Winter Snows in Colorado’s Mountains = Avy Awareness and Safety Courses

The snow has been falling and the temperatures dropping, it’s time to start thinking about winter. If you are back country traveler its time to start thinking about Avalanche conditions. Here are some different options to educate or refresh your knowledge about travelling in our snowy mountains.

Crested Butte Mountain Guides has unveiled their winter 2011-2012 avalanche courses to prepare you for safe powder play. There’s no better way to be back/side-country ready than with an AIARE Avalanche Safety Course. This winter, they’re offering Level I, Level I hut, Level II and refresher courses. Curious about what each course will entail? Below is a brief run-down.

Level I

The level I course is designed to provide an introduction to avalanche safety. With a mix of classroom and field time, we’ll learn how to recognize potential hazards, how to minimize and manage them, and how to respond in case of emergency. During this 3-day course, we’ll analyze an avalanche forecast, identify avalanche terrain and avalanche types, learn basic rescue techniques, gain an understanding of basic snow pack, learn the basics of route selection/terrain features, and more. Eight sessions offered.




Level I Hut Course

What better way to test your newly acquired avalanche safety skills than to apply them right away? With our level I hut course you’ll have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice immediately. The curriculum mirrors that of the level I course, but takes place from the base of a ski hut in the backcountry. This winter, take your level I course at the Maroon Hut in the former mining town of Gothic (just outside of Crested Butte) or at the Lost Wonder Hut, on the eastern side of Monarch Pass. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the 3-day course. Six sessions offered.

Level II Course

With a solid foundation of avalanche safety, we’ll dive deeper into the principles and techniques in level I, but with a strong focus on the science behind it. This 4-day course is great for anyone looking to become a backcountry guide or for the advanced backcountry enthusiast. We’ll explore the snow metamorphism process and how it relates to backcountry snow stability, weak layer formation in the snow pack, temperature gradient and its effects on snow, standardized observations and recordings for weather, rescues, and more. Three sessions offered.

Refresher Course

Feeling a bit rusty on those avalanche safety skills? Take our 1-day refresher course to brush up before entering the backcountry. We’ll spend the entire day out in the field, focusing on terrain recognition, travel techniques, decision-making, and a mock rescue scenario. This course is also a great a way to stay up-to-date on the latest Industry news, equipment, tests and techniques. Five sessions offered.

For more information about Avalanche Safety Courses with Crested Butte Mountain Guides click here or call 970-349-5430.

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