[scotthsu]

Tentatively scheduled for:
JAN 27, 2010: 6-9PM (classroom)
JAN 28: 6-9PM (classroom)
JAN 30: 8-4PM (field exercises)
JAN 31: 8-4PM (field exercises)

This is a National Ski Patrol sanctioned course that follows the Level 1 curriculum as established by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). There will be a modest course fee (TBD, but will be <$50). Half of the course slots will be reserved for ski patrollers. The other half will be first come, first served from anybody in the community. To access fieldwork locations, class participants must be on skis or snowboard. All activities will be conducted at Pajarito Mountain. Please check back for a formal announcement later in the fall, at which time you can request to sign up.

-Scott Hsu

[Bob]

Cool, thanks Scott.

When I get geared up I'll update the education page.

[Matt]

Who is teaching it Scott?
_________________
www.nnmae.org

[scotthsu]

[scotthsu]

Avalanche Level 1 Course
Pajarito Mountain, NM
January 27-31, 2010

Are you a backcountry traveler that wishes to learn how to navigate avalanche terrain, or to rescue your partner should they be caught in an avalanche? Are you a ski patroller desiring avalanche education, whether for application in the line of duty or for personal recreation in the backcountry? If so, then this course is for you.

Some of the best backcountry skiing, ski touring, or snow-shoeing locales in northern NM are situated amidst avalanche terrain. If you venture into the backcountry during snow seasons, it is a very good idea to take an avalanche course.

This National Ski Patrol (NSP) Avalanche Level 1 course conforms to the curriculum of the American Avalanche Association (AAA), and includes both classroom lectures and on-the-snow field exercises, including the following topics:
• Avalanche triangle: terrain, snowpack, weather
• Beacon search, shoveling, and probing
• Safe travel in avalanche terrain
• Practical in-the-field snowpack stability evaluation methods
• Immediate search for buried victims
• Human factor

The class will be taught by Scott Hsu, an NSP Alpine Senior Patroller and certified Avalanche Level 1 instructor, with help from several other Level 1 and Level 2 avalanche-trained patrollers who have extensive backcountry ski/travel experience.

Course schedule (all to be held at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, NM):
Wed., Jan. 27, 6-9:30pm: classroom
Thu., Jan. 28, 6-9:30pm: classroom
Sat., Jan. 30, 9-4pm: field sessions (outdoors all day)
Sun., Jan. 31, 9-3pm: field sessions (outdoors all day)

Course requirements: A good level of fitness and the ability to ski and move around in deep snow and steep terrain. You should show up to the field sessions booted up and ready to ski. You will need to bring a beacon, shovel, and probe, and be prepared to be outdoors (snow or shine) the entire day. Lift rides to field exercise locations will be included as part of the course registration. If you do not own beacon/shovel/probe, please acquire or borrow them from friends ahead of time. As a last resort, we have a few loaners on hand, but their availability cannot be guaranteed.

“Pre-work”: Upon enrollment, we will make arrangements to get you a copy of Snow Sense by Fredston & Fesler (included in the course fee), which you will use to complete a written assignment. The assignment must be completed and brought to the first classroom session.

Enrollment instructions: The enrollment will be divided approximately 50-50% between patrollers and members of the community, first-come first-served according to the date of receipt of the $50 course enrollment fee, which includes the Snow Sense book, lift privileges on the field session days, and an NSP certificate of course completion.

Please contact Scott Hsu at schsu-at-comcast-dot-net to enroll, or with any questions.