Due to northern Utah’s pathetic, low snowpack this fall, avalanches aren’t a major concern right now. But the snow will come, and when it does, all that rotten, old snow will be a prime weak layer that will rip out deadly slides. To stay safe in the backcountry, education is key. Before you head out, take an avalanche awareness class, like the 3rd Annual Freeride Avalanche Summit at Snowbird.
The Freeride Avalanche Summit is not your ordinary avy class. The course combines your typical avalanche safety instruction with a chance to also learn from local, professional athlete skiers. This year’s athletes include Forrest Shearer, Chris Coulter, Ben Wheeler, Caroline Gleich, Hannah Whitney, Brant Moles and Dave Richards. The Summit will provide the opportunity to network with these professionals, and there will even be a graduation social afterward.
According to Snowbird, students will learn how to determine where it is safest to ski or snowboard with real-life line selection, snowpack analysis and terrain assessment. This includes instruction on how to utilize UAC forecasts and what increases or decreases the risk of harm when the forecast is considered safe. In addition, professionals will share safe backcountry travel techniques, such as the one-at-a-time rule and how to locate islands of safety.
The course even goes beyond avalanche safety and delves into techniques used if something does go wrong in the backcountry. This includes emergency notification procedures, first aid techniques and a presentation by AirMed on what to do until help arrives. Students will also learn strategies for single and multiple beacon recovery, advanced probing techniques, strategic shoveling, belay systems, anchors and knots.
“With an increase of skiers and snowboarders venturing into the backcountry, it is more important than ever to be educated about the hazards presented by uncontrolled terrain,” said Craig Gordon, UAC Forecaster. “With an exemplary ski patrol, and the home resort of many professional skiers and snowboarders, Snowbird provides an exceptional setting for this workshop.”
The clinic will take place at Snowbird Jan. 9-10, 2012, and is geared toward advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders who want to receive practical and professional instruction on avalanche awareness, safety and rescue.
The Summit costs $150 and is limited to 45 participants. Advanced and expert skiers and riders can register by visiting the Snowbird Activity Center or calling (801) 933-2147 Thursdays-Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (interested parties can leave a message with contact information during non-business hours).