Best Avy 1 in the Eastern Sierra?

**Steven S. Dallas** · 12-20-2007, 01:29 PM

Hello, frequent perusers of the Slide Zone,

Where's the best place to do an Avy 1 class here in Californ-i-a? I don't really know what I'm looking for in an avy class, other than I'd like to be able to make some turns before, after, or during the class.

**Rontele** · 12-20-2007, 02:08 PM

If you are looking to get ample ski time in a Level I, you'll be disappointed. The first two days are geared heavily towards classroom work, with the last day (or day and a half) geared towards field work and routefinding. But afterwards, you'll have enough knowledge to knowingly kill yourself!

As for suggestions, I have none.

**Steven S. Dallas** · 12-20-2007, 04:09 PM

No, I'm not expecting ample ski time. I'd just like to be someplace where I can maybe do a little pre-class dawn patrolling. I'm not a total snow science JONG, but I figure this would be a good thing to do so I can take more advanced classes later.

I actually thought of something- it'd be cool if the class was geared more specifically towards skiers/riders. Might make a difference, not sure though.

**Rontele** · 12-20-2007, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Steven S. Dallas

No, I'm not expecting ample ski time. I'd just like to be someplace where I can maybe do a little pre-class dawn patrolling. I'm not a total snow science JONG, but I figure this would be a good thing to do so I can take more advanced classes later.

I actually thought of something- it'd be cool if the class was geared more specifically towards skiers/riders. Might make a difference, not sure though.

Mammoth?

Hugh Conway · 12-20-2007, 05:33 PM

Stick to sucking cock in the alleywall for a quarter rontele.

http://www.sierramountaineering.com/avalanche.html
http://sierramtnguides.com/courses/C...ncheCourse.htm
http://www.bardini.org/bb_ski.htm
http://www.sierramountaincenter.com/..._courses1.html

Are 4 providers on the East Side (note Bardini & Sierra Mountain Center are combined this year so maybe it's 3). They all are based out of Bishop it looks like, and I've no personal experience with any of them.

Mountain Adventure Seminars
http://www.mtadventure.com/pages/ava...on.html#level1
out of Bear Valley (that's east of Stockton, south of Kirkwood) is closer to the snow, if farther away, and might allow for morning/evening turns.

Elsewhise, maybe Tahoe? Alpine Skills?

**Steven S. Dallas** · 12-20-2007, 05:39 PM

Thanks for the linkage- any experiences with any of them? I'd checked out SMI and SMC and both look solid; since pretty much all of them use the AIARE curriculum I was interested to know more about first-hand experience, the instructors, facilities, etc.

Hugh Conway · 12-20-2007, 09:00 PM

Alas, I'm of no help there. My only Avy Class in California was with ASI (North Lake Tahoe) 10 years ago and the instructor, Norm Wilson, has passed on.

**homemadesalsa** · 12-20-2007, 09:46 PM

Hey there- I have had Tim Villanueva of the Bardini foundation courses come shadow/ critique a couple of our classes here in the Tetons. He is a good teacher- knows his stuff- and sure did like to make some turns when he went out with us.

You might check to see which courses follow the new AAA guidelines (http://www.americanavalancheassociat...education.html Look in upper right corner for downloads of guidelines- they were revised this past summer and make a lot of sense.

Hope that helps.
salsa

**hutash** · 12-23-2007, 01:18 PM

I have heard nothing but good things about all three eastside avi classes. Of the three I would go with SMC. SP Parker, and Todd Vogel are solid peeps. I have met both at talks, and have been looking at the website for a few years. SP is on the board of ESAC, as are some of the guides at the other services. I planned to do avi last year, but the snow pack sucked so much. I may try and do the Feb. class with SMC.

**Steven S. Dallas** · 12-23-2007, 04:07 PM

Thanks Salsa and Hutash, I appreciate the help.

Hutash, I was planning on doing Feb. as well. Let me know what you decide, I'd like to meet some of the SoCal maggotry (other than comish, to whom I owe much beer).

**BigKuba** · 01-14-2008, 11:39 PM

Old thread bump. I was just thinking that it would be a good idea to (re)take one of these. I've taken an unofficial level 1 type thing in WY way back when through NOLS (?) but feel like I would benefit from a retake. Feb sounds like as good a time as any, and I'd be stoked to meet more SoCal maggots as well. Senores Dallas and Hutash, is this still on your radar?

**Mach Looney** · 01-15-2008, 03:22 PM

I'm definitely down for a Level 1 course. SMC has classes Feb. 1-3 and 16-18. The 16-18 session looks good -- wouldn't have to take any time off from work and Mammoth would be a clusterfuck from the holiday weekend anyway. Plus there's the chance to witness the Patriots lose on the 3rd and I can't pass that up.

**comish** · 01-15-2008, 08:39 PM

Mrs. Comish and a crew did a class either last year or the year before, can't remember. I will find out who it was from. Everyone seemed to think it was pretty good. Ask Tarkman how finding the beacon went

**Arty50** · 01-23-2008, 10:33 PM

Search function JONG (actually, I used the secret google search)

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=37978

Originally Posted by Joey Bag O' Donuts

If you want a great Avy course located in some of the best BC in the lower 48, I highly recommend the Sierra Mountain Center based out of Bishop, Ca. They are AMGA certified, and All SMC avalanche instructors are trained by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and hold AIARE level III certifications. They are also members of the American Avalanche Association and support both these organizations' efforts to improve and standardize avalanche awareness instruction. With this course, you will get a level 1 certification, as the course fulfills the 1999 requirements of the AAA (American Avalanche Association ) for a Level I course. Note: the length of a Level I course has been extended to three days from the two days of previous years. The course uses the curriculum developed by AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education). Also to be aware of, you may see other courses around that are two days in length but some of these do not meet any professional requirements and they generally aren’t very comprehensive.
My Instuctor was Robert "SP" Parker, and I can't even emphasize on how well the program is outlined through the Curriculum in the classroom, as well as the field. If you want to gain the knowledge, start with the best for your level 1 foundation, you won't be dissapointed.

**usarugger** · 02-14-2008, 05:13 PM

MAS has a ski/snowboard specific Level I course. It's great because you utilize the help of the lifts at Bear Valley in order to get more looks at terrain both in and out of bounds.

**Steven S. Dallas** · 02-14-2008, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by BigKuba

Senores Dallas and Hutash, is this still on your radar?

The only thing that's on my radar is ACL surgery, man. No Avy 1 for me this year. That said, I'd decided on SMC before I fucked myself up, mostly because the guy I talked to there seemed cool.

Thought for those considering a February session: given that you will be doing some standing around outside, it might not be a terrible idea to wait until it warms up a little bit. You never know what the weather's going to be doing, but something to consider I guess.

This was going to be a fun season. Fuck, I hate myself.