Backcountry / Avalanche Awareness Lectures - Helpful or Not?

[Skis4Fun]

Are Backcountry / Avalanche Awareness lectures worth attending? Always, Sometimes, Never, Only if not Avalanche Level 1 certified

I am hoping to learn more about backcountry / avalanche awareness and would appreciate your input about what you learned from these types of lectures which vary from 1 hour to 3 hours and from free to $20.

A) Please vote.

B) Please post the presenting organizations and/or presenters' names plus lecture locations (city, state/province) and lecture name/attendance year (if easily recalled) of those lectures that you have attended.

C) What did you learn/were glad to be reminded of (memorable quotes, facts, methods, etc.)?

D) If you are aware of any other upcoming backcountry / avalanche awareness lectures that are not listed below or changes to the listings, please post info and links. This is not a question about Avalanche Level 1-2-3 certification multi-day type courses which will be addressed in a separate thread.

To prompt your memory I have listed below the Fall 2006 - Winter 2007 backcountry / avalanche awareness lectures that I know of organized by state/province & city/metropolitan area.

[Skis4Fun]

Backcountry / Avalanche Awareness Lectures – AK, CA

** CONTACT THE LOCATION &/OR PRESENTING ORGANIZATION BEFORE YOU GO AS DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

U.S.A.

ALASKA

ANCHORAGE, AK


Avalanche Hazard Recognition Workshop
An 8-hour classroom workshop for all mountain travelers (snowmachiners, skiers, snowboarders, climbers, snowshoers, etc.) interested in a solid introduction to avalanches, avalanche terrain, recognizing clues to instability, route-finding and rescue. Pre-registration is required for this free workshop. This is a great companion course with AVALANCHE RESCUE. Recommended reading: Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard, by Fredston and Fesler. Register For This Course by calling 907-345-0878. www.alaskaavalanche.com
Cost: Free but registration required.

Locations:
11/25/06 Eagle River, AK
12/2/06 Anchorage, AK



Avalanche Awareness

This clinic is for all mountain travelers (snowmachiners, skiers, snowboarders, climbers, snowshoers, etc.) interested in an introduction to avalanches, avalanche terrain, recognizing clues to instability, route-finding and rescue. This clinic is presented by The Alaska Avalanche School, an outgrowth of the Alaska Mountain Safety Center, a non-profit organization created to promote public safety in the mountain environment. The Alaska Avalanche School offers a variety of avalanche safety classes for all levels of expertise. www.alaskaavalanche.com
Cost: Free

Locations:
3/1/07 7pm - REI Anchorage, AK www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=16




CALIFORNIA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA


Snowcamping 101

The Snowcamping Section of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club will kick off its 38th training season with an introductory slide lecture on the essentials for surviving an overnight in the snow. Come learn the basics of safe and enjoyable ski or snowshoe travel: how to stay warm and dry, build snow shelters, locate water, prepare meals in a snow kitchen and navigate through avalanche terrain. For more information on the Snowcamping Section’s winter backcountry skills field course, visit www.snowcamping.org or call (415) 487-5465.
Cost: Free

Locations:
11/29/06 7pm - REI Mountain View, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=104
11/30/06 7pm - REI Corte Madera, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=76
12/5/06 7pm - REI Concord, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=46
12/5/06 7pm - REI Fremont, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=71
12/7/06 7pm - REI Santa Rosa, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=104



Avalanche Awareness Lecture by Mountain Adventure Seminars

An exciting and educational 2 hour multimedia lecture providing an overview of the awesome phenomenon of avalanches! Gain a basic understanding of classification, formation and release of avalanches. This programs is a great primer before taking the Avalanche Level I or Level II Seminars or as a refresher before heading on a backcountry adventure. All lecture participants receive a 10% discount on Level I & II programs. http://mtadventure.com/pages/avalanc...n.html#lecture
Price: $15

Locations:
12/5/06 6:30pm-8:30pm - Marmot Mountain Works Berkeley, CA http://marmotmountainworks.com/events_ca.htm
1/16/07 6:30pm-8:30pm - Marmot Mountain Works Berkeley, CA http://marmotmountainworks.com/events_ca.htm
2/6/07 6:30pm-8:30pm - Marmot Mountain Works Berkeley, CA http://marmotmountainworks.com/events_ca.htm



Skiing Colorado’s 14ers with World Class Freeskier Chris Davenport

Chris will share slides and stories of his most exciting summits and descents, and give you a sneak peek at the documentary film made about his quest. He’ll also discuss the gear he used and how he trained for this amazing ski mountaineering adventure. Don’t miss the chance to win a gift certificate for a pair of Salomon XWing Fury skis, donated by Salomon to raffle at the show!
Cost: Free

Locations:
12/6/06 7pm - REI Berkeley, CA http://www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=12
12/7/06 7pm - REI Saratoga in San Jose, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=22



Dick Penniman’s Avalanche Safety Lecture

Internationally known avalanche instructor and consultant Dick Penniman has taught avalanche safety courses for the National Avalanche School, the Alaska Avalanche School, the American Avalanche Institute and several mountain colleges. Join Dick here at REI for a lively and informative slide lecture and video presentation on the fundamentals: avalanche phenomena, meteorology, snowpack formation, route selection, stability evaluation and rescue techniques. Lecture fee: $20; payment may be made to Dick at the lecture. For more information, email Dick at dpenniman@snowbridge.org.
Cost: $20

Locations:
1/9/07 6pm-9:15pm - REI Saratoga in San Jose, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=22
1/10/07 6pm-9:15pm - REI Berkeley, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=12
1/16/07 6pm-9:15pm - REI San Francisco, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=83
1/17/07 6pm-9:15pm - REI San Carlos, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=38




SACRAMENTO, CA


Avalanche Awareness Lecture by Mountain Adventure Seminars

Spend an evening learning about the awesome phenomenon of avalanches. Join Aaron Johnson from Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) for an educational and exciting 2-hour multimedia presentation covering the basics of avalanche classification, formation and release. Emphasis will be on how avalanches pertain to backcountry winter travelers and how to stay out of harms way. This program is a great primer before taking an avalanche education course or as a refresher before heading on a backcountry adventure. http://mtadventure.com/pages/avalanc...n.html#lecture
Cost: $12 for Members/$15 for Non-Members/ $5 of the fee is donated to the Sierra Avalanche Center

Locations:
11/29/06 6:30pm-8:30pm - REI Sacramento, CA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=21
1/9/07 6:30pm-8:30pm - REI Roseville, CA http://mtadventure.com/pages/avalanc...n.html#lecture
1/18/07 6:30pm-8:30pm - REI Folson, CA http://mtadventure.com/pages/avalanc...n.html#lecture

[Skis4Fun]

Backcountry / Avalanche Awareness Lectures – CO

** CONTACT THE LOCATION &/OR PRESENTING ORGANIZATION BEFORE YOU GO AS DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

COLORADO

DENVER, CO


Avalanche Awareness Training by Friends of Berthoud Pass

Halsted Morris (Hacksaw on TGR), formerly the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s Chief Instructor, and one of the most respected and experienced avalanche educators in North America, will provide backcountry travelers with an overview of avalanche awareness, avoidance, rescue and forecasting methods and skills. Topics such as route selection, hazard minimization, best practices, preparedness and terrain analysis will be covered in a three-hour classroom presentation. On-snow sessions at Berthoud Pass will follow in January 2007. http://www.berthoudpass.org/index.php?s=20
Cost: Free

Locations:
10/18/06 7pm - Winter Park Pub Winter Park, CO www.winterparkpub.com
10/24/06 7pm - Messiah Baptist Church Denver, CO www.themessiahbaptistchurch.com
10/26/06 7pm - CU Earth Sciences Building #180 Boulder, CO http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/earthsciences/map.htm
11/14/06 7pm-9:30pm - Messiah Baptist Church Denver, CO www.themessiahbaptistchurch.com
11/16/06 7pm - CU Earth Sciences Building Boulder, CO http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/earthsciences/map.htm
12/5/06 7pm-9:30pm - Hyatt Main Street Station - Independence Ballroom Breckenridge, CO www.mainstreetstation.com
12/7/06 7pm-9:30pm - Winter Park Pub Winter Park, CO www.winterparkpub.com



Avalanche Awareness

Colorado is ranked #1 in avalanche-related deaths. Everyone believes that it cannot happen to them...but it can! Learn what you don't know, what you should know & the basics of what you MUST know (all that we can fit into an hour and a half) to help you decide WILL THIS SLOPE SLIDE? Years of experience have made the Alpine Rescue, Colorado Mountain School, El Paso Search & Rescue, Mountain Aid Training International, and National Ski Patrol experts in avalanche awareness and mountain travel. Join the professionals as they teach you how to recognize and avoid avalanche conditions. This is a must for all backcountry enthusiasts!
Cost: Free

Locations:
11/21/06 7pm - REI Denver, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=18
12/13/06 7pm - REI Denver, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=18



Salomon Wintersport Event: Chris Davenport "Ski the 14ers"

Big mountain skier Chris Davenport will give a multi-media presentation about his quest to climb and ski all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot-plus mountains in a single year. The presentation will include: a teaser from the film about his quest; a slideshow; stories from his most interesting summits and descents; how he trained; the gear he used and Q & A. Salomon will also provide a raffle gift certificate at each location for a pair of XWing skis that Davenport used in his quest (not the actual skis, but the same model).
Cost: Free

Locations:
REI Denver, CO 11/28/06 7pm - www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=18



Avalanche Awareness

Learn what you don't know, what you should know & the basics of what you MUST know (all that we can fit into an hour and a half) to help you decide WILL THIS SLOPE SLIDE? Years of experience have made the National Ski Patrol, Colorado Mountain School, Alpine Rescue, Diamond Patrol/Ortovox Rep or the Crested Butte Mountain Guides experts in avalanche awareness and mountain travel. Join the professionals as they teach you how to recognize and avoid avalanche conditions. This is a must for all backcountry enthusiasts!
Cost: Free

Location:
12/5/06 7pm - REI Boulder, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=44



Avalanche Awareness Clinic

Colorado is ranked #1 in avalanche-related deaths. Everyone believes that it cannot happen to them...but it can! Learn what you don't know, what you should know & the basics of what you MUST know (all that we can fit into an hour and a half) to help you decide WILL THIS SLOPE SLIDE? Years of experience have made the guides from the Colorado Mountain School (CMS) experts in avalanche awareness and mountain travel. Join the professionals as they teach you how to recognize and avoid avalanche conditions. This is a must for all backcountry enthusiasts!
In this free clinic our expert guides give an introduction to how avalanches happen, what they look like, and how to avoid them. Our guides are American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) trained to teach avalanche courses, and they also spend some 300 days a year in the field—they know snow from an academic and practical perspective, and they share their knowledge with you. Topics covered include: Types of avalanches, Avalanche terrain, Snowpack analysis, Weather considerations, Avalanche decision-making, Trip planning and preparation, Travel techniques. Colorado Mountain School
http://www.totalclimbing.com/page.ph...&category_id=9
Cost: Free. Call 800-836-4008 to register.

Locations:
11/9/06 7pm - REI 1789 28th Street, Boulder, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=44
11/14/06 8pm – Montbell 1755 29th Street, Boulder, CO www.montbell.com
11/21/06 7pm-8pm - Dick’s Flatiron Crossing, Broomfield, CO www.dickssportinggoods.com
11/28/06 7pm-8pm - Gander Mountain 9923 Grant St, Thornton, CO www.gandermountain.com
11/29/06 8pm-9p - Neptune Mountaineering 633 S Broadway, Boulder, CO www.neptunemountaineering.com
11/30/06 7pm-8pm - JAX Outdoor Gear 1200 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO www.jaxoutdoor.com
12/5/06 7pm - REI 4025 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=49
12/7/06 7pm-8pm - Bass Proshop 7970 E 49th Ave, Denver, CO http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...reID=43#events
12/12/06 8pm-9pm - Montbell 1755 29th Street, Boulder, CO www.montbell.com
1/11/07 7pm-8pm - JAX Outdoor Gear 1200 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO www.jaxoutdoor.com
1/17/07 8pm-9pm - Neptune Mountaineering 633 S Broadway, Boulder, CO www.neptunemountaineering.com
2/7/07 8pm-9pm - Neptune Mountaineering 633 S Broadway, Boulder, CO
2/21/07 7pm - REI 1416 Platte St, Denver, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=18



Avalanche Awareness

Learn what you don't know, what you should know & the basics of what you must know (all that we can fit into an hour and a half) to help you decide WILL THIS SLOPE SLIDE? Years of experience have made the Colorado Mountain School, Crested Butte Mountain Guides, and National Ski Patrol experts in avalanche awareness and mountain travel. Join the professionals as they teach you how to recognize and avoid avalanche conditions. This is a must for all backcountry enthusiasts.
Cost: Free

Location:
12/11/06 7pm - REI Colorado Springs, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=68



Clinic - Case Studies of Four Avalanche Missions in Central Colorado presented by Susan Purvis
Join Susan as she discusses how not to get caught in an avalanche, who is getting caught in them, what can be learned from these avalanche case studies, how to avoid avalanche terrain, how and why rescue dogs work and what rescue efforts are used on the scene. Crested Butte Outdoors www.cboutdoors.com

Location:
12/6/06 8pm - Neptune Mountaineering 633 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 303-499-8866 www.neptunemountaineering.com



Avalanche Awareness Clinic with Markus Beck

“Myths and Facts of Traveling in Avalanche Terrain”
Avalanches are a common and spectacular occurrence in the snowy mountains, but in their physical beauty, they hide a brutal truth. There are as many myths about avalanches as there are snowflakes... and no snowflake is the same! These misperceptions about avalanches can have dire consequences: Every year, people get hurt or die in the winter backcountry due to avalanches. Colorado is known for its “champagne powder”, but also as the nationwide leader of avalanche accidents. Join Alpine World Ascents, a Boulder based professional mountain guide outfit, for an informative and entertaining avalanche awareness clinic. With many slides and comprehensive explanations, you will be introduced to the avalanche phenomenon learning about terrain, weather, snow pack, and human factors that influence decision making. www.alpineworldascents.com

Locations:
Neptune Mountaineering 633 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 303-499-8866 12/13/06 8pm - www.neptunemountaineering.com
Neptune Mountaineering 633 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 303-499-8866 1/10/07 8pm - www.neptunemountaineering.com



Avalanche Transceiver Basics

Join a professional as he teaches you how to effectively and efficiently use an avalanche transceiver to locate buried companions.
A National Ski Patrol expert will provide excellent tips on practicing with and use of avalanche transceivers, plus avalanche awareness and mountain travel.
This is a highly educational program for all winter backcountry enthusiasts.
Cost: Free

Locations:
12/14/06 7pm - REI Denver, CO www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=18

[Skis4Fun]

Backcountry / Avalanche Awareness Lectures – ID, NV, UT

** CONTACT THE LOCATION &/OR PRESENTING ORGANIZATION BEFORE YOU GO AS DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

IDAHO

BOISE, ID


Backcountry Travel Hazards and Avalanche Incident Response

Kirk Bachman, Sawtooth Mountain Guides, presents information about backcountry travel hazards and avalanche incident response.This free clinic presentation will include information valanche rescue scenarios, effective use of tour participants, equipment considerations, leadership, and complex/multiple burials. If you are interested in additional information a fee class at Bogus Basin Mountain Resort will be offered by Kirk Bachman on Saturday, December 30, 2006. www.sawtoothguides.com
Cost: Free

Location:
12/27/06 7pm - REI Boise, ID www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=47




NEVADA

RENO, NV


Avalanche Safety Seminar by Dick Penniman

Backcountry skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers are invited to attend this popular avalanche lecture given by Dick Penniman, internationally recognized avalanche consultant and educator. An overview of the avalanche phenomenon stressing the elements of mountain weather, snow pack, and terrain that causes avalanches. Rescue equipment is also compared. This seminar is a stand-alone introduction to avalanche safety or a refresher for those who have studied avalanche safety before. Come early for a good seat. www.snowbridge.org
Cost: $20

Location:
12/6/06 7pm - REI Reno, NV www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=67




UTAH

SALT LAKE CITY, UT


Chris Davenport Skis the 14ers

There are 54 rugged mountain peaks in Colorado over 14000 feet, and in 2006, professional freeskier Chris Davenport made it his quest to be the first to ski them all in a single season. www.skithe14ers.com
Cost: Free

Locations:
10/24/06 7pm - REI Salt Lake City, UT www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=19



Know Before You Go: Intro to Avalanche Awareness

The Wasatch Front is home to some of the world's finest winter backcountry terrain. But the rise in popularity of backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling comes with an increased risk in avalanche danger. In this evening's presentation, a local avalanche professional will tell their story about close calls or accidents they have experienced in the backcountry and show a narrated video of avalanches, people triggering avalanches and the destructive power of avalanches. This presentation will then focus on instruction on the basics of how to recognize avalanche terrain & obvious signs of instability, safe travel practices, basics of avalanche rescue equipment and self-rescue procedures, and where to obtain information about current avalanche conditions. The Know Before You Go avalanche education program is an all ages and family event presented by experts from the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center. This lecture always fills to capacity, so please arrive early to ensure that you get a seat. www.avalanche.org/~uac/
Cost: Free

Locations:
11/16/06 7pm - Kirkham's Salt Lake City, UT www.kirkhams.com
11/28/06 7pm - REI Salt Lake City, UT www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=19
12/7/06 7pm - REI Sandy, UT www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=81
12/7/06 7pm - Hansen Mountaineering 1799 North State St, Orem, UT 801-226-7498 www.hansenmountaineering.com




The Science of Avalanches

Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Center will give a talk titled Science of Avalanches and will do a signing of his book, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain. This is the next step beyond an avalanche awareness talk where Bruce will discuss precisely how avalanches work and the science behind them explained in simple, terms. He will use a number of his famous models involving cardboard boxes, Dixie cups, silly putty, rubber bands, and foam rubber. He will also show exciting films of avalanches in motion and slides & graphs. www.avalanche.org/~uac/
Cost: Free

Location:
12/12/06 7pm - REI Salt Lake City, UT www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=19

[Skis4Fun]

Backcountry / Avalanche Awareness Lectures – WA & Canada

** CONTACT THE LOCATION &/OR PRESENTING ORGANIZATION BEFORE YOU GO AS DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

WASHINGTON

SEATTLE, WA


Gary Brill's Backcountry Avalanche Safety Clinic / Avalanche Awareness Clinic
The introductory lecture is appropriate for novices and those with an intermediate amount of avalanche knowledge. Trip planning, terrain definitions, important snowpack factors, basic avalanche dynamics and risks are among the topics covered. These lectures also present an opportunity for those considering taking a complete course to see if our avalanche programs might be of interest in the future. (sign-up necessary at Marmot and Backpacker only). The clinics last about 1:35. http://www.avalanchesafety.org/defau...ive_page_id=91
Cost: Free

Locations:
11/7/06 7pm - REI South Center in Tukwila, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=78
11/8/06 7pm - REI Redmond, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=20
11/9/06 7pm - Second Ascent Seattle, WA www.secondascent.com/events.html
11/14/06 7pm - Marmot Mountain Works Bellevue, WA Please RSVP 425-453-1515 www.marmotmountain.com/events_wa.htm
11/16/06 7pm - REI Seattle, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=11
11/28/06 7pm - Backpackers Supply Tacoma, WA www.marmotmountain.com/store-tacoma.htm Please RSVP 253-472-4402
11/29/06 7pm - REI Alderwood in Lynwood, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=35
11/30/06 7pm - Feathered Friends Seattle, WA 206-292-2210 www.featheredfriends.com
1/10/07 7pm - REI Seattle, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=11
1/17/07 7pm - REI Tacoma, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=69
1/30/07 7pm - Tacoma Parks Tacoma, WA www.metroparkstacoma.org



Advanced Avalanche Awareness Clinic by Gary Brill

Dealing with bad Layers" - Learning from Avalanche Tragedies in Canada 2002-2003
Power Point presentation that parallels the new Level II avalanche course emphasizing "Persistent Snowpack Weakness" that has been created by Gary Brill. The focus of both of the new programs is not so much on detailing each accident but rather on analyzing common threads that run through the accidents. These programs utilize an historical look back at the highly unusual snowpack in Canada last winter as a vehicle for presentation of relevant materials and current thinking and theories on persistent snowpack weaknesses, a key factor in as many as 80% of recreational avalanche accidents. This presentation will be most effective for individuals who already have basic avalanche knowledge. The clinics last about an hour and a half. http://www.avalanchesafety.org/defau...ive_page_id=91
Cost: Free Please RSVP 425-453-1515

Location:
12/5/06 7pm - Marmot Mountain Works Bellevue, WA www.marmotmountain.com/events_wa.htm
12/7/06 7pm - Feathered Friends Seattle, WA 206-292-2210 www.featheredfriends.com
12/12/06 7pm - Second Ascent Seattle, WA www.secondascent.com/events.html



Chris Davenport: 54 Summits of 14,000-foot peaks

Legendary big mountain skier Chris Davenport is on a quest to climb and ski all of Colorado's Fourteeners--in a single year.
Join this past Warren Miller athlete at Seattle REI as he shares epic photos and tales from his summits, includeing traininga nd gear tips for ski mountaineering. Enter to win a pair of Salomon skis--the same type used on his descents.
Cost: Free

Location:
11/29/06 7pm - REI Seattle, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=11



Snowstruck: In the Grip of Avalanches

Every year around the globe, people cross paths with avalanches—some massive, some no deeper than a pizza box—with deadly results.
Avalanche expert Jill Fredston stalks these so-called freaks of nature, forecasting where and when they will strike, deliberately triggering them with explosives, teaching potential victims how to stay alive, and leading rescue efforts when tragedy strikes.
In SNOWSTRUCK, Fredston draws on decades of personal experience to take “avalanches out of the statistical realm and into the human one” (Skiing Magazine): a skier making what may prove his final decision, a victim buried so tightly that he can’t move a finger, rescuers racing both time and weather, forecasters treading the line between reasonable risk and danger.
Fredston brings to life the awesome forces of nature that can turn the mountains deadly—and the equally inexo­rable forces of human nature that lure us time and again into treacherous terrain.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jill Fredston is the author of Rowing to Latitude. She and her husband, Doug Fesler, are avalanche experts and co-founders of the Alaska Mountain Safety Center. They live near Anchorage, AK.
Cost: Free

Location:
1/30/07 7pm - REI Seattle, WA www.rei.com/stores/store_events.jsp?store=11




CANADA

[MOHSHSIHd]

My feeling has always been that people assume that they can use an "awareness" lecture as a substitute to an Avy I and it gives them a false sense of knowledge or security to head into the BC.


In my opinion the only time you should go into the BC is with someone who is more experienced than you and/or you are Avy I certified....

[couloirman]

My feeling has always been that people assume that they can use an "awareness" lecture as a substitute to an Avy I and it gives them a false sense of knowledge or security to head into the BC.


In my opinion the only time you should go into the BC is with someone who is more experienced than you and/or you are Avy I certified....

My biggest problem with avy 1 is that it teaches you to recognize avy terrain and avoid it. It does not teach you how to know when you can safely ski in avy terrain. It does introduce you to a few of the easy snow stability tests of course, but pits and tests are highly variable, and are only good for a localized point of reference. Ive dug pits 100 feet away from eachother on the same aspect and elevation and found extremley(spelling) conflicting results. What I wanna know(and why most people on this board take avy 1 for)is when that couloir/snowfield is filled with powder, when is it is safe to ski, not just that it is potentially an avy hazard(duh). Thats why Ill be doing level 2 this winter.

[cj001f]

My biggest problem with avy 1 is that it teaches you to recognize avy terrain and avoid it. It does not teach you how to know when you can safely ski in avy terrain. It does introduce you to a few of the easy snow stability tests of course, but pits and tests are highly variable, and are only good for a localized point of reference. Ive dug pits 100 feet away from eachother on the same aspect and elevation and found extremley(spelling) conflicting results. What I wanna know(and why most people on this board take avy 1 for)is when that couloir/snowfield is filled with powder, when is it is safe to ski, not just that it is potentially an avy hazard(duh). Thats why Ill be doing level 2 this winter.

Avy 2 won't teach you that either - it takes time and experience.

[couloirman]

Avy 2 won't teach you that either - it takes time and experience.

of course, but its not going to hurt

[eirikainersharp]

cj001f - I'm actually going to agree with this you on this one - experience is key. Taking a course, level 1,2,3 whatever teaches you how to think, how to see the snow and terrain and make good decissions. With experience you can make these decisions on a smaller and smaller scale i.e: go from - sh*t son, I'm not going out today - to - hmm I'm sticking to North facing slopes and I'm not going up past treeline - to - well I can get up to the alpine safley if I use those terrain features and then ski down over - etc.

Education also teaches you how to deal with things when the sh*t hits the fan. But again it would be unwise to play with your beacon in the store and then never turn it to recieve again untill things go wrong. You've gotta practice.

Infact I would even go as far as to say lots of experience is way better than lots of education. I ski with a bunch of guys who reasearch avalanches... they are as educated as you can get but they spend most of their time in an office. I also ski with some guides and patrollers who don't know as much about fracture mechanics and runnout dynamics but work in avalanche terain every day. Who do you think makes better decisions in the backcountry?

Ski4fun - I'm not saying "don't get educated", if you are intersted go to as many lecutures as you can you will learn some neat stuff and you will probably meet some cool people. But, if you want my advice the best way for a backcountry jong to learn more about backcountry / avalanche awareness is to get out there and experience it. Find someone who knows whats up - start small and take it slow - but go play in the snow.