Level 2 Avalanche Course

COOKE CITY

Level 2 Avalanche Course (Avy 2) — Advanced Decision-Making and Rescue

Build on your Level 1 training and take your backcountry skills further. This 3-day Level 2 course focuses on advanced terrain evaluation, snowpack assessment, trip planning, group management, and decision-making—giving experienced backcountry travelers the tools to make confident, informed choices in more complex avalanche terrain.

This comprehensive three-day (24 hour) Level 2 avalanche course builds on foundational avalanche knowledge and field skills to prepare participants for advanced decision-making in complex winter terrain. The curriculum emphasizes trip planning, group management, terrain evaluation, snowpack integration, and efficient companion rescue under realistic backcountry conditions.
Learning objectives
- Integrate companion rescue, beacon skills, and short- and long-range search strategies into time-critical scenarios.
- Synthesize avalanche problem assessment, snowpack evolution, and weather data to identify critical uncertainties and manage risk.
- Apply terrain management and route-setting to reduce exposure to avalanche paths and trigger points.
- Use group management techniques, human factors awareness, and decision frameworks to guide teams in complex conditions.
- Perform advanced snowpack tests and interpret results in the context of ongoing observations and forecasts.
Course content
- Review of avalanche fundamentals (layers, triggers, types of avalanches)
- Advanced snowpack assessment: extended pit analysis, column tests, propagation and fracture observations
- Weather and snowpack evolution: forecasting implications, storm cycles, melt-freeze effects
- Terrain analysis: complex features, runout estimation, terrain traps, slope angles, and route choice
- Human factors and group dynamics: decision-making models, heuristics, stress and communication
- Incident management: scene control, triage, and post-incident considerations
- Companion rescue: efficient beacon searching, probing line strategy, patient extrication, and medical stabilization
- Practical field scenarios and simulations emphasizing realistic time pressures and multiple-victim situations
Format and Duration
- There full field days with morning and/or evening classroom sessions
- Courses include guided field exercises, hands-on rescue drills, and instructor-led decision-making sessions.
- Class sizes are kept small to maximize instructor feedback and real-world practice.
- Completion of a Level 1 avalanche course (Avy 1) or equivalent within the past 3 years
- One or more seasons of backcountry travel experience and competence with winter travel skills
- Ability to safely travel, tour, and ride/ski in advanced or complex avalanche terrain in various snow conditions
- Three Field Days in scenario relevant backcountry terrain
- Experienced AAA recognized instructor(s)
- Course content that is designed and approved by the American Avalanche Association
- Food, water, transport, lodging
- Backcountry ski/snowboard gear, avalanche safety gear, technical clothing, backpack, etc.
- Rescue insurance
- Trip insurance
- Guide gratuity
Please see our Avalanche Course Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and backpack may be rented from MAG for $65/day. Rentals must be coordinated in advance as our inventory is limited.
Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.