The level of knowledge and experience the guides had was impressive and made the course. Then youll meet with your instructor via an evening video chat session two days before the course starts. The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering, Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test, extended column test, Avalanche danger factors or Red Flags, Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection. will provide the best possible education experience during your AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. Mammut Avalanche Safety gear is available to demo during the course. The yurt felt like home after the first day. It was first called City Girls and was first launched in 1995 by Senior Guide Aimee Barnes. Learned a ton of information in a fun but very professional manner. This comprehensive course focuses on hazard evaluation, decision-making and companion rescue in avalanche terrain. Feb 08, 2023, Feb 11, 2023 As the signature sponsor of our Avalanche Safety Courses, all students enrolled will be able to test and demo Mammut avalanche safety equipment during the course at no charge. Lots of snacks. From one day ascents of El Capitan to big Alpine climbs in the Himalaya, from ski descents on Denali to backyard ski tours in Lake Tahoe, he cant help but smile when out running around the hills. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment. Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain. Mount Everest North Side Rapid Ascent Expedition, Climb Pequeo Alpamayo, Huayna Potosi & Illimani, Explore all trips with our adventure finder, AIARE 1 2 Day Hybrid Avalanche Course. Born and raised in Northern California, Sam began exploring the Sierra and developed a love for the mountains at a young age. Even though we didn't think we were going to have great snow, our guides worked with us to find the best snow in the area. Rainier and around the Cascades. Youll also gain a better understanding of human factors, terrain management strategies and avalanche response best practices. Overall excellent course! I would highly recommend this course with Sawtooth Mountain Guides! Terms of Privacy. I will definitely be referring friends to them. Read our Pandemic Guidelines. [Travel break] After, you and your group will be better prepared for managing snow avalanche hazards, and for making lower risk choices in ski and snowboard terrain. This 24-hour course is geared toward advanced skiers and riders who want to start exploring the snowy mountains. Backcountry Ski and Ski Mountaineering Trips, Improved decision-making in avalanche terrain, Identification of human factors, "red flag" observations, terrain selection, and travel techniques. This video will give a good example of intermediate to advanced skiers and riders.. For those looking to get out of the resort this is a real treat. Dec 21, 2022, Dec 31, 2022 By removing the 8+ hours of in-person classroom learning and replacing it with online learning, were able to provide an itinerary that works well for a busy person, or those that have concerns about being in a small space with a group of people. Learn the decision-making skills necessary to evaluate avalanche terrain and be an informed backcountry traveler and with a new FLEXibleschedule. He began hiking and skiing with his family and quickly decided he never wanted to stop. Taking this class opens your eyes to the dangers of backcountry travel but also teaches you how to make smart decisions and how to get yourself out of danger if an avalanche does occur! The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients. We took an Avy Level 1 Course from SMG and had great instructors - Sara and Chris Lundy along with Tanner (the awesome intern!). The AIARE 1 is a three-day / 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. Spring in the Sawtooths provides the perfect venue to learn ski and snowboard mountaineering techniques. The guides were all very friendly people and it was truly an enjoyable time. Apex Mountain Schools highly qualified instructors will provide individualized attention in a course structured specifically to fit your needs. Our curriculum is designed around skiing and riding so we cannot accommodate snowshoes in this course. A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. **Please give us a call if you have any questions about what to bring, or if your gear will be appropriate for the day. (Our guides recommend packs around 20-30L). Director member AMGA, AAC, Access Fund. Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course. JHMG knows there stuff! Great vibes from Erik and Matt! Mar 05, 2023, Mar 11, 2023 The amount of information that was packed in to the 3 day course was extremely impressive. - Participants must have enough backcountry touring experience to feel comfortable moving around in winter backcountry conditions and be able to ski and ride black diamond runs in-bounds at a resort. The guides that instructed the course included Sara Lundy, Matt Scrivner and Drew Daly. This is comparable to confidence on all blue and most black diamond runs at the resort (including ungroomed terrain). Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles, A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with JHMG. I highly recommend this course for those interested in recreating in the backcountry. The curriculum was well planned, the instructors were very knowledgeable, the material was helpful, and the skiing was awesome. The mix of classroom and mountain time was correct. Learn the fundamentals of backcountry skiing and riding with a professional instructor. He lives in South Lake Tahoe with his wife, Beth, their daughter, Cora, and their Mini Australian Shepherd, Pika. They are very dedicated and enthusiastic. Knowledgable instructors and in a setting that inspires. While some of the subject matter is dry, Logan made sure to keep things enjoyable through group participation, exercises (both planned and surprise), and hands-on experience (such as everyone getting to dig their own pit for snow analysis). Just all around greatness! For advanced backcountry skiers and riders venturing deeper into the backcountry. Day 1: Friday 8am-5pm, morning meeting in Girdwood followed by field session at Turnagain Pass. They were thorough and also fun! Would definitely recommend and am grateful they helped me feel more confident in the backcountry! We will definitely be returning to the Williams Peak Hut next year and hiring the Lundys as our guides! He is an AMGA Certified Rock and Splitboard Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, and Single Pitch Instructor, as well as an AIARE Course Leader and AASI Level 3 Snowboard Instructor. Wed: 5:30-9pm, Interactive Virtual Lectures Duration Pre-course Online Learning and Two Field Days. Reservation and trip insurance (recommended). A native of Chicago, Tim grew up barely knowing that mountains existed, much less that you could climb or ski them for fun. Recommended: Spark R&D Arc Bindings, The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Tim says that Chamonix is where he really started learning how to ski tour, rock climb, ice climb and eventually began skiing the steepest lines he could find. The price includes the AIARE field book. Our nationally recognized instructors and unmatched learning environment (i.e. Private Apex courses are available for any AIARE level course. He started backcountry skiing in 2010, and found his way up Mt. Avy 1 is an extremely broad course, but Logan made sure to break each module down into digestible parts, and teach them in both theoretical and real-world applications. We learned a lot and were able to quickly develop a base of skills to continue to practice and build upon into the future. AIARE continues to research and develop their curriculum, standards and guidelines for instructors. This can be taught as a Private Course. Many of our guides use the same gear available in our demo fleet. I was really impressed that they were able to connect with each member of a group that included a wide range of prior experience. Wherever you are in your climbing [], THE WOMENS NETWORK Climbing Series heads to Moab. Therefore, you can trust Apexs AIARE instructors to get you ready for the backcountry. Whether you want to respect social distancing guidelines and stay out of the indoor classroom or just cannot get a Friday off from work, the Apex AIARE Level 1 FLEXcourse was designed for you. At the end of the AIARE 1 course the student should be able to: Want more info? Mar 26, 2023, Apr 01, 2023 Over the cuff style is desired. I took both my level I and level II aiare classes with SMG and I think they are the best! I've been good friends with Erik Leidecker for may years, and to witness the awesome accumulated knowledge of over 2 decades worth of active exploring in the mountains was a real treat. I learned so much about avoiding avalanches, rescue techniques and even received tips on my downhill skiing! I can't say enough positive things. Without these skills it is difficult to absorb the curriculum of a Level 1 Avalanche Course. Quick-dry is important as well. Apr 02, 2023, Apr 08, 2023 With notable first descents in the Alps, Tim Dobbins represents Alpenglows cutting edge guiding philosophy providing only the best guides for every trip and expedition. What are Backcountry Ski Touring Bindings? Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders. It was so great to have such a sincere and passionate group of instructors sharing their knowledge with us. The guides made everyone feel comfortable asking any questions. One light colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days. The three days flew by and never felt like I was sitting in a lecture hall. The Rec 1 will provide you with an introduction to avalanche danger assessment, tools to make go/no go decisions, how to travel in avalanche terrain, and a full day of avalanche rescue. Effectively use the AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting. Absolutely wonderful course. - Day 3: Sunday 8am-5pm, morning meeting in Girdwood followed by field session at Turnagain Pass. Day 2: Saturday 8am-5pm, morning meeting in Girdwood followed by field session at Turnagain Pass. Very professional! Do not plan on traveling the day after a significant climb you will be tired and there are no guaranteed times when we will return to the trailhead. Recommended: Scott Couloir Mountain Helmet, Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy. Provided quality information in a timely manner. There we cover avalanche characteristics, types and movements. I'd highly recommend them for your next Sawtooth or Central Idaho adventure. Recommended: Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro or Zero G Tour Scout, A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Very professional, well done, with excellent planning. Instructed by Brooke Edwards. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb. A Rec 1 Avalanche Course is your foundation for winter backcountry travel. Genuine, salt of the earth kind of people that were able to educate me on a human level with sincerity. Our Jackson office is located in the south part of Jackson at 1325 S. Highway 89, Suite 104 and shares a parking area with Smiths. My wife and I feel we have learned invaluable information to keep us safer in the backcountry. We even got some blue bird powder turns in. Classroom sessions will be held completely online. During these [], The City of Rocks is the real birthplace of The Womens Network. All three were extremely knowledgeable, courteous and professional. Phone 800.239.7642 307.733.4979 CLICK HERE to see current availability and sign up for a course! Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Summer or winter, take the time to do something out of your comfort zone using these awesome guides as your motivation. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets. Must feel comfortable making downhill turns in variable snow conditions unless using snowshoes. Nov 26, 2022 Students will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent . We offer coursesbased in Stanley or Ketchum/Sun Valley. Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Chris, Sara & the entire SMG crew are consummate pros and deliver the goods even when the goods are scarce. If the field days start Saturday, you would meet with your instructor Thursday evening to review the online learning, discuss the current avalanche hazard forecast and plan the tours for the field days. This is your mid layer that will be worn over your baselayer most of the trip. Tim has guided throughout California since 2011, and has a hard time imagining that hell ever tire of showing off the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. The food was fantastic as well. NO COTTON. Recommended: Smith I/O MAG, A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Apex Mountain School is an equal opportunity service provider and employer operating under special use permits from the USDA Forest Service, NPS, BLM, other public land stewards and private land owners. Proficiency with your backcountry gear including your bindings and skins. Jan 08, 2023, Jan 14, 2023 The AIARE 1 is a stand alone, introductory avalanche course, however we strongly recommend that you take our Backcountry 1.0 course prior to taking the avalanche course if you do not have 5-10 days of prior touring experience. - Sun: 4:30-6:30pm, Interactive Virtual Closing Lecture, MONDAY - THURSDAY: Chris, Sarah, and Matt were professional, welcoming, and true subject matter experts. I was always engaged in the experience. The digital component of the new AIARE 1 course will comprise both a self paced version and a live online meeting with your instructor and other students in your class. No white under the brim - the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding. Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain. It will be worth every penny and will pay you back for years as you remember your adventures. In exchange, participants provide five photos of the gear in use it as well as a review of the gear OR a post on social media tagging @jhmtnguides and @mammutna. Let us teach you how to minimize your risk while maximizing your skiing or riding! Shasta & Sierra Nevada summits. Once the skiing dries up in the summers, you can find Sydney guiding trips in the Cascades. Backcountry Ski Touring Boots vs Downhill Resort Boots, Next Available: If you do not already own gear, we offer a beacon, shovel, probe setup available to rent for $25/day. Two days before your course starts, youll meet with your instructor for an evening of virtual learning using video chat. Ben has been in love with the mountains from a young age. Mar 19, 2023, Mar 25, 2023 He has made expeditions into both polar circles, skied first descents in Afghanistan and climbed throughout the Americas and Europe. Rich has been guiding professionally for over twenty years. His work has varied from single day backcountry ski tours in Tahoe, to ski expeditions from Alaska to Antarctica. Rich has been lucky enough to guide, travel, ski, and summit peaks in places such as: Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Alaska, and Antarctica. As well as scores of Mt. Our guide/teacher Logan Talbott was extremely knowledgeable, eager to share, and a great presenter of the material. You must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is comfortable on off-piste terrain in variable conditions. This is for the safety and enjoyment of everyone, and will allow students to focus on the material and techniques being presented, and not on their own skiing/riding or how to use their touring equipment. Very knowledgeable staff that was fun and approachable. Increase your awareness and improve your decision-making by taking this 3 day AIARE Level 1 course for avalanche education. This course will include online classroom learning and two full days in the field! If you are new to touring or looking to polish your skills before your AIARE 1, check out our Backcountry Essentials course. - These gloves are used at higher altitude and are need to keep your hands dry, and warm. Accommodations near our office make your transitions convenient. Operating in partnership with the Tahoe National Forest and the Truckee Donner Land Trust, our outdoor classroom contains some of the best terrain in the region to begin your avalanche education. All AIARE instructors must meet prerequisites and attend training sessions before they access the AIARE curriculum. Recommended: SmartwoolMen's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Bottom, These gloves should be full GORE-TEX, with a removable fleece liner (so you can take the liner out and dry it at night). Join Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 Avalanche Course. This is comparable to skiing confidently on all blue runs and most black runs in the resort (including ungroomed terrain). What sets him apart as an instructor is the clarity of his instruction and the manner in which he delivers it. You should be able to ski confidently on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at the resort (including ungroomed). The hybrid online + field days itinerary worked well, and we have decided to keep it as an option for our AIARE 1 courses moving forward. Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Glove, All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. Jan 29, 2023, Feb 04, 2023 They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm. Transportation to and from the trailhead. - This item is good for layering systems and the Primaloft keeps you warm when wet. Williams Peak Hut is a gem in the middle of the Sawtooths. This AIARELevel 1 Avalanche Course Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain course will teach you trip planning and preparation, interpretation of the avalanche bulletin, observational techniques for snowpack, weather, and avalanches, terrain analysis, travel techniques, and decision-making fundamentals. All Rights Reserved. Is this course right for me? We can offer touring specific skis from Blizzard, a personal favorite for our mountain guides. We will also discuss and use avalanche terrain equipment. He is an AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, andlives on Donner Lake in Truckee with his wife Gisele, sweet daughter Manue and son Matisse. Recommended: Eddie Bauer First Slouch Beanie, A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught). We know that it truly is all about our clients, and we are grateful for the chance to be out there helping keep you safer with our avalanche course, while experiencing the beautiful mountains we love to share with you all. Available as private outing. Basic avalanche class with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. If you are looking to further your avalanche education do not hesitate to take classes from the Sawtooth Mountain Guides. Feb 19, 2023, Feb 21, 2023 All womens course: January 26-29, 2023. Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth, These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Our phone number is (800) 239-7642 or (307) 733-4979. Danny is an AMGA Certified Ski Guide and has completed the AMGA Rock and Alpine Guide Courses.Additionally, he is a Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Course Leader, Leave No Trace Trainer and a PSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor.Danny intends to continue to pursue AMGA Certification in the Rock and Alpine disciplines. Baker and many others throughout the North Cascades.His winters would be spent ski guiding in the Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon, or the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado.Much of the last 8 years has also been spent guiding expeditions on Denali and Aconcagua. A few friends and I took the AIARE Avy I overnight hut course, based out of the Williams Peak hut. After finishing university in Portland, OR Ben moved back to Washington State and began guiding on Mt. Otherwise, you should arrive the day before and stop by our office for an equipment check. Sat: 7:30am-3:30pm, Field Session There are no other prerequisites. We also offer a 3-day in-person course for those looking to spend more time learning alongside an instructor. Avalanche with adjacent skier in Silver Fork, THURSDAY - SUNDAY: At 18 she started her guiding career as a raft guide and became enamored with working in the outdoors. For years she honed her backcountry skiing skills in France, Idaho, Colorado, and Tahoe, and she is so happy to be able to share her love for human-powered turns with others. Sydney has worked at Squaw Valley on Ski Patrol for 4 seasons and guiding was a natural progression. Recently, she was accepted to the AMGAs Ski Guide track and she is on the path to becoming a certified Ski Guide. Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Ascension Splitboard STS, Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Extendable handle is recommended. In addition to the field learning, this course requires 5-7 hours of online learning. I learned a lot during my course and look forward to putting my new knowledge to use exploring on snow in the Tetons and beyond. Danny was born and raised in Texas, but that did not keep him from getting on skis at the age of 9 in New Mexico and Colorado, where he would try to spend as much time as possible exploring the mountains until graduating college from Texas A&M University. After school, he spent 10 years throughout the west ski instructing and developing a passion for ski mountaineering. This lifestyle was a natural progression into guiding.Danny first began guiding in 2011 in Washington on mountains such as Mt. My instructors provided a wealth of knowledge for us to learn from and an awesome attitude that kept everyone stoked. Sorry, no snowshoes on this course. UMA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! All participantsmust travel on touring skis or splitboard during the course and be comfortable riding black diamond terrain at the resort or ungroomed backcountry snow on slopes up to 30 degrees (blue square). I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in learning about avalanche safety/getting out in the great mountains around us! This is not a backcountry riding course. All the people at SMG should great professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm throughout the class. Recommended: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 25L Pack or Black Diamond Mission 35L Pack, A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. There are no other prerequisites, although, if you have less than 5 days of backcountry experience, you need to join our Backcountry 1.0 course first. Very professional! Alpenglow Expeditions operates under a special use permit from the Tahoe, Inyo and Eldorado National Forests. At times, weather can be harsh. In addition to the AIARE 1, we also offer Avalanche Rescue and AIARE 2 courses as well as a number of camps and clinics that get you into the mountains! Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Jan 18, 2023, Jan 21, 2023 Sarah, Mark, Drew, and Skyler were rock stars. But as an engineering student at Stanford, he managed to fall in love with snowboarding, and after college he made the move to Tahoe to ride full-time as a snowboard instructor. Feb 26, 2023, Mar 04, 2023 Learn from our AMGA-trained and certified ski and splitboard guides. Excellent instructors with a wealth of knowledge and most importantly, they know how to facilitate growth of ones mountain sense. Learning to negotiate the backcountry takes years of dedication and practice. Overall it was a stellar experience. Jan 15, 2023, Jan 17, 2023 Avalanche Course Dates (If you dont see a course in your area, reach out to our Providers). - Dec 14, 2022, Dec 17, 2022 The avalanche course takes place in mountainous terrain, at altitude. Weve invested in creating our very own AIARE online format with videos, quizzes, and interactive classwork with the intention of maintaining the same learning outcomes while completely eliminating the need to spend extended periods of time in a confined classroom.. Not only does our new hybrid AIARE course offer customized coursework with better, more in-depth content but youll still get two full days in the field with your instructors. Excellent company! - Personal gear and avalanche rescue gear. While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Thurs & Fri: 5:30-9pm, Interactive Virtual Lectures Lots of hands-on practice and fieldwork with just enough classroom information to keep you warm and well informed. Please see the preparation section before reserving for more information if you are not sure if you qualify. We also discuss the metamorphism of a mountain snowpack and how human behavior can affect our interaction with the backcountry. - Youll receive access to an online learning module one week prior to course launch. Tim has spent the last 10 years guiding and instructing in rock, ice, alpine, and skiing. Sam guides full time in the winter around Tahoe as he continues to work towards his AMGA Ski Guide certification. And the area was unbeatable! Our experience with Sawtooth Mountain Guides exceeded our expectations in each. Additionally, the meals at the Williams Peak Yurt were all amazing and the hut itself was impressive. I recently took the AIARE level 1 course through Alpenglow Expeditions. The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is a non-profit organizations that offers the only internationally recognized curriculum in the US. Feb 12, 2023, Feb 18, 2023 Expand your avalanche education and be prepared for your next backcountry skiing adventure. The new wool blends are also an option. Discover techniques for evaluating hazard and managing risk when traveling through avalanche terrain. Socks: Synthetic or wool.