Courses

Avalanche Skills Advancement Workshop (ASAW)
  • December 20-21, 2008 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
  • January 19-20, 2009 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
  • February 7-8, 2009 (Stanley, SMG Headquarters)
Course Overview

This 12 hour course has been identified by the American Avalanche Association as necessary for individuals who need a refresher for their Level 1 course. It is designed for persons who have not been to a Level 1 course (3-day field course) within 3 years. It is ideally suited for persons wishing to pursue Level 2 Avalanche courses, who would like to review necessary skills needed for a L2.

Trip Format

This course will review practical skills considered necessary to tour safely in the backcountry through an evening and early AM indoor class (4 hrs.) followed by a full day in the field (8 hrs). Indoor Class topics: Snowpack Metamorphism; Fracture Mechanics of Dry Slab Avalanches; Tour Planning; Introduction to Field Observations and Record-keeping. Field Practical: Weather and Snowpack observations; Route Selection and Touring Practices with group; Beacon use/ Companion Rescue. Methods for assessing Snowpack instability; Use of Avalanche tools. This course is considered extremely practical as a refresher for experienced backcountry tourers, and individuals preparing for a Level 2. After the course, Instructors will meet with participants to assess strengths and areas for improvement and make recommendations for those wishing to proceed to a Level 2.

Instructors

Kirk Bachman: Winter Director SMG; An avalanche instructor, ski and mountain guide in the Sawtooths and Tetons since the 1970's, Kirk has guided throughout the West, Alaska heli-skiing in the Chugach, and has led mountaineering expeditions in South America, Canada, and New Zealand. Kirk is a professional member of the American Avalanche Association and certified AAA instructor, as well as certified by the AMGA in Ski Mountaineering and Alpine.

Erik Leidecker: Erik has worked an all around mountain guide for many years including ski guiding at the Williams peak hut and helicopter skiing around the Sun Valley area. Erik has traveled to exotic places for skiing and mountaineering and has a broad range of knowledge when it comes to snow and the mountains. He is also an AMGA certified in Ski Mountaineering.

Registration and Fees

$160.00

For a printer friendly version (PDF) of this course Click Here.

For a printer friendly version (PDF) of an equipment list Click Here.

Top: Steve leads a group discussion on the tour plan.
Sawtooth Mountain Guides P.O. Box 18 Stanley, Idaho 83278 USA
Ph (208)774-3324 Fax (208) 774-3729
getaway@sawtoothguides.com