Level 2

For UMA’s Avalanche Level 2, prior completion of Avalanche Level 1 is required. At least 1 season of applying Level 1 knowledge is highly recommended. This course requires sufficient fitness to travel 3,000′ uphill at altitudes of 7,000′ and above. You must be comfortable making downhill turns in variable snow conditions, unless using snowshoes.

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This course is an approved American Avalanche Association (A3) 24-hour Level 2. After successful completion of the course participants will receive a Level 1 Certificate A3. All UMA Instructors are professionally certified by the American Avalanche Association.

UMA’s Avalanche Level 2 is a 32-hour advanced avalanche course that includes an 8-hour rescue skills day. The course is focused on decision-making for Level 1-experienced backcountry travelers seeking to expand their knowledge of snow science or wanting to ski or climb bigger lines, travel in diverse terrain and snowpacks and ski out-of-bounds safely even when avalanche danger is elevated. This course is sanctioned by the American Avalanche Association (A3).

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Central Wasatch is home to arguably the best backcountry skiing in the world. Whether you are hunting for big lines, are new to the snowpack or want a deep dive into snow science, real-time decision making and diversifying your terrain selection, you are in the right place! UMA’s Recreational Avalanche Level 2 course is an invaluable experience that every backcountry tourer should take at some point in their backcountry career.

This course is 4 consecutive days, which includes an 8-hour companion rescue training field day. Forty percent of the course is classroom-based, while 60% is in the backcountry, in and around avalanche terrain. Depending on the conditions and state of the snowpack, participants can expect to explore more diverse terrain the Wasatch has to offer.

UMA’S AVALANCHE LEVEL 2 COURSE CURRICULUM

• Understanding weather and snowpack history, and current structure and layering
• Use of local avalanche advisory and other relevant available information
• Creating a hazard rating in remote terrain where no advisory exists
• Recognizing the scale of terrain, paths and specific features, and mapping snow cover
• Tour planning using maps, apps, timelines and safe margin
• Increased familiarity with the characteristics and distribution of the 7 primary avalanche problems
• Recognizing persistent weak layers (facets, depth hoar, surface hoar)
• An improved grasp of snowpack processes, metamorphism & stability tests
• Prioritizing snowpack tests and observations based on current problems
• Proficient snowpit practices: hardness, shears, tests (CT, ECT, PST, DTT)
• Interpretation of pit results (strength, structure, propagation)
• Clear and concise recording of snowpack and weather observations, SWAG guidelines and snow profiles
• Group management in complex, committing terrain and snowpacks
• Using best practices for group communication, teamwork and decision making
• Identifying and avoiding human factor traps

SCHEDULES:

December 26-29, 2026 – Saturday – Tuesday

• Sat: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lecture
• Sun: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Rescue Field Session
• Sun: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lecture
• Mon: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Field Session
• Tues: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Field Session

January 21-24, 2027 – Thursday – Sunday

• Thu: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lecture
• Fri: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Rescue Field Session
• Fri: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lecture
• Sat: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Field Session
• Sun: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Field Session

COURSE DATES:

• Dec 26-29, 2026 (Saturday-Tuesday)
• Jan 21-24, 2027 (Thursday-Sunday)

COST:

• $799 plus tax

MEETING LOCATION: Meeting location is generally at the UMA Office in Cottonwood Heights or at a trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon or Big Cottonwood Canyon just outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee and we encourage carpooling for the overflow lot. Feel free to reach out to the other participants in your group to carpool.

• Register here or contact Utah Mountain Adventures:
• [email protected]
• 801-550-3986
• UtahMountainAdventures.com