Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard

The AIARE 2 is a three-day/24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where online resources are scarce.

The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

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IMPORTANT BETA

We have Level II courses that cater to both ski and splitboard groups as well as climbers. Be sure to enroll in the correct course based on your mode of travel. The Level II will include tours up to 6 miles in length with up to 3000ft of elevation gain. Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable riding and climbing in a variety of conditions.

DISCOUNTED LODGING*

2 nights at The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering for only $60

*As space permits. Requires additional online reservation at The Bunkhouse.

COURSE DETAILS

Length: 3 Days [24 Hours]
Guide-to-Client: 1:6
Price: $595 per person
Type: Educational

2024 DATES

February 24-26: Ski/Splitboard
March 9-11: Ski/Splitboard
*Contact us for climber-specific Level 2

RENTAL GEAR

For this course, you will need an Avalanche Beacon, Probe and Shovel. These items may be rented for $50.

Most of the required equipment is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR. AIARE Participants will receive an exclusive rental discount of 50% beacon, probe and shovel and an additional 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.

AIARE 2 COURSE OBJECTIVES

The redesigned AIARE 2 is designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue class.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the AIARE 2 course the student should be able to:

  • Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
  • Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that include facilitating small group discussion, 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 absences of local supporting avalanche information.

Instructional sessions (24 hours including both class and field instruction).

  1. Changing Mountain Snowpack
    • AIARE 1 Review
    • Mountain Weather
    • The Layered Mountain Snowpack
    • Trip Planning Review
    • Snowprofiles in the Field
  2. Making Quality Observations
    • Avalanche Formation and Release
    • Interpreting Weather Data, Snow Surface Conditions, and Snow Profiles
    • Craftsmanship, Relevancy, and Verification of Snow Observations
    • Risk Management in Small Groups
    • Snowpack Test in the Field
  3. Applying Observations to Field Decisions
    • Traveling in the Field as a Small Team
    • Field Risk Management and During Action Review
    • Communicating Observations to our group, other travelers, and local experts

Course Itinerary

ALPINE TOURING OR SPLIT BOARDING

For this course we will be accessing the backcountry. If you own a touring setup or split board you are welcome to skin with the instructor and consequently ski or ride out at the end of the day. If you ski but do not own an Alpine Touring set up, you can rent one from us. For this course, snowshoes will not suffice as it will severely limit our ski tours on day 2 and 3.

DAY 1

AIARE 1 Review

Mountain Weather

The Layered Mountain Snowpack

Trip Planning Review

Snow profiles in the Field

DAY 2

Avalanche Formation and Release

Interpreting Weather Data, Snow Surface Conditions, and Snow Profiles

Craftsmanship, Relevancy, and Verification of Snow Observations

Risk Management in Small Groups

Snowpack Test in the Field

DAY 3

Traveling in the Field as a Small Team

Field Risk Management and During Action Review

Communicating Observations to our group, other travelers, and local experts

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General Policies

GENERAL POLICIES

NEMs Adventure itineraries are subject to change or be adjusted based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, terrain, group dynamics and many other factors. NEM has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including the discretion to change program schedule or itinerary, and change guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather or route conditions. In such a case, an NEM credit for the full value is given; however, NEM cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations). NEM reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a trip at any time if NEM determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program. This includes being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

SUMMIT ATTEMPT

Northeast Mountaineering cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit or complete the objective you have signed up for. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities or the abilities of others may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire party will have to turn around without reaching the summit. Your program fee entitles you to one mountain experience on your specified dates.

MINIMUM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Most of our programs do not have a minimum enrollment. If you are the only one registered, it will likely become a private outing. For our Waterfall Rappelling adventure, we must have at least 50% enrollment (3 people) to run the adventure. In the event of low-enrollment, we will reschedule your adventure to another date. If another date cannot be accommodated, you will receive an NEM credit.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Safety is NEM’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in the mountains but they cannot eliminate them. NEM guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that maximize your experience without compromising the necessary margin of safety. Please clearly understand that mountaineering and all other mountain adventures are inherently hazardous sports. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of these sports, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in these activities.

NEW ENGLAND ADVENTURES

Payment in full is due at the time of booking. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check.

BEYOND NEW ENGLAND INCLUDING MOUNT RAINIER

A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person secures your reservation but may vary - please check your specific adventure. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 1 month [30 days] before departure. For your convenience, we can work out a monthly payment plan.

INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES

A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person secures your reservation but may vary - please check your specific adventure. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 1 month [30 days] before departure. For your convenience, we can work out a monthly payment plan.

CANCELLATION FOR NEW ENGLAND PROGRAMS

Up to 30 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued 29 days - 72 hours before your adventure: Full Refund in the form of NEM credit Within 72 hours of your adventure: No refund will be issued* In the event that you have a positive COVID-19 test and need to cancel within 72 hours, you will be issued an NEM credit for your adventure.

CANCELLATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & OUTSIDE OF NEW ENGLAND

Up to 90 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued 89 days - 30 days before your adventure: Participant will be responsible for paying 50% of the total balance. If the balance is paid in full, participant will receive a 50% refund in the form of NEM credit. Within 30 days of your adventure: No refund will be issued and participant will be responsible for paying the full balance.* *Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment. If NEM cancels your adventure due to weather or another unforeseen reason, you will receive an NEM credit.

CHANGE OF DATE

Date changes are subject to availability. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 7 days prior to your adventure without incurring a date change fee. Date changes may be requested between 7 and 3 days prior to your departure date for a $25 fee per person. There are no date changes allowed within 72 hours before your adventure.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

In the event your guide or a fellow NEM guide or staff has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 or they are otherwise feeling unwell they will attempt to get a COVID test in time for your adventure or course. In the event of a positive test or the absence of results,  your course or adventure will be rescheduled or you can opt for an NEM credit to use at your discretion. Refunds for travel, lodging or other costs associated with your adventure will not be refunded or reimbursed.