Play Smart
AIARE AVALANCHES LEVEL 1: $300
At least 30 people are killed by avalanches each year in the United States alone.
If you’re just starting your formal avalanche education, this 3 day course is for you. We will cover all aspects of understanding avalanches and how to avoid them. In addition to learning to observe and analyze terrain, weather and snow pack, we will spend considerable time covering decision-making and human factors which can lead to accidents. You will also learn how to rescue a companion who is buried in an avalanche. This course forms the basis on which Levels 2 and 3 are built; it also serves as a great refresher if it’s been a few years since you’ve taken a course.
2009, North Conway, NH, Level I
January 2-4
January 17-19
February 14-16
March 14-16
March 28-30

2009, Lake Placid, New York
February 28-March 2

Play Smarter AIARE AVALANCHES LEVEL 2:
The Level 2 4-day course takes a more in-depth look at snow science and decision making, and builds upon the observation and decision-making skills learned in the Level 1 course. Professional standards for recording and observing weather, snow pack, and avalanches will be introduced, along with a system for stability analysis and forecasting. This course is ideal for backcountry skiers and climbers who are looking for advanced knowledge and skills and people interested in snow safety and guiding careers. This course also prepares you for a Level 3 course if you are interested in furthering your education. Participants should have previously taken a Level 1 course and be comfortable traveling in avalanche terrain.

2009 North Conway Level II $400
March 19-22

Avalanche Refresher: $125
Have you taken an avalanche course, but not been out to practice your skills in a while? Do you want a refresher on beacon use? Do you want to spend a day skiing in the backcountry, learning from a professional guide about decision making in the backcou n try? This course will focus on the practical side of avalanche awareness, during a one day ski tour in avalanche terrain.
Prerequisite: AIARE Avalanche Level 1 or similar course.

$125 per person based on minimum enrollment