AIARE 2

Colorado SpringsEducationModerate +Snow

Level 2

Course Description: The objective of the AIARE 2 is to learn how to manage uncertainty in avalanche terrain. This three-day course is for those who have taken an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and have had at least one year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry coached mentorship in the application of The AIARE Framework to new terrain and situations.

 

Why Take Your AIARE 2 With PPAS? This is not AIARE Level 1 redux!

  • Three full field days, Our course is based out of Poncha Springs (close proximity to Monarch Pass).
  • Our in-person AIARE 2 courses are led by IFMGA/AMGA Ski Guides, ensuring the highest level of professional instruction. We know you’ll get more in-person vs. a zoom classroom.
  • PPAS is an American Avalanche Association A3 recognized provider of the AIARE curriculum.
  • We keep our courses small with 6 students to 1 instructor.
  • PPAS was founded at the base of Pikes Peak but we guide and teach worldwide.  Join us for AIARE training, then consider traveling with us to other ski and climbing destinations.

Visit AIARE’s website here.

Per student $695

Winter 2026-27 Public Course Dates:

  • February 12-14 (three field days Friday – Sunday) 

 

Due to high interest in this course, full payment is required at time of registration. AIARE courses are refundable 30 days from course start less a 10% administrative fee.

       

Want a custom trip? Call Us.
(719) 368-9524
  • Assess avalanche hazard across a landscape and identify where specific avalanche problems are most likely to exist.

  • Evaluate terrain and consequences to recognize areas where an avalanche could have more serious outcomes.

  • Use weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations to inform terrain selection and travel decisions.

  • Manage uncertainty by identifying what you know, what you don’t know, and how that should influence your plan.

  • Plan and adjust backcountry travel as conditions, terrain, and group factors change.

  • Apply the AIARE Decision-Making Framework to new terrain and unfamiliar situations.

  • Develop leadership and communication skills for making decisions within a small group.

  • Build appropriate margins by selecting terrain and travel strategies that account for uncertainty and consequences.

  • Monarch Pass field days –  All tours will be conducted entirely in the backcountry and we will tour all three days of the course!
  • Poncha Springs Classroom

 

We recommend lodging near Salida between field days. 

  • Pre-course prep materials and access to mentorship
  • AIARE Field Book, student resources
  • IFMGA/AMGA Certified Ski Guide Course Leader
  • Access to mentorship following the course
  • Prerequisite: Completion of AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue.
  • On AIARE 2 we will cover more distance each day than on previous AIARE courses.
  • Three days of traveling in a winter environment.
  • Maps and student materials

 

Need To Rent Gear? 
Mountain Chalet (downtown Colorado Springs) is offering a 25% discount on AT/splitboard rentals to our AIARE course participants!

Salida Mountain Sports (downtown Salida) has AT rentals.

  • Transportation, accommodations, food, and guide gratuity.

Want more education?

  • Recreational backcountry travelers will need to take the AIARE 1 Rec and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 Rec course.
  • Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 Rec and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course. For those without the mentorship of working ski patrol or at a guide service, we recommend students take AIARE 2 Rec prior to Pro 1.
  • AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue have no prerequisites and either can be taken first or without the other.

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