U of U avy classes: which one to take?
so University of Utah offers two avalanche classes, and i'm not sure which one to take.
Class A:
PRTS 2007: Natural Resources Learning, Snow-Based: Backcountry Avalanche (2)
Class meets Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4. Field trips Jan 30, 31. No camping. Snowshoe, backcountry ski, snowboard/snowshoe travel in steep terrain. Analysis of stability, snowpack change, terrain, human factors, rescue possibilities.
Through instructor lectures, slides, videos, critiques of past avalanche accidents, and in snow field experiences, backcountry travelers learn of avalanche weather, snow structure and metamorphism, safe group travel techniques, safe route selection, avalanche rescue techniques, and to assess factors leading to snowpack instabilities.
Class B:
PRTS 2008: Natural Resources Learning, Snow-Based: Avalanche Awareness (1.5)
Class meets Jan 20 only. Field trip Jan 30, 31. No camping. Level I equivalent. Practical skills for travel over snow, avalanche causes, rescue, and decision making.
Practical field experience, lectures, slides, and films acquaint Wasatch skiers and snowboarders with problems encountered in back-country travel. Course provides a basic working knowledge of group safety, route-finding, and minimizing winter hazards in the backcountry of Utah mountains.
Which one should i take and why?