Motorized LEVEL 2 AVALANCHE COURSE

These classes present advanced concepts of recreational avalanche risk management for motorized users, while repeating the process taught in Level 1 classes. They are intended for those taking a leadership role in their riding groups or for those riding outside of a forecast area. The academic components build from those taught in the Level 1, primarily through pre-class work. This course follows the guidelines for Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Training as established by the American Avalanche Association.

Schedule:

Each class will begin with a mandatory online session prior to field days. Field days will run from 9am-5pm, or instructor discretion. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Attendance and participation in the full class is mandatory.

Dates:

FEBRUARY 21-23, 2025

**Email jp@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education related questions. Min 4 people. Max 12. Pricing the same as public courses.

Participants Must:  

  • Take a Level 1 and Rescue class prior to attending. The Level 1 class should have been taken prior to the 2023/24 season. The Rescue class can be taken just before the Level 2, and 2024 SAC Rescue classes are scheduled with this in mind. Previous classes don't need to be motorized-specific.

  • Be an advanced rider, comfortable side-hilling to both sides while making adjustments around obstacles, and able to self-extricate from basic stucks. Riding ability is much more important on the Level 2 compared to Level 1 and Rescue classes - please do not overestimate your riding ability.

  • Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270 cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in a tunnel bag. An extra shovel in the tunnel bag is recommended.

  • Wear a DOT approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.

  • Bring food and water for a day of riding.

  • Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.

  • Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding.

  • Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:

  • The Daily Flow user guide and video. An electronic version of The Daily Flow book will be provided and a written copy can be provided if desired.

  • The Daily Flow and Alerts stickers will be provided as a resource for field observations and travel.

  • Handouts and/or weblinks as provided.

Learning Outcomes:

The successful student will be able to:

  • Manage risk for peers in an informal setting.

  • Consider the impact that advanced avalanche training has on group dynamics.

  • Use relationships between weather, snowpack, and avalanches to anticipate hazards.

  • Facilitate discussions with riding partners to create safety margins using terrain and/or timing.

  • Confirm details with riding partners and develop a simple plan as a group contract.

  • Manage the riding group by using guiding techniques to lead through non-avalanche and avalanche terrain.

  • Use The Daily Flow Conditions and Terrain Alerts stickers to maintain awareness and communicate changes and/or concerns to the riding group.

  • Use industry standard techniques to make observations by digging below the snow surface, and to communicate weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions to others.

  • Lead group discussions that link observed conditions to terrain use.

  • Encourage partners to learn from each day by using daily debriefs.

  • Submit observations to the Sawtooth Avalanche Center using non-technical language and/or images and videos.

This course information was provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center.

WHAT IS PROVIDED:

  • AMGA certified and/or trained guide

  • Guides will be carrying a first aid kit, navigation equipment, inReach satellite device, repair kit, bivy/rescue sled and survival supplies

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Check out our EQUIPMENT LIST

    Karl Malone Powersports (208) 788-4005 in Hailey services Polaris snowmobiles and Skidoo sled and sells parts and machines.

Rates:

$655 per student

*Guest to Guide ratio is 5:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 10
**Sales Tax and Forest Service fees not included
***Guide gratuity not included. As part of the service industry, it is customary to tip your guide(s) if you are happy with their service and should reflect a level of excellence in the service. If you choose to tip, 10-20% of the total trip fee is standard and cash/Venmo is the preferred method.

TYPICAL MEETING TIMES & PLACE:

Full Day 9 AM - 5 PM
Meet at the Baker Creek Parking Lot