Steamboat Powdercats offers one AIARE (The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 2 avalanche course in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

This three-day course is designed for those who have already taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue course and since then have had at least one year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills.

This Level 2 course utilizes the AIARE course curriculum. At the end of the course you will be able to:

• Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
• Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field.
• Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that include facilitating small group discussion, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk management strategies.
• Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with and in the absences of local supporting avalanche information.

This is an advanced level course for those who already have a AIARE Level 1 and an Avalanche Rescue course along with at least one year of backcountry travel.

Steamboat Powdercats offers AIARE (The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level I avalanche courses typically in early December and January.

The AIARE Level 1 avalanche course is designed as an introductory “stand-alone decision-makers course” for those planning on traveling and recreating in avalanche terrain. Our instructors are AIARE trained and qualified. The 24 hours of course work focuses on the basic skills necessary to manage your risk in the winter backcountry. These courses are 3-days long with the first day spent in the office and field, then the second and third day are fully spent in the field.

To be successful in this course, participants need to be comfortable in powder on Blue/Black runs at any ski area, and have a decent level of fitness as we will be hiking uphill with our skis and splitboards.

This Level 1 course utilizes the AIARE course curriculum. At the end of the course you will be able to:

• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain
• Recognize avalanche terrain
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue

This trip starts by heading to the Big Sandy Trailhead near the southern end of the Winds. A half day hike gets you to the base of Haystack Mountain (11,978′), an ideal location for multi-pitch climbing on clean granite in a spectacular wilderness setting. Other nearby peaks such as Steeple Peak, (12,040′), East Temple Peak (12,600′) and Sundance Pinnacle (11,081′) offer some beautiful routes and summits.

The area around Haystack is surrounded by miles of wilderness hiking, and there is fishing in the nearby streams and lakes. This is the perfect location for family trips with activities for everyone.

The first day we’ll get to the roadhead in mid to late morning. The hike in from Big Sandy trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a pleasant 5.5 mile trail with only 600’ of elevation gain. At the lake we will head south to the Deep Lake area near Haystack Mountain. The trails steepen en route to a campsite near timberline.

The following days will be spent ascending peaks and climbing; with the vast variety of routes available, you and your guide will find climbs to match your goals and ability level.

The last day it’s possible to climb a few pitches in the morning, or simply head directly back down the trail to the roadhead.
 
5- DAY CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS
A few hours beyond Haystack Mountain and over Big Sandy Pass is the Cirque of the Towers, which contains the largest concentration of high-quality climbing routes in the Wind Rivers. Amongst the many fine climbs are two of the legendary 50 Classics in North America: the East Ridge of Wolf’s Head (II, 5.5) and the Northeast face of Pingora (IV, 5.8).

Whether you wish to simply experience some of the finest wilderness rock climbing in America or you want to concentrate on improving your climbing skills, the Cirque of the Towers is an ideal location that has drawn climbers from around the world for decades.

The itinerary is similar to the five-day course, but on the hike in, we will turn north at Big Sandy Lake and travel three miles north to the Cirque of Towers, camping in the Lonesome Lake area.

While some of the high peaks can be climbed in a day, remember that the rather lengthy approaches make turning these climbs into an overnight adventure a good option.

Surprise Pinnacle
Some say that the view from the top of Surprise Pinnacle is one of the most spectacular in Grand Teton National Park.  This moderately strenuous adventure is for those who want to get off the beaten path, and experience the beauty of the Tetons without the demanding fifth class climbing of the Grand Teton.

Cube Point

CUBE POINT 9,920+’ II, 4TH CLASS

This small peak, perched on a ridge above Jenny Lake, is one of the very best for those new to mountaineering. It offers a bit of everything: hiking, scrambling, early season snow, and an easy technical ridge to an exciting summit. The views are unsurpassed. A full day is required but it is much less energy-intensive than most of the one-day Teton climbs. This route, named the Northwest Ridge, is our favorite for those who have taken a basic school and want to sample a technical summit.

Disappointment Peak
SOUTHEAST RIDGE –  11,618’ II, 4TH CLASS
Disappointment Peak has something for everyone. The Southeast Ridge of Disappointment Peak is a pleasant one-day climb with little technical difficulty. Approached via the scenic Amphitheater Lake trail, the route offers great views throughout the day. While a rope is taken for a few tricky spots, the roped climbing ends well below the summit. Along with Surprise Pinnacle,  summit of Disappointment Peak has probably the best views of any Teton peak. For something more technical, consider the East Ridge.