Master Backcountry Safety with the AIARE 2 Hut-Based Avalanche Course in Colorado

Walking Tour · Silverthorne

AIARE 2 Avalanche Safety Course: Hut Based

Advance your avalanche safety skills with a three-day, hands-on AIARE 2 course at Broome Hut, nestled in Colorado’s stunning winter backcountry. Learn critical hazard assessment and leadership in a once-in-a-lifetime alpine setting.

View experience
Duration3 days
LocationSilverthorne, Colorado
OperatorColorado Adventure Guides
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

AIARE 2 Avalanche Safety Course: Hut Based

Advance your avalanche safety skills with a three-day, hands-on AIARE 2 course at Broome Hut, nestled in Colorado’s stunning winter backcountry. Learn critical hazard assessment and leadership in a once-in-a-lifetime alpine setting.

Set against the sprawling alpine wilderness near Silverthorne, Colorado, the AIARE 2 Avalanche Safety Course: Hut Based offers an unparalleled winter backcountry learning experience. Set at Broome Hut, a remote alpine shelter, this three-day course is designed for committed backcountry travelers seeking to refine their avalanche awareness, decision-making, and group leadership skills in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Broome Hut’s rustic yet comfortable environment places participants steps away from fresh powder runs, towering spruce, and the rugged expanse of the Tenmile Range, providing a living classroom unlike any other.

Unlike standard classroom training, this course immerses guests directly in the demanding winter terrain where avalanche hazards are most critical. Here, students learn to read snowpack conditions, execute proper hazard assessments, and make sound rescue decisions—not from textbooks, but through hands-on exploration and discussion at the snow's edge. The hut’s location enables immediate access to varied slopes for practical fieldwork, fostering real-time understanding in diverse avalanche terrain.

Broome Hut itself is a well-known backcountry destination: a stone and timber shelter offering a welcome refuge from Colorado’s often fierce mountain weather. It embodies the spirit of alpine exploration—a place where safety, camaraderie, and skill-building converge. Skilled instructors guide the group through in-depth topics such as slope evaluation, route management, and beacon probing techniques, all crucial for safe travel in avalanche-prone environments.

Silverthorne, the nearest town, provides a convenient gateway with amenities for gearing up before venturing into the backcountry. Its proximity to major winter resorts and wilderness corridors makes the area a hub for winter adventurers looking to go beyond the groomed trails. Completing the AIARE 2 course here elevates every aspect of your backcountry journey—from solo touring to leading groups.

It offers confidence, critical skills, and a deep respect for the dynamic mountain environment. This course isn’t just instructional; it’s transformational, blending serious safety education with the breathtaking Colorado winter landscape. Whether preparing for future ski tours, snowshoe trips, or guiding others, the experience at Broome Hut is a key step toward mastering avalanche terrain safely and competently.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Prepare for cold and variable conditions

    Broome Hut is in a high alpine zone; bring layered clothing to adapt to rapidly changing winter weather.

    essential
  2. 02
    Practice beacon and rescue drills diligently

    Frequent practice during the course hones your avalanche rescue reflexes, vital for any backcountry traveler.

    essential
  3. 03
    Know your fitness limits

    This course involves sustained physical effort in deep snow; good cardiovascular fitness will improve your experience.

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  4. 04
    Respect hut etiquette

    Broome Hut operates as a shared space—keep noise low and clean up thoroughly to preserve this special spot.

    info
DifficultyChallenging
Duration3 days
FitnessParticipants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with winter hiking and carrying medium-weight packs.
Technical skillsAvalanche beacon use, Winter navigation, Basic snow science knowledge

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel

Essential tools for practicing rescue techniques and terrain safety during the course.

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02

Insulated, waterproof winter boots

Protect your feet from cold, snowy conditions for long field days.

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03

Layered synthetic or wool clothing

Ideal for regulating temperature while moving in unpredictable mountain weather.

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04

Snowshoes or touring skis

Necessary for efficient travel in deep snow and varied backcountry terrain.

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Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Explore nearby Dillon Reservoir for peaceful winter views without the crowds, Check out the rarely visited Lebanon Ridge for diverse avalanche study terrain

Wildlife

Local fauna

Mountain goats that thrive on rocky slopes, Red foxes adapted to alpine winter conditions

History

Historic heritage

Broome Hut has served as a backcountry refuge for decades, embodying the region’s longstanding winter mountaineering tradition.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

The course emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on fragile alpine ecosystems and promotes responsible winter travel.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Broome Hut doorway framing snowy peaks, Ridges overlooking Tenmile Range, Snow-covered spruce forests near the hut
Subjects
Snow-dusted mountain landscapes, Avalanche terrain features, Backcountry travelers in action
Best times
Golden hour, Sunrise, Late afternoon

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

What prior experience should I have before taking this course?

Students should have completed an AIARE Level 1 course or equivalent foundational avalanche safety training and feel comfortable in winter backcountry travel.

Is lodging provided at Broome Hut?

Yes, the course includes accommodations at Broome Hut, which offers basic but comfortable shelter suited for winter mountain conditions.

What is the minimum group size to run the course?

The course typically requires a minimum enrollment to operate, but exact numbers depend on the provider's current policy.

How strenuous is this course?

Expect physically demanding days involving hiking in snow with gear and practicing rescue scenarios; good fitness is important.

Are meals provided during the course?

Meal arrangements vary by provider, but many courses include group meals to support participants through intensive days.

Can I bring my own gear, like avalanche equipment?

Yes, participants are encouraged to bring their own avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel for hands-on practice, though some rental options may be available.

Colorado Adventure Guides

Master Backcountry Safety with the AIARE 2 Hut-Based Avalanche Course in Colorado