Tests, Avalanche Terrain

Day 3:

  • PLAN:
    • Field Ski Tour: Putting It All Together – Practicing the AIARE Framework
  • Return to vehicles
  • Course Wrap Up and Evaluation
  • Course ends 4:30pm

Be sure to read our Preparing For Your Avalanche Course page

 Difficulty:

  • Good fitness
  • Advanced downhill ski skills: Ability to regularly ski/ride black diamond runs at a ski resort
  • 5 days of previous backcountry skiing experience or completion of either of SMG’s Sun Valley Intro To Backcountry or Bogus Basin Intro To Backcountry courses.
  • Proficiency using backcountry skiing equipment (skins, bindings, boots, etc…i.e. the course will not be your first time using your gear in the backcountry)

 Duration: 3 days

 Meeting Time: 8am

 Meeting Location: We will meet at our Stanley office.

 What We Provide:

  • Highly trained, professional, and fun AIARE avalanche instructors
  • AIARE Level 1 Course Manual and Field Notebook
  • Avalanche rescue equipment if needed
  • All food and portering of food to the hut
  • 2 nights at the Williams Peak Hut
    • Sleeping bags at the hut – We will provide a compact sleeping bag liner for you to carry in.

 What You Need:

  • Alpine touring, telemark, or split-board equipment. Our curriculum is designed around skiing and riding so we cannot accommodate snowshoes in this course.
  • Backcountry skiing clothing and equipment
  • Review the full equipment list

 Why take your avalanche course from Sawtooth Mountain Guides?

  • Experience. We began teaching avalanche courses nearly 30 years ago!
  • Instructors. Our instructors are highly-trained and nationally-recognized avalanche professionals with years of guiding, ski patrolling, and avalanche forecasting experience.
  • AIARE Curriculum. AIARE courses are developed by a nation-wide collaboration of avalanche experts and are professionally reviewed.
  • Unmatched Venue. Courses based in Stanley or Ketchum/Sun Valley benefit from contrasting snow climates within a short distance from classroom locations.
  • Fun: Avalanche education doesn’t need to be dry and boring. Our friendly and engaging instructors will keep things interesting, and our world-class terrain is sure to provide some exciting skiing and riding!

 Dates:

  • January 22-24, 2027

Ratio: 5:1

 Stanley: $1200/person