Learn to Lead in the backcountry with a four-day Silverton Avalanche School Hut-Based Recreational Level Two.

During this course, you’ll deepen your knowledge and skills in backcountry leadership, mapping, snow science, risk assessment, terrain evaluation, route finding, advanced rescue techniques, and more. This is the capstone recreational avalanche course, and SAS offers the most hands-on, student driven Recreational Level Two available, with an additional day of instruction compared to most other courses, to truly have impactful student outcomes.

Throughout this course, participants will engage in both classroom and field sessions. This course will help you develop the confidence to lead your group in the backcountry, and make effective decisions in the dynamic mountain environment. We’ll also focus on human factor nuances, and of course–go skiing!

Based on American Avalanche Association guidelines, the SAS Rec Level Two provides a comprehensive, highly personalized learning experience that focuses on our students’ ability to: 

• Competently assess terrain of consequence

• Understand risks, hazards, exposure and vulnerability in the backcountry

• Confidently facilitate communication and decision-making 

• Refine micro and macro route finding, terrain management strategies, and recognize and address uncertainty

• Analyze the snowpack and anticipate avalanche problems, without relying solely on the avalanche bulletin

• Lead tour planning and the development of time plans

• Efficiently solicit observations from your teammates

• Be proactive in planning for rescue and emergency situations

Led by experienced avalanche instructors who are also AMGA trained or Certified Ski or Splitboard Guides, this course emphasizes mentorship, hands-on learning, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world application. You’ll participate in group scenarios, and receive personalized feedback to enhance your skills. All SAS Level Two courses require the previous completion of a stand alone, one day Avalanche Rescue course, in addition to a Recreational Level One; students are expected to participate in emergency scenarios (both real and imagined) throughout the course.

The Addie S. Hut provides a comfortable but rustic base camp to explore the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded by forest and tucked beneath the peaks, the hut environment limits distractions and helps make for more immersive learning. Food is not provided during the course, so please plan accordingly. For more information about the Addie S., check them out online.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The course includes:

• Lodging at the Addie S. Hut for four days and three nights.

• Fully equipped kitchen.

• Limited Wifi and cell phone service while at the hut.

• SAS Field Book.

• Qualified instruction and guidance from AMGA trained guides.

The course DOES NOT include:

• Meals and snacks during the course.

• Sleeping bag/linens.

• Beacon, shovel, probe and backcountry kit. Participants should have their own gear for this course.

• Optional instructor gratuity.

Please refer to the WHAT TO BRING checklist from the Addie S. Hut, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.