Take your avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills to a professional level.
Are you looking to develop professional level skills that enable you to confidently make decisions that impact your guest, or recreation partners in avalanche terrain? AIARE Recreational II takes you beyond the baseline skills introduced in the AIARE Recreational I curriculum to both expand your knowledge as a recreationalist and provide professional level training for job-related demands of ski patrollers, guides, outdoor program leaders, and others in the industry.
The AIARE Recreational II course introduces snow stability analysis, and delves deeper into slab mechanics, snowpack metamorphism, and human triggering principles. It is appropriate for ski patrollers, guides, and recreationalists looking to learn the standards for observing, and recording factors that influence snow stability.
The AIARE 2 is a three-day course for those who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue 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 by applying their skills to new terrain and situations.
Level 2 Course curriculum includes:
Observation and recording of factors that affect or indicate snow stability
Observation guidelines and recording standards for weather, snowpack, and avalanches
Quick tests, test profiles, fracture-line profiles, full profiles
Formation of new snow and surface hoar
Creation and metamorphism of the mountain snowpack
Weather effects on snow surface
Temperature gradient effects
Spatial variability
Introduce stability analysis and forecasting
Avalanche release and skier triggering concepts
Slab mechanics
Select your date and location (Mt Rainier or Snoqualmie Pass & Stevens Pass) from the options below
Note: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgment.
1
Lecture (online via Zoom) - Instructor and student introductions, course objectives, course itinerary and logistics, Liability release forms - Level 1 quiz and review - Case study
Lunch Break
Field - Companion rescue upgrade - Induction method review - Rescue leadership and strategic shoveling - Multiple burial techniques
Return to classroom (online via Zoom) - Mountain weather - Review of seasonal snowpack - Formation and classification of new snow
2
Lecture (online via Zoom) - Pop quiz/review - Snowpack data classes and instability factors - Making observations relevant
Lunch Break
Field - Field weather demo - Full snow profile demo
Return to classroom (online via Zoom) - Recording observations
3
Lecture (online via Zoom) - Pop quiz/review - AM stability analysis/AM weather update/stability forecast - Comparison of shear quality and fracture character -Trip planning and risk management for small groups
Lunch Break
Field - Test profiles - Large column tests - Gathering information/observations over terrain - Verify stability forecast - Group management / terrain selection / travel techniques
The Washington Cascades are part of the greater Cascade Mountain Range, extending from northern California to British Columbia. To offer flexibility and a diverse range of options to clients, Mountain Madness offers courses in several destinations. Closest and most convenient to Seattle is Snoqualmie Pass, while Stevens Pass and Mount Rainier go a bit deeper and farther east into the mountains.
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet upon registration. Every year Mountain Madness reviews our lists and assess feedback from our clients and guides for updating these lists, giving you the most complete and up-to-date guidelines. Feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. For a successful trip, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Prior to departing on your trip, Mountain Madness staff will contact you to discuss the particulars of your course or climb. This typically happens about 10 days out. At this time you can review the equipment you have selected. Before purchasing any equipment, you are welcome to call us and ask for recommendations. We know that selecting the right gear can be a challenge and we are happy to help.
If you are interested in rentals, please feel free to contact the evo Seattle store to inquire about items and availability (your package includes 10% off rentals). Equipment can also be rented directly from Mountain Madness.
Ski / Snowboard & Avalanche Safety Gear
Ski Clothing
Other Important Items
FAQ
FAQ
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
The deposit due at time of booking is $300. This includes a $75 non-refundable registration fee. Your balance will be due 60 days prior to your course start date. If you book your trip within 60 days of the course start date, full payment will be due.
What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
Mountain Madness has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be shared prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person. In the field, a face covering must be worn at times when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
Yes, you must have completed your AIARE 1 Course certification and have had at least 1 year of backcountry travel experience in order to take this course.
How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
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.
Who are the guides?
Mountain Madness guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). They are the best, most highly trained instructors!
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Seattle store, as well as Mountain Madness. Please inquire for pricing.
What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the Mountain Madness cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
More than 90 days from trip departure — non-refundable $200 registration fee.
89 days or less from trip departure – 100% of trip cost
What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
All date changes must be received in writing. Changes are determined at MMI’s discretion and if approved, must be accompanied by a new trip registration. Any change from scheduled trip departure can be extremely difficult and is subject to all incurred expenses as assessed by MMI. All date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for one year from written change notification and receipt of new registration. A $200 date change fee will be assessed for all domestic trips.
When and how do I meet up with the group?
You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from Mountain Madness.
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
There is a maximum of 10 guests for this course. The guest:guide ratio is 5:1, with groups of 10 being split into 2 groups due to COVID.
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
We will accept participants 15 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.
I need accommodations in Seattle. Do you have recommendations?
Yes, there are plenty of options, depending on your preferences. Near Sea-Tac Airport: Cedarbrook Lodge (4-star), Double Tree Hotel Seatac (4-star), Hampton Inn Seatac (3-star), Hilton Garden Inn Seatac (3-star). Near Mountain Madness: Georgetown Inn (2.5 star), The Grove (2-star).
Testimonials
The experience was awesome--great course, both professional and a lot of fun. Appropriate measures for Covid-19 were put in place.
Evan
Trip Guest
I’ve climbed all over the world with MM and couldn’t recommend them higher. Their guides are world class and are knowledgeable, appropriately cautious but eager to get you to the summit, amiable and yet able to challenge you to do things you didn’t think you could! Their front office is easy to communicate with and keeps you up to speed with everything throughout the whole process from pre-climb to post-climb. If you’re thinking about climbing, I would strongly and without reservation recommend mountain madness.
Andrew
Trip Guest
Jake was an awesome guide, super informative. MM was fantastic, had good options for renting gear, easy to work with.
Please fill out the traveler form below and proceed to checkout.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to pay a deposit now to hold your spot ({{ trip.DepositAmount | numeralCurrency }} per traveler) and pay the remainder later, please contact Customer Care