Snow Machine Education

Snowmachiners Module 1 & 2

Module 1 ~ Red Flags: Recognition of Avalanche Hazard

Module 2 ~ Green Lights: Core Concepts in Avalanche Safety

 

The Alaska Avalanche School is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting public safety in and around the mountain environment through education, research, publishing, and consulting. You have our commitment that we’ll provide you with the highest quality of training possible.  What you learn during the workshop will depend upon how hard you work during and prior to the course. We’ll provide you with the opportunity, the tools, and the encouragement. The rest is up to you. Please read the following information carefully.

 

DETAILS:

Cost per Module:  $155.00 Per Person

Course Duration: 1 Day per module

Tuition Includes: Instruction, and instructional handouts.

Tuition Does Not Include: Round trip transportation to and from the class-site, appropriate snowmachine and associated gear/equipment, “Snow Sense” by Fesler & Fredston, food for the duration of the course, all personal gear, helmet, and clothing (see the Equipment List for more information).

Recommended Reading: “Snow Sense” by Jill Fredston & Doug Fesler

 

COURSE CURRICULUM:

This course is geared towards snowmachiner’s and is an intensive, hands-on course, which will provide students with the skills necessary to recognize and evaluate potential avalanche hazard.

The course is divided into two separate modules that can be taken alone or together. There will be approximately 1.5 hours  classroom time (in a heated on-site venue) before heading into the field. We’ll end the field sessions around 5 pm each day.

 

Module 1: Red Flags: Recognition of Avalanche Hazard and Fundamentals of Avalanche Safety

9:00-9:20  Registration and Check-in

9:20-10:00 Introduction Lecture

10:00-10:30 Rescue Gear 101

10:45-2:00 Rescue Practice in Groups

2:00-4:00 Recognizing Red Flags – Terrain, Snowpack, Weather

4:15-5:00  Review and Preview

 

Module 2: Green Lights: Travel in Avalanche Terrain, and Fundamentals of Avalanche Safety

9:00-9:20 Registration & Check-In

9:20-9:30 Review of Objectives

9:30-10:00 Terrain, Weather, Snowpack and the Human Factor In Depth

10:15-11:00 Decision Making and Safe Travel

11:00-12:00  Rescue Refresher

12:00-5:00 Travel and Application of Concepts

 

PRE-REQUISITES:

Read “Snow Sense” by Fredston & Fesler prior to the course start date. Those who thoroughly study their pre-course reading before the workshop can expect to absorb more during the course. Participants must be able to ride in variable terrain and should be prepared to remain outdoors in foul weather all day. We also recommend that you are familiar with the current avalanche forecast at www.cnfaic.org.  In the weeks prior to the course get out and travel a bit with the machine you will be using for the course.

 

COURSE LOCATION:

The full duration of the course will be held in Turnagain Arm area at one of the following locations: Placer River, Twentymile, Turnagain Pass, or Johnson Pass.  All participants will be notified by email one week prior to the start of the course as to the exact parking/trailhead meeting spot.  Please be prepared to spend the duration of the course outside and in all types of weather.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS:

If you are registered for both modules we encourage participants from Anchorage to allow plenty of time to commute. If you prefer not to commute seek out a place to stay in Girdwood with friends or use one of the following resourses for housing:  

Alyeska Hostel: An economical choice with bunks, and showers available for a reasonable fee. Call 907-783-2222 for more information or to make reservations.

Alyeska Prince Hotel: 907-754-2111 or Alyeska Accommodations: 907-783-2000 (B&B's, Condos, Houses).

 

FOOD:
Participants are responsible for all of their food and water for the duration of the course. Lunches will be in the field so plan your menu accordingly.

 

PARTICIPANT RIDING REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT:

Participants must be Good to Expert riders.  Do not over estimate your ability. This is not a course to learn how to snowmachine.

Plan to bring all the necessary clothing and equipment you require to stay outside all day in foul weather while traveling through variable terrain and conditions.