Avalanche Education and Safety Classes

Posted: Dec. 26th 2011 / Topics: Skiing, Powder, Mountain News, Snowboarding, / Posted By: Jason / Back to News

The Scoop:

Here at Stevens Pass, we are blessed with world-class terrain and an average of 450'' of annual snowfall. We all love getting out and riding pow, and a lot of us work for our turns. However, it is VERY important that you possess certain knowledge and are prepared for any situation when leaving the relative safety of the resort! We're up here to have fun, but stuff happens. If you're traveling in the backcountry, be safe:

Know what you're doing
Know the terrain
ALWAYS CARRY, AND KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR GEAR!

So here's the deal: If you enroll in either our AIARE Level 1 course, or an Avalanche Awareness class, you'll be getting 20% OFF on essential backcountry items in Fall Line Sports! These items include: Avalanche Beacons, Probes, Shovels, Touring Gear (skins AND snowshoes), and even Packs!

*To sign up for a class, or to talk to a real person, please call: 206.812.4510 EXT. 4206. Offer is valid through Friday, March 9th 2012.*

Classes Offered:

AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education) Level 1:

This is a 3 day/24 hour course designed to introduce the back country enthusiast to the fundamentals of avalanche education. At the end of the course the student will: be able to recognizing avalanche terrain; know how to prepare for and plan travel in avalanche terrain: have a framework for decision making in avalanche terrain; be able to initiate an effective companion rescue in avalanche terrain. The class starts inside for lecture and powerpoint discussions, and then moves out to the mountain for hands on skills practice. All students are required to have skis or a snowboard for the back country. Touring gear including shovel, probe beacon and skins or snowshoes is required.

Cost: $300

Time: 8:00am-4:30pm

Course Schedule, AIARE Level 1:

Friday-Sunday, January 20-22
Monday-Wednesday, February 13-15
Friday-Sunday, March 16-18

If you are 18 to 24 years of age you may be interested in applying for the Riley McCarthy AIARE Level 1 Memorial Scholarship.

Avalanche Awareness:

An introduction to safe travel in the back country, this 8 hour course covers the basics of: route finding, snow pack observations, recognizing avalanche terrain, and companion rescue. It’s a combination of inside learning and discussion, while the rest of the day is spent in the field practicing skills. All students must to be able to ski or snowboard at least at the intermediate level.

Cost: $125

Time: 8:00am-4:30pm

Course Schedule:

Saturday, January 7
Saturday, February 4
Saturday, March 3

Heartsaver First Aid w/ AED & CPR:

This course is designed to meet OSHA workplace first aid, CPR and AED requirements. Our American Heart Association instructors have everything you need on the mountain for this 4 hour inside class.

Cost: $45

Time: 12pm-5pm

Course Schedule: Thursdays - December 29, January 12, January 26, February 9, February 23, March 8 or March 22

For more information regarding these educational opportunities, please don't hesitate to call our Sales & Reservations office at 206-812-4510 ext. 4206.

NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of 4 or more!

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