With the fate of the 20/21 season still unknown many winter enthusiasts are considering venturing out into the backcountry for guaranteed access to snow. But backcountry travel brings about new risks including exposure to avalanches. So if you are considering joining the ranks of backcountry travelers this winter here is why you should take an avalanche course.
What is an Avalanche Course?
Avalanche courses are educational classes that teach you the basics of safe backcountry travel. These courses cover how to read the weather, understand the current condition of the snowpack, and monitor other terrain factors that influence avalanche danger. There are three main types of avalanche courses; Level 1, Avalanche Rescue, and Level 2.
Level 1:
Level 1 courses are the foundation of any avalanche training. These courses are a mixture of field and classroom training. The goal of this class is to teach you how to read avalanche terrain, make smart decisions, and perform a rescue in the worst-case scenario. This class will show you how to use the basic avalanche tools (beacon, probe, and shovel) and prepare for travel in the backcountry.
Avalanche Rescue:
This course focuses solely on how to rescue someone caught in an avalanche. You will get hands-on experience in how to rescue a companion and respond to an avalanche. It is highly advised to take this course along with a Level 1.
Level 2:
Once you have taken a Level 1 and an Avalanche Rescue course you can take a Level 2 course. Designed for experienced winter sports enthusiasts this course elaborates on the basics. You will gain a detailed understanding of the intricacies of avalanches, hone your decision-making skills, and advance your ability to read avalanche terrain.
Where to Find an Avalanche Course?
The best way to find an avalanche course is to search for your local avalanche center or find a local AIARE provider. These centers typically offer courses throughout the year along with different educational seminars. There are some online education options like avalanche.org but there is no substitute for in-person training.
Should You Take an Avalanche Course?
Yes.
If you want to go into the backcountry this season you need to take an avalanche course. In the backcountry, it is not just about you. There will be other groups where you are skinning, traversing, skiing, or boarding. If you don’t understand how to safely travel in avalanche areas you can easily set off a slide that will take out the group above or below you, not to mention your riding partners. So before you venture out into the backcountry get educated that education could very literally save lives.
Excited for ski season? It will be here before we know it, get prepared to ski in the backcountry, or rip the resort with these 10 exercises.
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