Vancouver, BC training

[Professor Chaos]

Im new to backcountry and ready to get into it. Last year I spent a bit of time with a few friends, but since I dont have any training, experience or equipment we didnt go far and long. Btw, the people I went with were highly experienced guides so it wasnt some jackass mindless trip as most that tun out fatal are. Anywho, thanks to MEC Ive got a checklist of my equipment but Ive been having trouble finding where classes are. Is there a site that can help, or Vancouver mags is there a place where I can find info on this sort of stuff. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

[nesta]

Do a search of this forum and the answer will come to you. Please don't make me do it for you.

[Professor Chaos]

10-4. Ill do it myself man.

[~mikey b]

go to the CAA website

that's about as helpful anyone can be without being very helpful

[dirtybryan]

I actually posted a thread asking for recommendations in tech talk I believe for courses. I plan on taking some courses this winter since I just moved out west.

[postman22]

caa
offer courses every weekend at whistler
course is like 150 bucks
its fri theory
sat skiing practicing sat night theory
sun practicing again

most important part find some friends that are at the same level as you skiing and just practice a shitlaod wiht them

[Professor Chaos]

Thanks for the help postman. Ill probably end up with that course to start and maybe do the advanced later on. Right now Im doing all the reading I can.

[daveg]

caa
offer courses every weekend at whistler
course is like 150 bucks
its fri theory
sat skiing practicing sat night theory
sun practicing again

I think these recreational courses are offered by independant instructors certified by the CAA, there's a link on the website to all the providers organized by area. Also, check out the Backcountry Avalanche Workshop in Van, usually in November, usually sponsored by MEC. Not sure about the specifics this year.

Both worth the time and $$.

[nesta]

I think these recreational courses are offered by independant instructors certified by the CAA, there's a link on the website to all the providers organized by area. Also, check out the Backcountry Avalanche Workshop in Van, usually in November, usually sponsored by MEC. Not sure about the specifics this year.

Both worth the time and $$.

BINGO. I was referring to the thread of Lee Laus for Coast Mountain school?? West Coast Mountain School?

[OneEyedDog]

Canada West Mountain School?

http://www.themountainschool.com/

[nesta]

Canada West Mountain School?

http://www.themountainschool.com/

yeah yeah that's the one.
I know someone that has a one-eyed dog. What's your story?

[OneEyedDog]

yeah yeah that's the one.
I know someone that has a one-eyed dog. What's your story?

Just a play on letters in my name, tis all.
No dog here.

[Spark]

Here's a thread from another site that might be helpful:
http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=83504

I'm gonna take the course in December. I’ve also been reading Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper. Great book.

Finally, I need to get out and practice, and meet a group of experienced BC/AT skiers to learn from and share knowledge with.

[Professor Chaos]

So as Im doing the reading Im also looking at different products to buy and which ones are better/worse that others.

Im currently on the shovel part of my checklist and Im looking at all kinds. My question is: Are shovels that come with probes inside the handle better or should I buy them seperate. Im not looking into this as a space saving inquiry, but it seems that the ones with a probe inside seem to have pretty short probes compared to buying probes by themselves. Longer is better of course, but are there quality issues that come with those 2-in-1 shovels and how should I go about making my choice?

Can anyone give me some insight?

[Toby]

Are shovels that come with probes inside the handle better ...

Can anyone give me some insight?

Consensus is they are teh suck. Get a decent probe, aluminium > carbon, as long as possible (I'm happy with my 320cm G3) and a decent metal-bladed shovel (I've got a Voile TelePro). Personal preference, but I like a D-handle on the shovel too.

[Spark]

So as Im doing the reading Im also looking at different products to buy and which ones are better/worse that others.

Im currently on the shovel part of my checklist and Im looking at all kinds. My question is: Are shovels that come with probes inside the handle better or should I buy them seperate. Im not looking into this as a space saving inquiry, but it seems that the ones with a probe inside seem to have pretty short probes compared to buying probes by themselves. Longer is better of course, but are there quality issues that come with those 2-in-1 shovels and how should I go about making my choice?

Can anyone give me some insight?

There is a HUGE amount of information about all on this site....use the search function dude.

[nesta]

I'm with Toby, perfectly happy with my G3 320 cm Tech Speed Pro and a D-handled Voile Telepro. I also pack a shorter G3 probe that I use when searching with my dog as the long ones can be a real hindrance for this activity. The 320 can still come out of the pack if need be or be used as a spare for the first asshat who is probeless or if a probe is broken during the rescue.