Don Langlois
10-15-2009, 09:22 AM
Avalanche Awareness / Level 1 Class
To be held in Greenwater
Dec 9 & 10, 2009 @ 6pm-9pm
Email: info@RidgeExplorations.com www.ridgeexplorations.com
Phone: 253- 891- 0149
The Avalanche Awareness and Level 1 courses, revised in 2005, reflect more than 35 years of backcountry skiing experience, 25 years of guiding and professional avalanche training. These avalanche courses are most useful for backcountry recreationalists and aspiring guides, including skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and climbers who frequent winter and spring mountain terrain.
Avalanche Awareness ($205) program includes six hours of classroom and one day of field work.
Classroom and Field Trip work covers:
Trip Planning
Terrain evaluation and route finding
Snowpit skills Snow metamorphosis
Stability testing
Weather
Safe travel techniques
Field observation skills
Transceiver skills and rescue practice
Level 1 Field Trips (Cost $125)
Avalanche Awareness can be upgraded to a Level 1 Certification by taking an extra (second) field trip,
which is called the Level 1 Field Trip. This extra trip is optional.
Should I take the Level 1 extra field trip?
The Avalanche Awareness field trip is taught like a regular ski or snowshoe tour, but the focus is on transceiver skills training, rescue training and snow pit skills. It is a very full program packed with information and training, but the amount of time spent on these fundamental skills limits the amount of time for travel. It should be realized that there is a lot to learn on the subject of avalanche safety, and one day in the field is not adequate to cover what the beginning backcountry enthusiast needs. The Level 1 field trip is optional, but it is highly recommended that students take the extra training that comes with the additional Level 1 Field Trip. We cover much more ground and consequently are able to teach much more terrain evaluation and decision-making. Snow pit work is reviewed and human factors are discussed at length, as well. More travel allows students to experience the snow on several aspects while enjoying a lengthy tour under the instructional guidance of a professional guide with many years of experience in avalanche country. By taking the Level 1 Field Trip at the time of their choosing, students complete the certification process for Level 1. It takes much longer to learn the mysteries of snow stability than it does to learn to choose safe terrain. With two solid days of field instruction stressing terrain evaluation, students have a good start on the skills needed to be able to safely gain snow experience.
For those of you who have done a Level 1 Field Trip, good for you! But realize that if you want to work towards becoming a trip leader, then taking a second Level 1 Field trip is a great way to start the season. Gain more experience with a professional. Every snowpack is different. Every winter tour is different.
When stability is the question, terrain is the answer.
For more information, please go to
www.RidgeExplorations.com
Phone: 253-891-0149
Email: info@RidgeExplorations.com
To be held in Greenwater
Dec 9 & 10, 2009 @ 6pm-9pm
Email: info@RidgeExplorations.com www.ridgeexplorations.com
Phone: 253- 891- 0149
The Avalanche Awareness and Level 1 courses, revised in 2005, reflect more than 35 years of backcountry skiing experience, 25 years of guiding and professional avalanche training. These avalanche courses are most useful for backcountry recreationalists and aspiring guides, including skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and climbers who frequent winter and spring mountain terrain.
Avalanche Awareness ($205) program includes six hours of classroom and one day of field work.
Classroom and Field Trip work covers:
Trip Planning
Terrain evaluation and route finding
Snowpit skills Snow metamorphosis
Stability testing
Weather
Safe travel techniques
Field observation skills
Transceiver skills and rescue practice
Level 1 Field Trips (Cost $125)
Avalanche Awareness can be upgraded to a Level 1 Certification by taking an extra (second) field trip,
which is called the Level 1 Field Trip. This extra trip is optional.
Should I take the Level 1 extra field trip?
The Avalanche Awareness field trip is taught like a regular ski or snowshoe tour, but the focus is on transceiver skills training, rescue training and snow pit skills. It is a very full program packed with information and training, but the amount of time spent on these fundamental skills limits the amount of time for travel. It should be realized that there is a lot to learn on the subject of avalanche safety, and one day in the field is not adequate to cover what the beginning backcountry enthusiast needs. The Level 1 field trip is optional, but it is highly recommended that students take the extra training that comes with the additional Level 1 Field Trip. We cover much more ground and consequently are able to teach much more terrain evaluation and decision-making. Snow pit work is reviewed and human factors are discussed at length, as well. More travel allows students to experience the snow on several aspects while enjoying a lengthy tour under the instructional guidance of a professional guide with many years of experience in avalanche country. By taking the Level 1 Field Trip at the time of their choosing, students complete the certification process for Level 1. It takes much longer to learn the mysteries of snow stability than it does to learn to choose safe terrain. With two solid days of field instruction stressing terrain evaluation, students have a good start on the skills needed to be able to safely gain snow experience.
For those of you who have done a Level 1 Field Trip, good for you! But realize that if you want to work towards becoming a trip leader, then taking a second Level 1 Field trip is a great way to start the season. Gain more experience with a professional. Every snowpack is different. Every winter tour is different.
When stability is the question, terrain is the answer.
For more information, please go to
www.RidgeExplorations.com
Phone: 253-891-0149
Email: info@RidgeExplorations.com