Getting the most out of an AIARE Level 1 class?

[adrenalated]

Are these really needed for a level 1 class? I am taking my class soon and they were not on the gear list???

You won't use a crystal card and magnifying glass in L1. You might use a snow saw to do some basic pit work but AIARE has moved most of that to L2 in order to focus more on terrain and human factors in L1.

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[kailas]

Jeez, go back to jersey, we got enough jamokes in the state.

[Bromontana]

look around for non AIARE alternative classes
never took avvy 1
but took a semester long snow science class thru the u that totally blew away the weekend avvy 2 class for about the same $$$
it was a 4 hour a week class time w/ 5 hours field time every fri and bonus ask the instructors whatever during happy hour at the gmd or rustler
that class garnered no cert because skipped a lot of companion rescue and some important things, but
that certs like a degree aint much more than a piece of paper.
using the knowledge is what matters
and that class gave me way more snow geekery knowledge than avvy 2
dug 10x the pits got to observe the snowpack over a semester vrs. a weeekend

You take that Geog 4140 or wharever at the U? I took it back in 02 or so, great course. Classes down in Murray, field trips in LCC. Fun times, 4 credits so we had to calculate angle of expected fracture, etc.

The instructor was about 70, old guard at alta. I had a snowboard for the class and hiked. One time he was reading my notes at the pit on "Patsey Marley's backside." He did not see humor in the pun... but I did have the right snow profile

[summit]

Your instructor should give you some pre-course assignments or reading. Do them.

Being of at least average fitness and basically competent on your mode of travel will give you and everyone else a better experience. You'll cover more ground plus you learn better if you aren't focused on catching your breath every time a field group stops to talk.

I'd say volunteer as often as you can during the class to be the test subject who attempts a pit/shovel/etc. test, whatever, as going through the motions and getting a physical feel for the snow/tests really helped me bring it home and memorize it. Versus standing back and watching.

If your class only had one or a few students doing each skill you described instead of rotating all students through at least once, you had a crappy instructor.

Show up with a crystal card and magnifying loop and 30 cm snow saw.

Maybe... many AIARE L1 courses barely touch on snow pit tests. Of course I think a saw is a great idea, and it should be at least 35cm.

Few if any L1 classes focus on crystal ID. Sure I did that in my L1 in 2003, but that isn't the best use of student time. I carry extra magnifiers and cards because I never expect an L1 student to have them. I show crystals to match classroom ideas to the real world and primarily for the ooh-ahh factor. But I don't expect L1 students to have a use for these tools or to identify crystals on their own beyond facets they can see without a lens.

Depth markings on your probe are nice to have, too. But it's not worth buying a new one just to have them if you already own a probe.

I actually disagree. Depth markings are pretty important for many reasons from checking for variations as you travel, to rescue, to use in the pit.

[SgtSkidmark]

Before class: Know your gear and be reasonably fit so you aren't the slow one.

After class: Get out in the terrain as soon and as frequently as possible to reinforce what you learned. Using the blue book before, during, and after a trip really helps to keep the foundational concepts fresh in mind so they can be built upon.

[Pinner]

TO CLARIFY ABOVE ADVICE:

AFTER: Yes, get out and practice your decision-making skills, but please do so under the mentorship and guidance of more experienced skiers. An unskilled Level 1 graduate is a dangerous thing.

BEFORE: Be in shape and know your gear. If you spend time fumbling with your zippers or catching your breath, you aren't focused on the course. You do not need a crystal card, thermometers or a saw for an AIARE 1 course. Change the batteries in your transceiver. Buy an inclinometer. ("What about the one in my phone?" No.) Waterproof your gloves. Trim and wax. (...your skins, freak) Throw away the sleeve your probe came in. Practice opening and closing it with your gloves on in the dark. For extra credit, watch A Dozen More Turns
"A Dozen More Turns"

Enjoy your course.

[SgtSkidmark]

TO CLARIFY ABOVE ADVICE:

AFTER: Yes, get out and practice your decision-making skills, but please do so under the mentorship and guidance of more experienced skiers. An unskilled Level 1 graduate is a dangerous thing.

YES, thank you! An unskilled level 1 can be dangerous, although probably more cautious and less dangerous than a semi-experienced level 1. Kind of like general aviation. Newly minted private pilots aren't the ones killing themselves. It's the guys with a couple hundred hours who think they got it dialed when they really don't know what they don't know yet. Glad AIARE is focusing on human factors!

Seems a good time to point out that even if you're out with a BC god, you can AND SHOULD be an active and vocal member of the group. You won't learn much if you just let someone experienced guide you around. Ask questions, speak up if you have a bad feeling, say no if you're not comfortable. If they give you shit for asking questions or saying no to a line, that's not a good BC partner IMO. There are countless examples of avalanche survivors saying they felt weird about a line, but were with a bunch of "pros" and didn't speak up. There is always somewhere safe to ski, and that untouched line might be untouched for a damn good reason, even if you can't figure it out.

[captbennett17]

Good thread idea. I'm signed up for the level one class at Stevens pass on Jan 9-11 so I will be watching this thread.

I had the same thought about minimal snowpack as Northwest Mountain School offers December dates as well.

I just took the class with Patty at Stevens Pass. Really well done and loved the way the class is set up. On the third day you have the choice of accessing the terrain from Cowboy Mountain or hike up Skyline Ridge.

Have fun!

[east or bust]

Great thread.