Avalanche/Winter
Courses
Over the years, our courses have gained the reputation for being the best, the most comprehensive and the most well suited to meet the needs of the serious backcountry skier or snowboarder. We place strong emphasis on developing an eye for avalanche terrain, weather & snow skills, and safe route skills in areas of hazard. The reason? Because our instructors have many years of experience in the field and our prime location. Students can access avalanche terrain via the Williams Peak Yurt, or passes close to town, and shadow an instructor ( and participate) on managing terrain and stability evaluation. We believe small class size, participation and real life experiences are the key to avalanche education.
The courses are held either at the Williams Peak yurt or at our Stanley headquarters. The Williams Peak Yurt offers a variety of terrain to work with right out the back door. Stanley has 2 mountain passes within a 30 min drive which offers many touring oppurtunities. Instructors are SMG guides as well as adjunct teachers from the professional avalanche world whom are all professional members of the AAA or AAA certified instructors. Classes are geared towards all ability levels, ranging from our new Backcountry Skills course for beginner backcountry enthusiasts to Avalanche Level 2 for people with avalanche backgrounds seeking to further their education. Select a courses by date to get specific information.
Avalanche Level 1 for Backcountry Skiers and Snowboarders
- January 9-11, 2009 (Williams Peak Yurt)
- January 16-18, 2009 (Williams Peak Yurt)
- January 30-Feb 1, 2009 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
Avalanche Skills Advancement Workshop-Level 1 Refresher
- December 20-21, 2008 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
- January 3-4, 2009 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
- February 7-8, 2009 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
Avalanche Level 2 Tour Leadership and Avalanche Hazard
Backcountry Skills Camp and Avalanche Awareness
Spring Ski/Snowboard Mountaineering Camp
REI Awareness Lecture & Field Day
- Lecture: December 10, 2008 (REI Boise, ID)
- Follow up Field day (Beacon & Companion Rescue): December 13, 2008 (Out of Bounds @ Bogus Basin)
REI Snowpack & Avalanche Mechanics Lecture & Field Day
- Lecture: January 21, 2009 (REI Boise, ID)
- Follow up Field day (Backcountry Travel & Avalanche hazard): January 24, 2009 (Out of Bounds @ Bogus Basin)
Winter Director Kirk Bachman
Ph (208)774-3324 Fax (208) 774-3729
getaway@sawtoothguides.com