Courses
- January 9-11, 2009 (Williams Peak Yurt)
- January 16-18,2009 (Williams Peak Yurt)
The goal of this course is to give the backcountry skier/snowboarder the practical knowledge to understand the snow avalanche phenomenon and to practice safe techniques in backcountry travel.
Day One: Meet at Stanley Ranger Station 8:00AM; Introduction and Orientation , Handouts; Video "Overview of Avalanche Study"; Weather History- Observations of the early winter snowpack and avalanche activity; Group ski to Williams Peak hut- Observation of snowpack characteristics, terrain, effect of elevation and slope aspect; Afternoon review of the Use of the Avalanche Transceiver; Evening Presentation: Mountain Snowpack and Mechanics of Slab Avalanche; Mountain Weather, Snow Metamorphism and the effect of Elevation and Slope Aspect; Snow Climates.
Day Two: A.M. Observation of Weather; Review of Snow Metamorphism; Use of the Field Notebook; Discussion of Day's Tour: Stability Forecast; Terrain: route selection and track setting; Tour leadership: group skiing safety uphill/downhill; Methods of stability evaluation/ field observations; snow pits; Free-skiing pre-dinner; Evening Discussion: Review of Day; Plotting the Study Pit; Concepts in Avalanche Hazards and The Human Factor.
Day Three: A.M. Observation of Weather; Discussion of Backcountry Safety and Touring Considerations; Mountain weather and snowpack scenarios; Avalanche Rescue/ Response/Debrief. Review of Topics as needed. Descend to Stanley Ranger Station: Course end 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.
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.
Sara Lundy: She has been a guide and avalanche instructor at SMG for 4 years now, starting out as the yurt caretaker and working up the ladder. Sara has numerous ski descents in the Sawtooth as well as ski expeditions in Canada, New Zealand, Patagonia and Europe. Sara is an effective instructor because of her patience and great people skills.
Michael Hatch: Hatch has been an SMG guide for 5 years now and has been teaching avalanche classes for 4 years. He has participated in many Sawtooth multi day ski adventures as well as ski-expeditions in Alaska and throughout the Western US. Hatch has lived in many mountain ranges including the Wasatch, San Juan and Bitter Root Mountains. He is a professional member of the AAA.
$395 (Includes instruction, food, hut rental, and course materials)
Ph (208)774-3324 Fax (208) 774-3729
getaway@sawtoothguides.com