Ophir Avalanche Rescue Course
A full-day, scenario-based seminar, the Avalanche Rescue Course primarily focuses on what to do in the direct aftermath of an avalanche. The course is designed to be taken every couple of years to refresh various skills essential to avalanche partner rescue, including beacon searches, probe technique, efficient recovery post-burial and contacting rescue assistance. This course does not cover various snow pit stability tests, snow crystal analysis, recognition of hazardous avalanche terrain, ect. and is not a substitute for a Level One course. It does not have any pre-requisites, but is required for both Pro Level 1 and Recreational Level 2 courses. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course. This course meets guidelines set by the American Avalanche Association and also meets guidelines set by the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR). This course expands beyond what students learn in a Level 1 to more complex rescue scenarios.
Participants must bring appropriate gear for snow travel (skis or splitboard with skins or snowshoes), avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and appropriate outerwear for a day in the mountains. The course will run storm or shine, so please come prepared for the elements. We will conclude with beers and a ski movie viewing at Ophir Town Hall. his is intended for Ophir locals. Come join us to dust off your essential rescue skills and bring in another winter season in the valley.
The course will be a $50 discounted rate for Ophir residents (normally $150) and will follow standard AAIRE curriculum, which focuses primarily on improving beacon search techniques and burial scenarios. The course also helps participants formulate a plan for continued practice of these integral skills. It will not involve preliminary snowpack/stability assessment techniques, like various snow-pit tests, but rather what to do in the event something goes wrong.
The Avalanche Rescue Course is a mandatory prerequisite for a professional Level 1 and recreational Level 2 on the AAIRE track, and is intended to be taken as a “refresher” for crucial skills every couple of years. CLICK HERE to view the full curriculum for the course.
Mountain Trip, in partnership with Silverton Avalanche School, instructs a variety of different avalanche courses in the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. Our offerings include AIARE Recreational Level One, Avalanche Rescue and Professional Level One Avalanche courses. Our staff has experience teaching and guiding all over the world in a variety of different snowpacks and mountain ranges. The San Juan Mountains are where we call home and choose to recreate, teach and guide. We bring this expertise and local knowledge to all of our avalanche courses here in Telluride, Colorado. CLICK HERE for a full list of our offerings for the 2019/2020 winter season.
