AIARE Level 2+Companion Rescue Jan 16-18, 2026 Hut Based La Grande

$975.00

We are offering a 3-day hut-based AIARE Level 2 Course combined with a Companion Rescue Course at the Buck Creek Hut operated by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides.

Course Description

The AIARE 2 is a three-day/24-hour course that allows backcountry travelers 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.

Who Should Take this Course

 

The AIARE 2 is a three-day course for those who have taken an AIARE 1 and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • 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 includes facilitating small group discussions, 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 absence of local supporting avalanche information.

Prerequisites

  • Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
  • An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) 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.

5 in stock

Category:

Description

What: WAC is teaming up with local outfitter Eagle Cap Mountain Guides to offer a hut-based AIARE Level 2 Course combined with a companion rescue course.  Participants will meet on Friday at 8 am in La Grande for breakfast and introductions. This course is a hybrid design with pre-course online learning that should take on average 8 hours to complete.  Students will also be required to participate in a 2-hour Zoom session approximately 1 week before the start of the two field sessions.  Pre-course online learning materials will be sent out a month before the course starts.

Where: The Wallowa Avalanche Center is offering the AIARE 2, on Jan 16-18, and will take place at the Buck Creek Yurt operated by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides.

Price Includes:

All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Hot Appetizers, Dinner
AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor
24-hour course with a 5:1 maximum ratio

AIARE 2 + Companion Rescue Course
AIARE field book
AIARE certificate of completion

Participants Must Have:

Digital avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe (Transceiver should be less than 7 years old)
Backpack (airbag pack optional)
Backcountry skis or splitboard, boots, poles, skins.

If you would refer to pay with a check, please email rex@wallowaavalanchecenter.org to be added to the course roster and mail a check to: WAC PO Box 324 Joseph, OR 97846.

For more information contact rex@wallowaavalanchecenter.org

Cancellation: We recommend you purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel your course.  If you need to cancel within 30 days of the start of the course you will not receive a refund.  Cancellations more than 30 days of the start of the course will receive a refund minus $50. 

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