This 3-day course, with one night spent in a tent or snow shelter, provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills. The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 course, and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. All students must have taken an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and have one season of practical experience after taking the AIARE 1 course.

Our AIARE 2 courses are unique because we run them only in hut-based or a snow camping-based (tent, snow shelter) format. This is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the environment while also learning how to execute an overnight in the winter backcountry. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack, and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

What You'll Learn

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OBSERVATIONS

• Identifying avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe
• Differentiating where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape
• Learning how to close gaps of uncertainty through identifying key observations within your group, the terrain, or the snowpack

WEATHER/SNOWPACK

• Interpreting weather, snow, and avalanche observations to make terrain decisions
• More advanced snow science and analysis

LEADERSHIP

• Leadership skills to use in a small team, including 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

Locations / Dates

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March 13th - 15th, 2026

This AIARE 2 course will be run as a snow camping adventure near Montezuma. In the late 1870s, the road up Handcart Gulch and over Webster Pass was an important mining road into Montezuma and Breckenridge during the silver boom in 1863. Handcart Gulch got its name from handcarts used by miners to carry supplies up the valley. Today Webster Pass Road provides a great opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenery along the Continental Divide.

This area is very popular with 4WD enthusiasts in the summer but becomes a winter wonderland for snowshoers and backcountry skiers/riders in the winter while providing an incredible opportunity for avalanche terrain study. Students and instructors will camp in this beautiful area using snow shelters or tents to enjoy the full experience of winter backcountry travel while in a more controlled environment.

Itinerary

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One Month Prior - E-learning materials, Level 1 review, and Student Manual for AIARE Level 1 are sent to be completed Day 1: Full day of classroom presentations and discussions Day 2: Travel to camping location, set up camp, field session for the rest of the day Day 3: Student-led tour, course close

Trip Package Includes

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor(s) (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
• AIARE Course Manual and weather-proof Field Book
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
• Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Clothing and gear
• Backcountry skis, splitboards or snowshoes (can be rented at Colorado Adventure Guides)
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
• Instructor gratuity
• Food
• Tent (bring one or build a snow shelter on site)

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Accents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQ’s

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Do I Need To Be A Good Skier/Snowboarder To Take This Course?

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or a splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort.

How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Course?

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do You Offer an AIARE 2 as a Private Group Course?

If you would like to select all the members of your party, you may book a private group course. Course dates can be requested subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

When And How Do I Meet Up With The Group For My Course?

Your course instructors will contact you in advance to set up details. Students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

Do the AIARE 1 or 2 Certificates Expire?

The AIARE 1 certificate does not have an expiration date, however, it is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course. Colorado Adventure Guides offers Avalanche Refresher and Rescue Courses to help keep your backcountry knowledge and skills fresh.

Should I Tip My Course Instructor?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.