AIARE 2 Avalanche Education Course in Holladay, Utah
Difficulty
expert
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have high endurance and strength for extended backcountry travel and field exercises.
Overview
Advance your avalanche safety skills with a four-day AIARE 2 course in Holladay, Utah. This expert-level training combines classroom and fieldwork for confident backcountry leadership.
Details
Take your backcountry skiing expertise to the next level with the four-day AIARE 2 Avalanche Education course offered by Red River Adventures in Holladay, Utah. Designed for experienced travelers already familiar with avalanche safety basics, this immersive course covers advanced hazard management, complex rescue techniques, and leadership skills critical for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Over a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on fieldwork, participants apply real-world scenarios to build confidence navigating challenging winter landscapes. The course's setting near the Wasatch Range offers a rich learning environment with a variety of terrain types and avalanche conditions, allowing you to practice and refine crucial decision-making skills. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to lead groups responsibly and make sound judgments in unpredictable snow conditions, enhancing not just your safety but that of others in the backcountry.
Adventure Tips
Always carry beacon, probe, and shovel
Essential avalanche rescue gear is a must-have for this course and any backcountry travel.
Prepare for variable weather
Utah’s mountain weather can change rapidly; layering is key to stay warm and dry.
Practice beacon searches regularly
Proficiency with avalanche transceivers can save lives; practice before and during the course.
Stay hydrated and fueled
Long days of fieldwork demand proper hydration and nutrition to maintain focus and energy.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- Mill Creek Canyon trails for serene winter views
- Secret powder stashes near Brighton Ski Resort
Wildlife
- Mountain goats
- Snowshoe hares
History
The Wasatch Range has long been a hub for winter sports and avalanche research, influencing modern safety standards.
Conservation
Efforts in this region focus on minimizing trampling of fragile alpine environments and educating visitors on Leave No Trace principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Mill Creek Canyon overlook
- Powder-covered ridges near Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Summit views along Bell Canyon
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Fundamental for avalanche rescue during fieldwork and practice.
winter specific
Layered technical clothing
Protects against cold, wind, and moisture during long outdoor sessions.
winter specific
Backcountry skis or splitboard with climbing skins
Necessary for safely accessing and moving across snowy terrain.
winter specific
Avalanche airbag backpack
Increases survival chances in the event of an avalanche.
winter specific