To get ready for the fast approaching climbing season, we decided to run an in-house AIARE 2 course at our other office (Mount Rainier National Park). We require all our guides, to have at least Level 2 Avalanche training to guide on Denali and a few of our crew still needed to get trained in the ways of snow science. Plus, we even had room on the course to send most of our gear and logistics staff, our guide management team, and one lone Mount Rainier NPS ranger joined along as well.
While the snow conditions were a little less than inspiring for the first three days of the course (Cascades concrete), we were able to find pockets of windslabs along with a much needed break in the clouds for our last day of the course. Oddly enough, this course ended up being THE LAST North American AIARE 2 course ever! Next year, there will be split in avalanche education and a different path for professional and recreational backcountry users. Exciting times! While this training was just for employees, we hope to start running Avy courses next winter. Stay tuned!
