Level 2 Avalanche

Bozeman Area Hut-Based Level 2 Avalanche Course

Take a Level 2 avalanche course and get a fully guided, catered yurt trip with Big Sky Backcountry Guides! Bell Lake Yurt's immersive, high-country environment brings avalanche education where it belongs: into the backcountry. Spend three days and two nights learning, exploring, and skiing/riding in the mountains--not a classroom. All BSBG Courses are accredited by the American Avalanche Association.

Course includes: Guiding and instruction, yurt accommodations, and all meals—we take care of everything, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your experience!

BSBG is the absolute best at what we do—read the reviews!

Click Dates Below to Register!

For those who have already taken a Level 1 course and want to take the next step in their mountain education, Big Sky Backcountry Guides is offering a very special, yurt-based Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Course at Bell Lake Yurt. We'll be traveling deep into the backcountry to the immersive learning environment of Bell Lake Yurt, where lessons will focus on interpreting the season snowpack history, forecasting without an advisory, utilizing group management strategies, advanced stability tests and analysis, and decision-making skills.

This Recreational Level 2 course is designed for backcountry skiers and riders with backcountry experience, who are comfortable with level 1 avalanche skills, and want to learn more. Classroom lessons will take place in the yurt, but 75% of the time, we'll be outside, skiing/riding, skinning, and learning in the mountains.

Note: Students must have previously taken a 24-hour Level 1 course and Avalanche Rescue course prior to taking a Recreational Level 2 course.

    • Link season weather history and relevant snowpack processes to current snowpack.

    • Use local avalanche advisory as well as other resources available -remote weather stations, reports, and forecasts

    • Create an avalanche hazard assessment without a local advisory.

    • Prioritize relevancy of observations and snowpack tests based on avalanche hazard and problem(s) and apply at a local scale. Key record keeping.

    • Gain deeper understanding of avalanche formation, triggering, and release mechanisms, including links to Avalanche Problems.

    • Recognize and manage risk: human factors, motivations, objectives, and limitations -through planning and communication.

    • Apply tools for planning, decision-making, and travel with consideration of group risk management and awareness of safe margins

    • Practice travel protocols and techniques to mitigate risk exposure in a variety of avalanche terrain situations and challenges

    • Understand the value of debriefing backcountry experiences.

  • o Avalanche beacon (modern, 3 antenna, w/fresh batteries)

    o Avalanche shovel

    o Avalanche probe

    o Inclinometer (many phones have this function, but it’s nice to have analog)

    o Compass (many phones have this function, but it’s nice to have analog)

    o Snow saw

    o Snow study kit (crystal card, magnifying lense, ruler) *we will have a few spares

    o Notebook and pencil (if not a dedicated snowpit book, something with grid lines)

2025/26 Course Registration is Open!

(Click to Register)

February 6-8th, 2026 (4 Spots Left!)

$849/person

(No hidden fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout)

Important Payment and Booking Info

  • The advertised price is what you pay—no fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout.

  • Courses and camps require full payment at time of booking.

  • Courses are non refundable, unless your position in the class can be filled. An $80 administrative fee will be assessed to all refunds.

  • Payments may be made via credit card. Rates do not include guide gratuity.

  • Complete payment and cancellation info HERE.

  • Booking any BSBG experience is an explicit acknowledgement and acceptance of all BSBG policies and procedures.