Teton Valley Backcountry Recreational Two Avalanche Training
Hone your decision-making skills to explore deeper into avalanche terrain.
Duration
7 days
Age
18+
Overview
About this course
Spend seven days deepening your understanding of avalanche terrain in the Tetons as you earn a Recreational Level 2 Avalanche certification. You’ll refine the decision-making skills, snowpack assessment, and group risk management you’ve been building since your Level 1.
You’ll start at NOLS Teton Valley refreshing your previous training and checking gear before heading to Teton Pass for two days of applied avalanche education. Mornings focus on avalanche curriculum — interpreting forecasts, developing travel plans, and working with the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard — followed by afternoons of ski touring that put those frameworks into practice. You’ll return to campus each evening for a warm meal and time with your group.
Then you’ll ski into a backcountry yurt for three nights, where the terrain gets more demanding and the decisions are yours to make. You’ll assess snowpack stability, practice companion rescue in realistic scenarios, and evaluate routes as a group in variable, fast-changing conditions.Â
A Recreational Level 1 Avalanche and Avalanche Rescue certification is required before you arrive. You’ll leave with your Level 2 Avalanche certification, recognized by the American Avalanche Association, and the tools to travel with greater confidence in complex terrain.

Resources
Resources & downloads
Questions
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Detailed daily objectives and skills progression
Sample outline from last year's course
Pre-course preparation guide
Course Session Dates
Financial aid & Scholarships
NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:
- AmeriCorps
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)
Questions?
Still have questions?
Talk to an admissions advisor, or request a free catalog to learn more about which course is right for you.

