PSIA Western Backcountry Event Descriptions 2007-2008
This year PSIA-West will offer the following clinics. All courses can be taken on Randonee gear, Telemark gear or with a splitboard. You will receive a gear list and are responsible for having the proper gear with you. The American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), www.avtraining.org, is responsible for putting together an impressive Level 1 avalanche course that is becoming the standard for backcountry avalanche courses and PSIA is offering a Level 1 at a reasonable price. The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), www.amga.com, is responsible for training and certifying Ski Guides in the USA. Your backcountry courses are led and taught using AMGA trained or certified ski guides. This is a great opportunity to get clinic credits while learning new skills. All courses are subject to additional fees for permits, lift tickets and paperwork. We are currently reviewing our national standards for backcountry certifications. We will post our new standards once they have been worked out.
AVALANCHE LEVEL I |
This Level 1 course is taught using methodology from the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). You will learn how to recognize what causes avalanches, where avalanches will occur and how to make decisions about where to go and who to go with. You will learn about safety gear and how to use it. You should come away from this course with a better understanding of how the snow pack forms and what affect it has on the avalanche hazard. This is a 3-day, 24 hour, course with 1/2 of the time spent inside with a fact filled PowerPoint presentation and the other 1/2 in the field. Taught by certified AIARE instructors. January 15, 16, 17, 2008 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
INTRODUCTION TO BACKCOUNTRY RIDING |
This course introduces you to the backcountry environment and how to move through it. Learn what you will need for a day out in the backcountry including: food, clothing, deciding where to go and if you should go. You will learn how to use skins, avalanche safety gear and about tour planning. Climbing and descending techniques will be covered in conjunction with track setting. Taught and led by AMGA trained or certified ski guides. This is a 2-day course. Participants must have Level 1 avalanche training or equivalent. February 27, 28, 2008 in the Hope Valley backcountry.
OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY TOURING |
Learn to be comfortable on an overnight tour in the snow. You will see different shelter types, cooking options, packing, site selection, tour planning, etc. Taught and led by AMGA trained or certified ski guides. This is a 2-day course. Participants must have Level 1 avalanche training or equivalent. March 19, 20, 2008 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
MULTI-DAY SPRING TOUR IN THE SIERRA |
Learn how to put it all together on a multi day tour through the Range of Light. In order to take this tour, you should have some backcountry experience. If you have taken our other courses and have practiced, you are ready. Taught and led by AMGA trained or certified ski guides. Participants must have Level 1 avalanche training or equivalent. Location and dates are to be announced.
If you have any questions please contact Geoff Clarke
| Jan. 12 | Location: Sugarbowl | [$60 per day] |
This event will be led by the North American Ski Training Center and begins at Sugarbowl but will explore some of the backcountry options outside of the resort. Participant should plan on coming prepared with randonee gear - including skins, beacon, probe, and shovel, (which can be rented locally), and carrying a day pack with lunch & water. If interested, please contact the NASTC office at (530)582-4772. Space is limited so sign up early.