AIARE Level 2 - Advanced Avalanche Training
ANALYZING SNOW STABILITY & THE AVALANCHE HAZARD
The AIARE 2 is a 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.
The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 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.
This is a women specific AIARE level 2 course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
The AIARE 2 is a 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.
The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 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.
Prerequisites
· Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
· An AIARE 1 Course or equivalent Level 1 training is required.
· A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is highly recommended before taking the AIARE 2 course.
This is a women specific AIARE level 2 course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
Location
Summit County, CO
Date & Time
Online: Feb. 5th // Field days: Feb. 7th & 8th
$645
What will you learn?
· 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.
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain confidently on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Need to get to know your backcountry equipment before your AIARE course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry course first!
· 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.
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain confidently on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Need to get to know your backcountry equipment before your AIARE course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry course first!
Schedule
· Pre-course learning - receive this immediately when you register. (If you register before October 31st you'll get it on November. 1 via email) Give yourself plenty of time to get through all the information and be ready to jump into your course!
· 1 night online learning - 5pm-8pm
· 2 days in the field in different locations in the Summit County area - arrive early morning in town for a morning discussion on weather and mapping before meeting at the trailhead and spend the day outside
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either in Silverthorne, Breckenridge or Frisco that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
· 1 night online learning - 5pm-8pm
· 2 days in the field in different locations in the Summit County area - arrive early morning in town for a morning discussion on weather and mapping before meeting at the trailhead and spend the day outside
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either in Silverthorne, Breckenridge or Frisco that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
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.
Meet your instructors!
Professional, certified & experienced VNTRbirds instructors.
Janine Prout
AIARE COURSE LEAD · AIARE PRO LEVEL 2 · EMT · WFR
A long-time member of Breckenridge Ski Patrol (since 2008), Kirstin is an experienced avalanche professional and paramedic who balances her time on the mountain with her work as an integrative nutritionist. As an AIARE-qualified instructor who has worked for several guide services, she is passionate about supporting and educating women in the backcountry. She finds immense joy in hut trips, skiing powder with friends, and fully embracing the adventure.
Leanne Wren
OWNER · AIARE PRO LEVEL 2 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · WFR
Leanne is an all-around outdoor adventurer. From mountain biking to backcountry splitboarding, she spends the majority of her time playing in the mountains both near and far from home and encouraging other women to get outside too. When she got the opportunity to work with VNTRbirds there was no hesitation. As a backcountry instructor, Leanne has the experience and knowledge to explore beyond the boundaries, including many international destinations.
Sam Aaronson
AIARE PRO LEVEL 1 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · EMS · SKI PATROL
When Sam isn't frolicking in the snow, she works as a full-time flight paramedic and a part-time ski-patrol paramedic.
She is beyond stoked to share her enthusiasm for backcountry skiing and snow science, and to empower women and femme-identifying skiers and riders to explore the outdoors.
She is beyond stoked to share her enthusiasm for backcountry skiing and snow science, and to empower women and femme-identifying skiers and riders to explore the outdoors.
Why take a course with us?
I took a course with VNTRbirds over the winter, and it was an outstanding learning experience. The guides were welcoming and created a pressure-free, inclusive environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and working through challenges. I gained valuable knowledge about avalanche rescue and now feel much more prepared and confident heading into the backcountry.
- Rachel
I recently took AIARE 1 with VNTRbirds in Colorado. We had an extreme weather combo for our in field days that included cold, wind, and snow. The team did such a great job keeping us safe, making productive changes to the schedule as needed, and ensuring a positive learning environment. I love how VNTRbirds meets everyone where they are at as far as their ability level.
- Melissa
This is an amazing women owned and run organization, empowering women and nonbinary folks in the outdoors. I learned so much in my rec 1 course, in a supportive environment! Can't wait to be a part of more vntrbirds meet ups, clinics, and courses. I would highly recommend them for avalanche education!
- Mayla
Need help paying for an AIARE Level 2 course?
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack