This course is a 4 day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional certificate, the AIARE 3 certificate. The AIARE 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level one and adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation.

AIARE 1 is a prerequisite for this class unless instructor permission is obtained prior to registration.

Course fee pays for AIARE fieldbook, AIARE student fee, course curriculum, and field insurance through AAIC. Course text materials are provided by instructor.

Introduces fundamentals of diagonal-stride cross-country skiing. Covers selection of personal clothing, ski and safety equipment, recognition and prevention of cold-weather injuries, and skiing skills and trail ethics.

Special note: requires ability to perform comfortably in extremely cold and inclement weather. Students may need to rent or purchase additional equipment for this course.

Class meeting times are as follows:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-1 p.m. January 15- February 28 (Jan 15,17,22,24,29,31,Feb 5,7,12,19,21,26,28) and Saturday February 9th from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

This course will teach individuals the basic skills needed to begin mushing with their dogs, including:

• Dog awareness, safety and handling skills
• Sled dog care and nutrition
• Mushing terminology/techniques
• Equipment: harnesses, sleds, carts, skis
• Training
• Trail time

This course will use lecture and hands-on activities to ensure student outcomes are met.

This course will present students with the skills needed to plan and complete overnight trips during winter conditions. Topics covered include equipment, recognition of winter hazards, modes of travel, camp site selection, camp construction including snow caves, and leave-no-trace ethics. The overnight class outing is designed to introduce students to winter camping skills that can become the foundation of future expeditions.

Must be physically fit and must be able to function in inclement weather.

Required text: The Winter Camping Handbook: Wilderness Travel & Adventure in the Cold-Weather Months: Author: Stephen Gorman; isbn: 978-0881507829.

Optional text: Snow Caves for Fun and Survival, isbn: 978-0979559006

Class times and dates are as follows:

Jan 23, 30, Feb. 6, Wednesday evenings classroom 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb 1-3 overnight experience Friday 11:00 a.m.- Sunday 5 p.m.