AIARE 2
Overview
AIARE 2 is a 3 day, 24 hr course that provides an introduction to using decision-making tools to help a group manage risk while traveling in avalanche terrain.
We offer this course so you can advance your avalanche safety skills by learning to lead groups, make more nuanced decisions in complex terrain, and integrate a wider range of information for better hazard assessment and risk management.
To take an AIARE 2 course, you must have completed an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and have at least one winter of practical backcountry travel experience since your AIARE 1. You must also be able to travel confidently in avalanche terrain, which includes being comfortable on black diamond runs and able to hike/ski a significant distance in a day.
Dome accommodations for the first 6 participants
Maximum class size of 12 participants
1:6 instructor-to-participant ratio
Experienced, qualified instructors
February 13–15, 2026
The price displayed represents the final tour price, which includes 6 % Idaho state tax and 6 % booking fee. These are detailed as a separate amount during the check-out process.
Course description
AIARE 2 is a three-day, 24 hr course that provides an introduction to using decision-making tools to help a group manage risk while traveling in avalanche terrain. During the course, you will learn advanced avalanche decision-making skills, including how to lead a small group in complex terrain and how to create a travel plan under scarce resources. The course builds upon AIARE 1 by focusing on interpreting weather, snowpack, and avalanche processes to assess risk and make terrain choices, as well as how to implement a basic forecasting framework. You will develop leadership skills and learn how to differentiate between different avalanche hazards within the landscape.
Who should take this course
This course is for experienced backcountry travelers who have completed AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue and want to build on that knowledge to tackle more challenging situations and lead small teams safely.
Requirements
To take an AIARE 2 course, you must have completed an AIARE 1 and an AIARE Avalanche Rescue course, plus have gained at least one winter of practical backcountry travel experience.
To take an AIARE 2 course, you must have completed an AIARE 1 and an AIARE Avalanche Rescue course, plus have gained at least one winter of practical backcountry travel experience. You should also be comfortable traveling in avalanche terrain, and have a good level of physical fitness.
AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue: You must have successfully completed both of these courses. An equivalent Level 1 training is also acceptable.
Practical Experience: At least one winter of practical backcountry travel experience is required after completing your AIARE 1 course.
Avalanche Terrain Skills: You must be comfortable and capable of traveling in avalanche terrain.
Physical Fitness: You should be in good physical shape and able to ski or ride black diamond runs in-bounds at a resort.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old, or 16 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Proficiency: The ability to take care of yourself in a winter environment.
Leadership: The course is for those who want to advance their skills in decision-making and leading small groups in avalanche terrain.
Equipment: You should be proficient with your personal gear before the course begins. You should also be comfortable traveling in avalanche terrain, and have a good level of physical fitness.
What’s included
- Rite in the Rain AIARE Decision-Making Guide (“blue book” fieldbook)
- student handbook
- certificate of completion
Please bring
Equipment list
Please come prepared with the following equipment:
| Item | Category | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| hardgoods | 25–35 L probably works for most people | ||
| hardgoods | (with AT bindings) | ||
| hardgoods | |||
| hardgoods | |||
| hardgoods | |||
| hardgoods | a modern model with three antennas; arrive with ≥ 80 % battery | ||
| hardgoods | |||
| hardgoods | made of metal, not plastic |
| Item | Category | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| wearables | |||
| wearables | such as a light- or mid-weight fleece | ||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | to wear over a shell during breaks | ||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | softshell or hardshell | ||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
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| wearables | |||
| wearables | |||
| wearables |
| Item | Category | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| more physiological needs & comforts | |||
| more physiological needs & comforts | ≥ 1 L | ||
| more physiological needs & comforts | |||
| more physiological needs & comforts | |||
| more physiological needs & comforts | |||
| more physiological needs & comforts |
| Item | Category | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| small tools | |||
| small tools | (on your phone) | ||
| small tools | |||
| small tools | |||
| small tools | pooled together in a group, several can help with broken equipment | ||
| small tools | |||
| small tools | during spring temperatures when snow could stick to skins | ||
| small tools | |||
| small tools | such as Compeed & Leukotape | ||
| small tools | at least those tools that fit your own bindings | ||
| small tools |
Choose options
Snowcat bump
Begin and finish like cat skiing with cozy rides up and back down.
Deep backcountry
Find yourself untrammeled by resort bustle in the wilds of the Selkirks.
Hands-on learning
Practice identifying avalanche terrain and skills to manage it in real-time.
FAQs
The town of Coolin couldn’t be much cooler. It’s a very small lakeside town that’s pretty chill
in the winter. Most winter visitors are either bc shredders or sledders, so it makes for a
wonderful place to stay. It’s about 7 mi from the staging area and has all facilities to support
you. Powder magazine published an article in July
2024 on this topic.
Coolin on Google
Maps
As we’ll have two cats operating, we don’t see conflicts between the day group and scheduling for unguided groups that want to do custom arrangements.
We are approximately 135 mi / 3½ hr away from Big Red Cats. Other destinations:
- Silver Mountain: 110 mi / 2½ hr
- 49° North: 67 mi / 1½ hr
- Brundage: 345 mi / 6½ hr
- Soldier Mountain: 620 mi / 10 hr
- Coolin: 7 mi
- Priest River: 12 mi
- Schweitzer: 55 mi
- Spokane Int’l Airport: 77 mi
No, we do not offer equipment rental.
No, you must come prepared with your own backpack, avalanche transceiver (beacon), shovel, and probe. We highly recommend that you travel with replacement parts specific to your bindings, boots, and other equipment.
Yes. AIARE Rescue, Level 1, and Level 2 can be incorporated into your ski tour days. This is subject to scheduling before October 1 annually.
Yes. We’ve been fortunate to have semi- to good connectivity. We still suggest you download maps for offline use.
We recommend travel insurance policies with cancel-for-any-reason-coverage for peace of mind and reducing your exposure should you want to cancel due to conditions not being to your liking. We’ve selected a policy to consider.
Booking policies
Payment
All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Promotions & discounts
Any promotion or discount must be redeemed only by calling reservations directly. No promotion and/or discount will be applied after the reservation has been made and full payment has been received.
Cancellations & reservation changes
Cancellations
Any cancellation made within 21 days of the scheduled tour date are 100 % non-refundable – no exceptions for any reason, not even airline delays, road closures, family emergencies, personal injury, etc. We encourage all guests to consider purchasing travel insurance with enhanced coverage (one with a cancel for any reason rider) through an outside provider such as InsureMyTrip.
Reservation changes
You may request date changes to your tour date outside of 21 days of your booking. Changes to your reservation are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee of $100 per person.
Tour cancellations due to mechanical issues or unsafe conditions
Selkirk Powder Company has no control over Mother Nature. We tour in sun, snow, rain, wind, or any combination of interesting weather. It is, after all, an alpine environment. Be prepared, and dress accordingly. SPC reserves the right to cancel a tour for mechanical, weather, safety, personal or any other circumstance. You will be issued a full or partial credit valid for 1 year from the original tour date. No refunds will be issued. If your tour is cancelled multiple times, your credit still expires after 1 year – no extensions will be applied.
SPC reserves the right at any time, and at its sole discretion, to modify any policies set out above, with or without notice other than publishing such modifications on our website. It is your responsibility to review policies on our website for updates and/or changes. Your reservation and/or use of our services following any such policy modification constitutes your acceptance of any modified policy.
To ensure you get the dates and size of group you want, we encourage you to book as soon as your dates are established. Some of our guests make their reservations up to a year in advance, so don’t wait too long to contact us.
Payment in full is due at the time of booking.
If you prefer, tips can be added at the time of booking. The typical tipping amount in the industry is 10–20 % of the total tour cost: the same as you would extend for service in a restaurant or similar setting. At Selkirk Powder, tips are pooled and shared among guides, snowcat drivers (for snowcat trips), and your reservations agent.
You may request date changes to your tour date outside of 21 days of your booking. Changes to your reservation are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee of $100 per person. We recommend trip insurance policies with cancel for any reason for peace of mind and reducing your exposure should you want to cancel due to conditions not being to your liking.
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