Avalanche Level 2 Course (4 days/ 40 hours)

BACKGROUND

We take avalanche safety education seriously! Skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and climbers welcome. Our Avalanche Safety Education program offers a variety of courses for all levels- backcountry novice to experienced tourer, ski patrollers and mountain guides.

Accredited by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE avtraining.org), all our avalanche courses are a mix of classroom and field work utilizing up-to-date course materials and effective teaching methods at a convenient location. We take pride in delivering a state-of-the-art, informative, hands-on avalanche course with your safety in mind.

We set the standard for avalanche education in the United States: As ski/mountain guides and avalanche instructors, we have spent decades in the backcountry building up a profound experience necessary to provide top quality avalanche courses. Not only are we an AIARE training center (one out of two in Colorado) for aspiring and existing avalanche instructors, we are also deeply involved with its curriculum development.

We work exclusively with AIARE instructors and many are recognized experts in this field, serve also as backcountry observers for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and are AMGA/IFMGA certified ski and mountain guides.

INTRODUCTION

The AIARE level 2 avalanche course is designed for those seeking to further improve their avalanche safety skills and decision making competence. At the core of this course is the development of a deeper understanding of snow metamorphism, snow stability factors and observation standards. The level 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical factors leading to advanced decision making skills.

INCLUDES

• 40 hours over 4 full days (Thursday-Sunday or 2 consecutive weekends) $400 per person
• Includes SWAG manual
• Up-to-date course booklet
• Additional hand outs
• $20 voucher towards refresher course
• Certificate of completion

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE OPTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• JAN 14-17 (4 days straight)
• FEB 13-14 & 20-21 (2 separate weekends)

• MAR 6-7 & 13-14 (2 separate weekends)

Whether a popular destination, off the beaten path, new for us or even a first ascent or descent, our highly skilled guides will take you there and back.

From Alpine World Ascents you can expect nothing less than the highest caliber of guides. Understanding the key qualities you are looking for in a professional guide- safety consciousness, experience, knowledge and skill as well as being honest, personable, fun and friendly- all the guides working here are hand picked, have undergone rigorous training with the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) and have achieved certification in one or more disciplines and some even have achieved certification with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), the world standard for mountain guides. Each of our guides has completed medical training and certification at least at the Wilderness First Responder level. In addition, all our avalanche safety instructors are accredited by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and/or are recognized experts in this field.

Safety is always our first and primary concern. After so many years in business, we still have a 100% no-injury record at AWA—something we are very thankful and fiercely proud of. Equally, we strive to ensure that quality of experience, fun, and adventure are an integral part of your trip in the mountains. With a flawless safety record, an intimate knowledge of the mountain environment, and an ability to truly accommodate your goals, Alpine World Ascents sets a standard only few other outfits can match.

Nature is the place we play and work in; its a special place and dear to us. In our function as guides we perceive ourselves as mentors and role models in caring for the environment. We adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles and cooperate with land managers' efforts to keep our land clean and wild. Our guides take pride in sharing this respect and love for Nature with their guests.

Part of what makes going to the mountains such an adventure is getting to know other cultures. On our journeys in the mountains, we travel to many different places and interact with people of different beliefs and ways of life. We strive to be culturally sensitive and open minded, curious and involved- an attitude that has taught us many a thing and brought us friendships from all over the world. Commonly, we hire local expedition staff in support of the local economy.