AIARE Level 2 HUT TRIP - Immersive Avalanche Education
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.
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.
Location
Breckenridge, CO
Date & Time
Online Meeting: TBA 1 week before trip
Field days: Feb. 7th-9th 2027
Field days: Feb. 7th-9th 2027
INCLUDED
· AIARE L2 certificate of course completion.
· Professional VNTRbirds guides/educators
· 2 dinners
· Immersive backcountry experience
· AIARE field book
· An inclusive femme space to learn & practice
· Hut trip packing list
$1,125
Payment plan available!
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.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
By the end of AIARE 2, you'll have advanced skills in:
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 backcountry terrain.
- Evaluating weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations
- Identifying avalanche hazards and assessing more complex terrain
- Using forecasts and field observations to make informed terrain decisions
- Developing and adapting backcountry travel plans
- Leading a small group, communicating risk, and facilitating group decisions
- 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 backcountry terrain.
COURSE FORMAT
Access to self-paced online learning before the trip
1 HOUR - Virtual meeting 1 week from trip
3 FULL DAYS - Hands-on field learning
Need avalanche rescue gear?
We offer a limited number of backcountry packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for rent during registration.
1 HOUR - Virtual meeting 1 week from trip
3 FULL DAYS - Hands-on field learning
Need avalanche rescue gear?
We offer a limited number of backcountry packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for rent during registration.
Course Schedule
- 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.
- 1 evening online meeting 1 week from the trip — 5:30–6:30 PM - We’ll meet virtually to get to know the group, review course logistics, and prepare for our field days.
- 3 full days in the field - 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 days outside putting your learning into practice.
ABOUT THE HUT
Located in the Crystal Lakes drainage just south of Breckenridge, Francie’s Cabin has been welcoming backcountry travelers since 1994. Named after Frances Lockwood Bailey, a former Breckenridge resident, Francie’s has become one of Colorado’s most visited backcountry huts. The cabin offers a classic, cozy hut experience with a wood stove, fully equipped kitchen, communal spaces, and stunning access to the surrounding mountains.
· Elevation: 11,264′
· Heat: Wood Burning Stove
· Cooking: Propane Stove
· Wood-burning sauna — the perfect way to warm up and unwind after a day in the mountains. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
· Water: Snow Melt*
· Lighting: Solar Power
· Indoor Toilet: Composting
· Elevation: 11,264′
· Heat: Wood Burning Stove
· Cooking: Propane Stove
· Wood-burning sauna — the perfect way to warm up and unwind after a day in the mountains. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
· Water: Snow Melt*
· Lighting: Solar Power
· Indoor Toilet: Composting
Meet your instructors!
Your course will be led by experienced, professionally certified avalanche educators who bring both technical expertise and a passion for making backcountry education approachable and inclusive.
Janine Prout
AIARE COURSE LEAD · AIARE PRO LEVEL 2 · EMT · WFR
Janine Prout is a champion for women in the outdoor industry with a rich background in winter backcountry travel, including ski patrolling, snow cat guiding, snowmobile guiding, and non-mechanized adventures across the Western U.S. and Canada, especially in Central Colorado. She’s a fan of powder, recycled powder, and corn conditions, and she also loves mountain biking, bikepacking, and watersports.
Emma Wood
AIARE PRO LEVEL 1 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · WFR
Emma, who grew up on the coast of Maine, has spent the last eight years guiding and teaching outdoor education across Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. A certified AIARE Instructor with a WFR, she leads rock climbing and backcountry skiing courses for NOLS and the High Mountain Institute. Passionate about inclusivity in the backcountry, Emma also enjoys sewing outdoor gear and cooking for friends when she's not exploring the mountains.
Brittany Konsella
AIARE PRO LEVEL 2 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · WFR · AMGA SGC ·AMGA ASC
From her start on the small slopes of Ohio, Brittany developed a profound passion for skiing, competing in Freestyle at CU Boulder and later coaching for five years at Winter Park. Her dedication culminated in the monumental goal of skiing all of Colorado’s 14,000-ft peaks, an achievement she completed in 2011 as only the second woman to do so. A lifelong educator and former secondary teacher, Brittany now combines her skills and passion by teaching recreation-level avalanche courses and inspiring others in the backcountry.
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.
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.
FEMME-CENTERED
Learn alongside women and femme-identifying adventurers.
Learn alongside women and femme-identifying adventurers.
EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS
Professional, certified avalanche instructors.
Professional, certified avalanche instructors.
COMMUNITY
Leave with more than a certificate, you'll have people to keep learning with.
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.
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 1 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
Due to the nature of hut reservations, advance commitments, and trip logistics, all hut trip payments are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another eligible participant, arranged by you, with written notice to VNTRbirds at least 7 days prior to the trip. The replacement participant must meet all applicable trip requirements.
We highly recommend purchasing third-party travel insurance to help protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, travel delays, or other circumstances that may prevent you from attending.
BEFORE YOU JOIN US
All participants must complete the required waiver and medical history form before the course.
We believe avalanche education should be accessible. Financial assistance is available through our VNTRbirds Scholarship Program.
[ APPLY FOR AN AIARE 1 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
Due to the nature of hut reservations, advance commitments, and trip logistics, all hut trip payments are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another eligible participant, arranged by you, with written notice to VNTRbirds at least 7 days prior to the trip. The replacement participant must meet all applicable trip requirements.
We highly recommend purchasing third-party travel insurance to help protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, travel delays, or other circumstances that may prevent you from attending.
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.
[email protected]
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.
[email protected]
VNTRbirds LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.
VNTRbirds LLC operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.
VNTRbirds LLC operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.