Avalanche Level 1 : This is a 3-day class the bedrock standard to travel safely in the backcountry under the American Avalanche Association Guidelines(A3) .
Location: North West Colorado, multiple spots will be used in the vicinity of Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Clark, and Craig.
Accommodation Options: https://haydengranary.com/lodging/, and several more Air Bnb's in Hayden and all sorts of accommodation in Steamboat and Craig
Travel Mode: Backcountry Skis or Split-board
Dates: January 26th-28th, field days. Upon interest, we will have an option to do the first day(classroom sessions) via ZOOM Earlier in the week on Tuesday, January 23rd, and Thursday 25th.
To Register: Use the embedded form at the bottom of this page, ring us, or use this Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/avalanche-level-1-for-skiers-and-split-boarders-126-128-registration-782415675347?aff=oddtdtcreator
An Avalanche Level 1 class is an essential and foundational training program designed for individuals seeking to venture into avalanche terrain safely. This comprehensive course equips participants with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions in avalanche-prone environments. Our curriculum covers key topics such as avalanche types, snowpack analysis, terrain assessment, route finding, and rescue techniques. Participants gain a deep understanding of the factors contributing to avalanches, enabling them to assess the avalanche risk and make educated choices to minimize exposure.
The Level 1 course combines classroom instruction with practical field exercises, providing a balanced learning experience. In the classroom, participants delve into avalanche theory, weather patterns, and daily decision-making cycles to use "terrain" which is the answer to all 9 avalanche problems. Participants also learn to use essential tools such as transceivers, probes, and shovels for effective companion rescue. Field sessions allow participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, honing skills like snowpack stability assessments and safe travel techniques. Completion of an Avalanche Level 1 class is a crucial step for anyone venturing into the backcountry, ensuring they have the expertise to navigate and enjoy these environments while minimizing the inherent risks associated with avalanches.
All students get a free trial pro-account for Caltopo included with class
At the end of the last day of class, students recieve:
-Class completion certificate
-Complimentary membership to the Freinds of CAIC for the rest of the season, and Freinds of CIAC membership card.
Tentative Schedule
Pre-course online learning - A week or so before any group sessions I send out the online pre-course learning which consists of 2-3 hrs of short videos and simple "check for understanding" quizzes. That just needs to be completed before field days.
Monday Jan 22nd 6:30pm -7:30pm-ish online ZOOM meet and greet and to make sure every one could get into pre-course online stuff, ensure every knows how to get to field locations, etc.
Wednesday Jan 24th ~ 6pm-9pm-ish online ZOOM session to review online learning, go over online maps, and a few other things.
Friday Jan 26th(OPTIONAL DAY) - 12 noon - 3pm - half day in the field to get to know the field location, meet every one in person, and/or help people that are newer to backcountry make sure their gear is set up (in case its new or rented).
Parking spot https://maps.app.goo.gl/GG3jukxt7qAiiv7v9, about 45 min south of Hayden, the west access point to Dunckley Pass, Vaughn lake, and ripple pass where I have a USFS permit. Wildskies cabin is also a easy to find map location near here. This is the parking/meet point for all field days for this class.
Saturday Jan 27th - 8:30am(at parking area) - 4pm-ish - full day in the field with instructor going over every thing in class, demonstrating terrain choice, rescue, snowpack, etc.
Sunday Jan 26th - 8:30am(at parking area) - 4pm-ish -full day in the field with instructors, but this day the Students will make terrain choices, routes, etc with instructor giving feed back, etc.
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