AIARE 2 Avalanche Safety Course: Hut Based

AIARE Level 2 Hut-Based Avalanche Course - Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard

Take your avalanche education to the next level with a fully immersive backcountry learning experience. The AIARE 2 course is designed for experienced backcountry travelers looking to deepen their understanding of snow science, hazard evaluation, and decision-making in complex terrain. Based out of Carner’s Cabin, an off-grid backcountry hut perched at 11,700 feet on the Continental Divide, this course blends advanced avalanche training with real-world field application in a true winter wilderness environment.

Over three days, you’ll build on the foundations from AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue to refine your ability to analyze weather, snowpack, and terrain. You’ll learn to identify key observations, manage uncertainty, and apply a forecasting framework for trip planning and hazard assessment. In the evenings, discussions around the wood stove create space to process what you’ve learned, connect with peers, and talk through leadership strategies in the field.

Carner’s Cabin provides an inspiring and remote setting—surrounded by miles of San Isabel National Forest with no other structures in sight. The hut is equipped with a propane cook stove, indoor composting toilet, and essential kitchen tools. Students melt snow for water, bring their own sleeping systems, and learn first-hand what it takes to operate safely and efficiently in a winter backcountry environment. By the end of the course, you’ll leave with the confidence and skills to assess and manage avalanche hazards as a contributing leader in your backcountry group.

AIARE 2 Learning Objectives

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

1. Interpreting weather, snow, and avalanche observations to make terrain decisions
   
2. More advanced snow science and analysis
   

1. Leadership skills to use in a small team, including facilitating small group discussions, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk management strategies
   
2. Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with and in the absence of local supporting avalanche information
   

Duration

1. One Month Prior - E-learning materials, Level 1 review, and Student Manual for AIARE Level 1 are sent to be completed
   
2. Day 1: travel to hut, settle in, and conduct afternoon classroom learning session
   
3. Day 2: Classroom & Field Session - morning classroom in hut and afternoon field session
   
4. Day 3: Hut breakdown, student-led tour, course close
   

Location

It’s a great base camp for backcountry adventures on the high Colorado trails. No electricity or running water – bring your own bottled water or melt snow on the woodburning stove. Indoor composting toilet facilities. Propane gas cook stove, kitchen and eating utensils (pots, pans, dishes, etc.), and oil lamps provided. Bring your own headlamp, hut booties, sleeping bag, pillowcase and toothbrush.

Ages & Requirments

What's Included

• 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
  
• Dinners and breakfast
  
• Hut fees
  

Not Included

• Clothing and gear
  
• Backcountry skis, splitboards or snowshoes (Rentals available)
  
• Transportation to designated meeting place
  
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
  
• Instructor gratuity
  
• Lunches and snacks
  

What to Bring / Wear

Required Equipment

1. Avalanche Beacon
   
2. Avalanche Probe
   
3. Avalanche Shovel
   
4. Overnight backpack (approx. 60L-70L)
   
5. Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
   
6. Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
   
7. Goggles
   
8. Helmet
   
9. Snow Study Kit – 2 thermometers, folding ruler, magnifying loupe, knotted cord, crystal card
   
10. Sleeping bag (0 degree recommended)
    
11. Sleeping pad (can be provided upon request)
    
12. Headlamp
    

• Hard or softshell pants
  
• Synthetic or merino wool base layer
  
• Softshell jacket (optional)
  
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
  
• Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
  
• Light gloves for uphill travel
  
• Warm gloves
  
• Brimmed hat or visor
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Neck gaiter or buff