Avalanche Level 1 safety course

Keith Gale, an avalanche instructor trainer with the National Ski Patrol (nsp.org) is presenting a course that meets the American Avalanche Association guidelines for U.S. avalanche education course “Level 1: Avalanche Fundamentals”. This is a 28 hour course that includes classroom presentations and field work. The student can use skis or snowshoes during the field portions.

Course Description

This course meets the American Avalanche Association guidelines. There are no standards. Both NSP and AIARE meet the same guidelines.
The course teaches students how terrain, weather, and snowpack contribute to avalanche hazards. This knowledge is used during decision-making exercises in the classroom and in the field session. Students also become acquainted with human factors, which skew effective decision making. The course covers movement through avalanche terrain, route selection/hazard identification, and stability assessments in the field environment. Also focuses heavily on the fundamentals of self, group, and organized rescue. Students complete a written exam and practical evaluation during field exercises. Upon course completion, students are qualified to participate in organized rescue operations.

class times

(you will need to attend all of these classes to complete the course)

Sat. February 1 - 8:00AM-5:00PM - Pinecrest, CA
Sun. February 2 - 8:00AM-5:00PM - Pinecrest, CA
Sat. February 29 (optional) – 8:30AM to 5:00PM (Donner Summit Sno Play Area)
Sun. March 1 (required) – 8:30AM to 5:00PM (Donner Summit Sno Play Area)
Free housing on January 31 and February 1 at the Pinecrest Community Center.

What to bring

“Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain” by Bruce Tremper – our main text source for the course. Purchase and read this before the course begins. Appropriate clothing and your typical outdoor kit for being out in snowy conditions (food, warm drinks, extra layers, etc.)... Skis, snowshoes, or snowboard with climbing skins (what you are most comfortable with). Beacon, shovel, probe (limited quantities available for a few students to rent, but you should be prepared to bring your own set).

Important to know

Register here: https://www.pinecrestnordic.org/education
Please complete the Avy1 2020 - Registration Form. The registration offers a Reno class and Pinecrest class. Ensure that you make the correct choice when registering. Fill out the fields as requested. Contact me with any questions.

Keith Gale
Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol