Motorized AIARE 2 + Avalanche Rescue

• Participants must have the ability to effectively operate their machines in avalanche terrain. 
• An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Level 1 training is required.
• A winter of practical experience and / or 2 fully filled out field books after the Level 1 course is highly recommended before taking the AIARE 2 course.
• AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course.

Avalanche Rescue: A separate one-day, 100% in-person course, followed by AIARE Level 2: a three-day, 100% in-person course. All Level 2 prerequisites and preparation requirements still apply.

This is a 4-Day, 100% in-person course.

• Average 6-8 hours of optional self-paced online learning to review AIARE 1 materials and prep for AIARE 2.
• A 1-hour pre-course zoom (usually the Tuesday before your course, check in google classroom).
• Three full in-person days (typically from 8a to 4p).

Sections & Learning Tools

Google Classroom:

Once you have paid for your course, you’ll receive access to a google classroom. This classroom is where you’ll have access to the AIARE Online portion of the course as well as a number of other important resources throughout the course including all course logistics.

AIARE Online Learning:
For the level 2, the online learning component is optional but highly recommended. It includes a review of AIARE 1 material as well as some material that will help students prep for the AIARE 2. Students who opt to use the online material will maximize their learning and the value of their AIARE 2.

Webinar:
Your course includes a pre-course zoom. This time will be used for introductions, to review course logistics, and to review course topics as well as answer any questions that may come up during the online learning.

Field Days:
Day 1: Focus is for students to begin to apply the AIARE Framework to new situations. Students will do this by better understanding the type of information received from avalanche centers and how gaps in that information can be filled in by observations from the field. Instructors will help provide the link between assessing uncertainty and terrain choice using the tools of the AIARE Framework.

Day 2: The focus of Day 2 is to continue to applying the AIARE Framework with an emphasis on analyzing terrain and consequences of an avalanche in terrain. Participants will use maps and online tools to assess terrain and build a terrain catalog as well as go in the field to assess terrain and consequences. Groups will practice altering terrain choice based on uncertainty. Participants will practice facilitation on a full day ride.

Day 3: The goal of day 3 is a participant led rid day that ties it all together. Participants will practice facilitation of the AIAR Framework on a participant -led ride and work to identify sources of uncertainty, especially those stemming from their ride group.

AM Meetings:

Each morning before going into the field, students will participate in a professional AM Hazard Analysis & Ride Plan. AM meeting locations are typically decided by the instructor and are often held at local coffee shops, power sports retail shops, or trailheads (weather dependent).

Day 3 Debrief:
The final course debrief wraps up the course and may occur in the field or at a nearby establishment.

Feb 12–15 (Fri–Mon), 2027
Avalanche Rescue: February 12, 2027; AIARE Level 2: February 13–15, 2027.

Mar 25–28 (Thu–Sun), 2027
Avalanche Rescue: March 25, 2027; AIARE Level 2: March 26–28, 2027.

Operating Areas & Typical Field Locations

Moto Mountain School offers motorized avalanche courses across four Colorado operating areas.

• Frisco / Silverthorne
  • Vail Pass
  • Spring Creek
  • Tiger Road / Swan Mountain
  • Deer Creek
• Buena Vista / Leadville
  • Cottonwood Pass East (from Denny Creek)
  • Tin Cup
  • Vail Pass
• Gunnison / Crested Butte
  • Kebler Pass
  • Cottonwood Pass West (from Taylor Park)
• Lake City
  • Slumgullion Pass

How Course Locations Are Determined

• Your Preference Matters: Select your preferred course area when registering. We aim to hold courses in the areas our students select.
• Flexible Field Locations: Specific trailheads are selected based on snow conditions, weather, and access. Field locations may vary between course days.
• Final Confirmation: Meeting locations and field locations will be communicated before the course. If a change to another operating area becomes necessary, we’ll contact affected students in advance.

By the end of this AIARE 2 + Rescue package, you will be able to:

• Build on AIARE 1 skills to assess uncertainty, avalanche hazards, and terrain consequences.
• Interpret forecasts, snow, and weather observations to select terrain and adjust plans in the field.
• Use terrain margins, trip-option catalogs, and season tracking to support decisions.
• Lead small-team discussions and facilitate safe motorized travel and group risk management.
• Organize and carry out companion rescue using transceiver searches, probing, and strategic shoveling.
• Apply snowmobile-specific rescue strategies and maintain skills through ongoing practice.

AIARE Level 2

• Review & forecasting: Apply AIARE 1 skills, interpret multiple information sources, and use a basic forecasting framework.
• Uncertainty & terrain: Identify gaps in information, assess consequences, choose terrain margins, and build terrain and trip-option catalogs.
• Observations & season tracking: Use snow, weather, and avalanche observations to develop and update a ride plan.
• Leadership & group decisions: Facilitate discussion, manage human factors, and practice participant-led riding and risk management.

Avalanche Rescue

• Equipment & personal response: Transceiver, probe, shovel, communication devices, optional burial-reduction equipment, and what to do if caught in an avalanche.
• Companion rescue: Scene safety, team organization, transceiver searches, probing, and strategic shoveling.
• Motorized rescue tactics: Snowmobile-specific strategies, emergency communication, and realistic small-team rescue practice.
• Continued practice: Resources and a plan for maintaining rescue skills.

Level 2 preparation: Track the avalanche advisory for the week before the course using the supplied worksheet. Optional AIARE 1 online review and the pre-course quiz are recommended. The required pre-ride mock-rescue assessment and all Level 2 prerequisites remain in place.

1. Choose Your Course

Select your course date and preferred location from the available options.

2. Register & Pay

Complete checkout to reserve your spot. You’ll receive an email confirming your enrollment and payment details.

Please View Our Cancellation Policy → before registering.

3. Complete Your Registration & Prepare

Once payment is received, you’ll receive a separate email, typically within 2 business days, containing course logistics and instructions for accessing Google Classroom.

• All students: Join Google Classroom, complete your registration form, and sign the required waiver.

Important: Course-specific schedules, meeting locations, and updates will be communicated directly by email.