Recreational Level 2
Information
Time
9:00am - 5:00pm
Session
Full Day
Description
This is a course picks up from where the Level 1 left off and gives backcountry tourers more information on how to use the forecast and tools to build their own tours. There is mentorship from qualified guides to give feedback on route selection and managing terrain to reduce exposure to avalanche terrain.
DATES
FEBRUARY 19-21, 2027
**Please email avy@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education-related questions. Min 4 people. Max 10. Pricing is the same as public courses.
See also our Recreational Level One - Hut Based Course and our THREE Field Day Recreational Level One Mentorship Avalanche Course
Prerequisites
Rec. Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses. Intermediate skier/rider with touring experience.
Topics Covered
Avalanche mechanics
Identifying avalanche terrain
Avalanche problems
Statistics
Terrain features, shape, and size
Snowpack development and change
Weather’s impact on the snowpack
Safe travel protocols
Human factors
Tour planning
Decision-making tools
Interpreting the avalanche advisory
Mapping route selection
Recommended Reading
PRICING
$665/PERSON
*Guest to Guide ratio is 5:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 10
**Sales Tax and Forest Service fees not included
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Sun Valley Guides does not provide personal safety gear for avalanche course participants, so please come prepared with the necessary and reliable equipment. This includes a 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, a metal avalanche shovel, and an avalanche probe with a click-lock mechanism.
For more details, please see our equipment list.
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All of our guides are licensed by the IOGLB and are highly-trained avalanche professionals and/or AMGA trained or certified. Our guides have an intimate knowledge of the vast mountains surrounding Sun Valley as well as the current snow and avalanche conditions.
IOGLB stands for Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. Guides that have been certified by IOGLB are licensed and held to standards set in place by the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, recognized as one of the most comprehensive licensing programs in the nation. For more information, please visit IOGLB’s website.
AMGA stands for American Mountain Guides Association, an internationally recognized organization that offers rigorous training courses for guides in the alpine, rock, and ski mountaineering industry. Guides endorsed by AMGA are verified to operate at a high level of professionalism and with a deep knowledge of their sport. Learn more about AMGA here.
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Yes. Sun Valley Guides is committed to providing safe and enjoyable adventures in the backcountry. All guests must read and sign a Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims Agreement prior to embarking on any guided trip. Be sure to read and sign the waiver prior to joining us in the mountains. You can find your waiver in your reservation confirmation. If you did not make the reservation, please ask whoever did to invite you to sign through their reservation confirmation email they received or email us at info@svguides.com
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A 50% non-refundable deposit is made to secure a spot on an avalanche course. Cancellations made with more than 2 weeks notice will receive a refund for the cost of the course, less the deposit fee. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of class start date are 100% non-refundable, but if a replacement for your spot can be found, we will transfer your deposit as credit for another course later in the same winter season with a $50 booking fee.
Please keep in mind that these policies vary by service. See our full cancellation policy for details.