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 double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2003 : 6:50 PM
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I was thinking about getting an avalanche course refresher. I know that there are a number of certified guides with expertise in avalanche training in Vancouver. The Cdn Avalanche Association could also direct us to the appropriate professionals for instruction.
Perhaps we could organize a course just for CT'ers? A day long instructional seminar with theory and practice - learning how to use one's beacon, do measurement exercises, danger evaluation, Rutschblock tests...
If there is interest here among CT'ers I am prepared to look into this, and organize a course with the appropriate professional.
cheers - C Wall
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 Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs
Langley, BC
Canada
7647 Posts |
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6895 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2003 : 8:03 PM
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I took a course back in 1986, so a refresher wouldn't be a bad idea for me either
"If you don't get at it, when you get to it, you won't get to it to get at it again!" |
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Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs
Langley, BC
Canada
7647 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2003 : 8:09 PM
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BTW, all the places I previously talked to said they would give group discounts.
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4641 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2003 : 8:22 PM
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I'll probably look into a course at Mt. Baker Ski Hill this winter.
Plan the hike, hike the plan... |
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Intermediate Member
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
768 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 12:41 PM
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quote:
Perhaps we could organize a course just for CT'ers? A day long instructional seminar with theory and practice...
I'm very interested. Thanks in advance for organizing this CT event... to both C Wall and Jim H.
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5368 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 1:18 PM
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Count me in as very interested!
exploring life, admiring beauty, seeking peace along life's dusty trail |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
200 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 2:04 PM
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Please count me in too. Just not sure about Jan 4th, would shift it bit further.
Edited by - Anton on 10/02/2003 4:13:57 PM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
71 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 2:22 PM
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I would be very interested in this one !
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Fast Movin, litigatin, adventure seekin, clothin deprived trail buster
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
589 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 3:24 PM
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I would like to take this course. Does MEC offer something?
Don't let life pass you by. |
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double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 4:37 PM
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MEC no, but CWMS yes (across the street)
cheers - C Wall
CWMS = Canada West Mountaineering School. Spendy course, if you are 4 people, but they offer group discounts, and a flexible schedule for groups. I took a few courses with them, they were very good. All of the courses that I took with them had an avy component, too.
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Peak scrambling, camera dodgin', knife toting gal who hikes with panties on pack & hangs clothes in trees
Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
412 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 4:37 PM
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I would be interested in this too,,,
Would this be something that my son, 16 years old, could join in? He is an avid snowboarder and somewhat of a daredevil. Although I'm 99% certain he has the common sense to stay away from the "out of bounds" areas, I think it would be good for him to have some basic knowledge.
As it sounds like some of you have already taken an avalanche course --- I'm wondering --- Seawallrunner, would this course you're suggesting be beyond the scope of a total novice?
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Peak scrambling, camera dodgin', knife toting gal who hikes with panties on pack & hangs clothes in trees
Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
412 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 6:48 PM
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Hey, I've checked out their website and think I've got a better idea of what's involved, and the various levels etc. Best to start at a "beginner" level.
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double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 7:18 PM
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hi Del Sol,
I think that anyone who ventures into our mountains in the winter should take an avalanche awareness course. Taking the course will, of course, /not/ prevent avalanches from happening - but it will help course participants evaluate many of the danger signs and clear out or return on their steps before something final happens.
If you are worried about your son Del Sol (and who isn't worried about a daredevil 16 year old  ) then I would also recommend doing some shoulder-season reading in preparation for the season.
Daffern, Tony "Avalanche Safety for Skiers and Climbers", 2nd Ed, Rocky Mountain Books (about $13 when I bought it in 1999)
McClung, David; Schaerer, Peter, "The Avalanche Handbook", The Mountaineers (about $30 when I bought it in 1999)
As for bringing him to the course - absolutely! Why not?
As for course level - beginner is best. It's a "my brain is full" experience in any event. A lot of variables, techniques, stories and caution. A good investment of time and money
cheers - C Wall
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Peak scrambling, camera dodgin', knife toting gal who hikes with panties on pack & hangs clothes in trees
Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
412 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 7:34 PM
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Thanks CWall,,, It came to mind that the training has to be delivered/received in such a fashion that he doesn't get the notion, "Now I have an avalance course I CAN go out-of-bounds"
I'll check out the books first, thx
Susanne
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
718 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2003 : 4:35 PM
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I'd like to join since I was thinking doing some x-country skiing / snowshoeing this winter with overnighters at alpine huts.
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double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2003 : 10:59 PM
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cool, Seagull !! We will have to wait until we have enough snow on the ground to do this course (December or January is a good time)
I was spying the third peak of Seymour this afternoon on my commute to BCIT and there was *SNOW* on them thar hills! Yes, the white stuff! And Tetrahedron too had more than a few snowflakes on its peak.
I'll keep the CT group posted - looks like we have quite a bit of interest for this course
cheers - C Wall
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ass wigglin, cheese lovin, 4x4 drivin, apostrophe hatin, hiking chick who loves camping on snow
spaceship..
Canada
7209 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2003 : 07:48 AM
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Great idea!
Count me in as interested too, tho I would need a beginner course rather than a refresher course 
life is sweet |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
718 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2003 : 09:50 AM
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No rush SWR. Let us know by then. In the meantime, thanks for your input...
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Vancouver, B.C.
461 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2003 : 11:49 AM
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I did the CWMS course last winter and I would highly recommend them. Although the snowpack was difficult to work with when we did it (there was only a base of 40cm in January at Seymour) it was still an excellent course and I would say I learned a lot.
I did it with the ACC and I think we paid $150 each for the weekend course. Don't quote me on that though. I know it was a pretty good discount anyway.
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131 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2003 : 12:48 PM
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On the Island Outer Limits Excursions will be giving avalanche courses this winter at Mount Washington. For those interested though, just a warning: bone up on your map/compass/route finding knowledge. It's an essential part of the course.
About $200 for the weekend includes the use of trancsievers, probes and shovels. You will spend each day on the hill examining snow and practicing what you learn. It's a good setup: big cook/community tent right on the hill for those who wish to camp. Or those wishing more comfort and willing to spend $$ on a motel can go into Courtenay, about 20 minutes from the hill.
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Avalanche Training
