2007/2008 Winter E-News
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Winter's Here!
We've been out skiing, the hut's stocked and the Northwest flow of weather has been favorable. Skiers and riders have been venturing into the high country for the some early season powder! For those coming back for some repeat adventures, expect some more of what lures you to the Sawtooths. We welcome new enthusiasts as well! Our same crew of winter guides has returned, and we look forward to meeting you at the trailhead, or on one of our avy or ski courses. Tips up! |
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New Avalanche Course!
New for the 2007/08 season is the Avalanche Skills Advancement Workshop. This course is a refresher for anyone whom hasn't taken a Level 1 within the past three years, and a "bridge" course for individuals looking to brush up their skills before taking a Level 2. The need for this course was identified by the American Avalanche Association (AAA) and fills a gap in the series of avalanche education classes. SMG co-owner Kirk Bachman sits on the Education Committee of the AAA and helped design the curriculum. Bachman is also a AAA Certified Avalanche Instructor. SMG also offers three Level 1 classes and a Level 2 class throughout the winter season. See the Avalanches Class page on our website for more information. |
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SMG Guides Pass AMGA Exams
Longtime SMG guide Marc Hanselman passed his American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Rock Guide Exam in October. A Certified Rock Guide must pass a rigorous six-day test in which examiners evaluate candidates daily in nine different categories such as client care, technical systems, and risk management. The Certified Rock Guide standard is recognized by the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA) and the exam is one of three that an “aspirant” guide must pass to achieve full IFMGA certification. SMG co-owner Erik Leidecker took and passed the Alpine Exam in the last part of September. Leidecker now has certifications in both the Rock and Alpine disciplines and is one exam away from becoming an IFMGA certified guide. He plans to take the Ski Mountaineering Guides Exam in May 2008. Kirk Bachman, SMG's founder and co-owner is also certified--in the Alpine and Ski Mountaineering disciplines. |
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Potrero Chico, Mexico!
In November SMG guide Erik Leidecker spent a week in Potrero Chico, Mexico with longtime client Peter Ziv. Potrero Chico (the "Little Corral") rises abruptly from the scrub desert outside Monterrey, which is about a four hour drive from Laredo, Texas. Monterrey has an international airport and as winter climbing destination the Potrero is almost as convenient as Red Rocks, Nevada. Much of the climbing at the Potrero is on bullet-hard limestone walls studded with cacti and palm trees! The routes are up to 23 pitches long, protected with fat, new bolts, and are designed to be done with a single 60 meter rope and lots of rappeling. Potrero Chico is as user-friendly as it gets. Short approaches, long routes, and cold, $1 Carta Blanca Caguamas (32 ozs.!) at days end! |
Peter Ziv 1200 feet up on Yankee Clipper, IV 5.10b. |
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2003 Spring/Summer E-News
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