Jan 24-27, 2025--$1,875 total: 50% deposit due at sign-up; Remainder due on November 1st
 
Offered in partnership with Cascade Mountain Ascents
 
Not all AIARE 2 Avalanche Courses are created equal... This four-day, hut-based AIARE 2 offers a fully immersive experience where students hone their skills in decision-making, terrain management, and tour planning in a venue that offers unparalleled access to some of the best terrain Washington has to offer. The AIARE 2 curriculum provides students with the resources and tools necessary to become strong leaders within their touring group. We’ll dive into facilitation of effective decision processes in the backcountry, up and downhill group travel techniques, and terrain management. Students will build upon the introductory hazard management tools used in their AIARE 1 course and expand their skill set around snowpack, weather, and avalanche processes. The AIARE 2 course is for students who have completed the AIARE 1 and AIARE Rescue course and have at least one year of backcountry travel experience.
 
Itinerary
Day 1 Approach and L1 Review:
We will meet at the 29 Pines Sno-Park about 30 min north of Cle Elum, WA. From there we will pack up our gear on the snowmobiles and begin moving up the valley. Our gear will go all the way to the hut and we will finish the commute to camp with a 4-mile/600’vert skin. Once moved in, we’ll head out for a half day tour to dig in the snowpack and practice snowpack observations.  Students will learn more about melt-freeze, rounding, and faceting as well as how to graph a snow profile. Towards the end of the day, we’ll debrief before relaxing in the sauna and enjoying some appetizers while coming up with our tour plan for the next day.
 
Day 2 Student Led Tour:
We’ll get out into the field for a full day. The focus will be on snowpack assessment through moving observations: hand shears, hand pits, test slopes, etc. to target and reduce uncertainty. Students will take turns leading the group with mentorship from their instructor. At the end of the day, students will debrief what they learned and do another tour planning session for the next day.
 
Day 3 Student Led Tour:
Our last full field day will focus on moving with the group, terrain selection and communication. Students will again take the lead on sections of the tour to practice facilitating discussions at decision points and using teamwork to get consensus.  As is tradition, we’ll end the day with a debrief before sauna and snacks.
 
Day 4 Student Led Tour/Exit: 
After packing up our overnight gear, we’ll head out for one last morning tour.  Around mid-day, we'll debrief the course as a whole.  Instructors will provide feedback and resources that students can use to continue learning after the course, and then we’ll exit the field.
 
What is included:
3 night hut stay
6:1 max guide to client ratio
Meals for the duration of the trip, excluding 1st breakfast and last day dinner
Gear portering in and out of camp
4-mile snowmobile shuttle, shortening the approach/exit
Evening saunas
 
What is not included
Snacks
Gear rentals (Cascade Mountain Ascents rents avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). These must be coordinated through CMA).
Alcoholic beverages
Bedding(bring a warm sleeping bag)
 
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted to Cascade Mountain Ascents in writing. The effective cancellation date is the date upon which Cascade Mountain Ascents receives written notice. If written notice is not received, amounts paid will be forfeited. Cancellations will be refunded based on the following schedule:
Within 24 hours of booking – full refund
More than 60 days before departure – full refund minus deposit
30 – 60 days before departure – 25% refund
Less than 30 days before departure – no refund will be issued
 
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Most insurance policies are required to be purchased within 21 days of your program deposit.