Help me not endanger (potentially) you...

I'm at square one of off-resort skiing. Maybe square 1.2, as I now own AT skis/bindings/skins, and I've done some slack skiing out the gates of Heavenly.

I'd like to get out and tour. I love the exercise, and I'm perfectly happy to work for my scenery/turns.

But... I don't know what the fuck I'm doing.

I've got no avalanche training. Bruce Tremper's book is sitting at home. Gonna get read over the next week or so.

So, that said, what are folks' thoughts on these two courses:

Intro to Backcountry Skiing (1 day, $130)
http://www.alpineskills.com/bcsm_intro.html

and

Full on AIARE course @ K-wood for $370.
http://www.kirkwood.com/main.asp?pID=108

Should I read the book, take the intro course and then go get myself and anyone downhill from me killed?

From what I gather, the AIARE course is the gold standard. Am I an idiot to consider starting with just an intro course?

I'm generally wary of "intro" courses when there's an existing certificate program.

All that said, anyone want to pop my b/c cherry after I take either of the courses?

No doubt nobody's interested in more idiots wandering around the woods of the Tahoe area, but hopefully there's room for one more.

-cc

ps -- Thoughts on this for a beacon?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/1054836004.html

I'm in the same boat, just signed up for the AIARE 1 with Chris Carr's outfit in Shasta after talking with him he said it would be an appropriate intro the bc while also giving me the basic avy knowledge. Seems like it's the best of both.

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Originally Posted by snapt

I'm in the same boat, just signed up for the AIARE 1 with Chris Carr's outfit in Shasta after talking with him he said it would be an appropriate intro the bc while also giving me the basic avy knowledge. Seems like it's the best of both.

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http://www.shastaguides.com/node/50

This gig? Looks cool. I'll keep that in mind if the K-wood one fills up while I'm being indecisive.

Yup that's the one. From everything I have heard they are a great group of guides and Chris was very helpful over the phone helping me figure out what was the best route for me to get introduced to the bc. I'm stoked.

Take an AIARE Level 1. Don't take the "intro" one day course.

The course content isn't that technical, so reading Tremper's book before taking the course isn't necessary, but it will give you a foundation on the basics of snow science - and it's an excellent book (not dry like some of the others). What the course does cover in a little more depth is the human factors side of the equation which is the real meat of the matter. Plus, you'll likely meet some potential touring partners.

I just took my AIARE avy 1 last week. My course was a bit more focused on field work as opposed to classwork (we stayed in a bc yurt for the two nights of the class), I liked being immersed in everything 24/7 personally - thus I'd vote for the Shasta class of those two assuming it's more field oriented. Also, I'd recommend reading thru the Tremper book some, if nothing else to get familiar and comfortable with the terms. I'm actually in the process of re-reading the book now post-class to further solidify my understanding of any concepts.

I've got an Ortovox D3, brand new in the box, I'll let go for $225.

Once you've got your gear and taken your course let's go hit Deso for a quick weekend jong tour.

Get with some people who know what they are doing and go skiing. Dig pits and see what the other folks have to say. The AIAIRE class is worth the cost, but it won't mean much unless you just get out there and evaluate the conditions for yourself (preferably with some more experienced guys or gals to keep you safe for next time). Its a lifelong study. Emphasis on the long (hopefully).

Definitely read a book or two before the course so you have a solid foundation of terminology etc. That way you aren't paying the 300 to learn things that you could have easily picked up in a book. Also, courses are only as valuable as the questions you ask, so having a bit of a background will allow you to ask more important questions.

nomensteven hit on a good point. I was asking a TON of questions during my 3 days because 1) I paid for it and 2) I like staying alive. The more you ask the more you'll get out of the class.

I don't think the order you do things is as important as realizing it is a continual process or learning and keeping current and keeping your head in the game and then acting accordingly. That being said +1 on reading Tremper's book before your class. You'll probably learn more in the class if your brain is sort of primed with more basic knowledge. I took a level 1 course 5 years ago, try to re-read Tremper's book every year or so, read the avie conditions/forecast for my 2 "local" areas almost daily, watch the Wx religiously, and honestly I'm still an avie JONG. Just don't take a class and then think you're all good to go and safe and shit. The more you keep your head in the game the safer you'll be

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Originally Posted by Crystal_Mt_Dreamin

I've got an Ortovox D3, brand new in the box, I'll let go for $225.

Once you've got your gear and taken your course let's go hit Deso for a quick weekend jong tour.

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Skip that Tracker, drop the extra on the D3 that is above, buy a good shovel and a 3 meter probe.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll skip the "intro" course and shell out for the level one and then venture out with experienced folks.
Definitely going to read the Tremper book before the class.
Impending unemployment is going to give me some time to brush up.

I just signed up for the Kirkwood avy 1 course, anyone else going to be there?

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Originally Posted by skimoore

I just signed up for the Kirkwood avy 1 course, anyone else going to be there?

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I'm in. PM sent.

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Originally Posted by Carboxylic

The AIAIRE class is worth the cost, but it won't mean much unless you just get out there and evaluate the conditions for yourself (preferably with some more experienced guys or gals to keep you safe for next time). Its a lifelong study. Emphasis on the long (hopefully).

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Carboxylic also hit it head on. Learning how to test the snow is one thing, actually doing it is what counts.