EXPEDITION: KIRKWOOD

AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Course

07/08 Backcountry Programs

 

AIARE (American institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Avalanche Level I Course.

Expedition: Kirkwood is proud to announce its second season providing Avalanche Education to the public.  We deliver the formalized yet progressive education as set forth by AIARE guidelines. As certified AIARE educators we realize the importance of passing this information to as many people as possible.  The AIARE course is essential for the introductory student as well as the recreational back country leader and party member.  Additionally, these courses are just as important for the “inbounds” rider as those seeking a pure backcountry experience.   Many resorts are starting to adopt an open boundary policy, so the need for avalanche education is greater than ever.  Our classroom lecture method combined with on-snow practical application has allowed Kirkwood the unique opportunity of delivering a standalone avalanche education course in California’s only resort based backcountry education program.

Synopsis of course content:

Introduction to Decision Making; Types and Characteristics; Avalanche Terrain Recognition; Snowpack and Metamorphism; “Red Flag” Observation Techniques; Planning and Preparation for travel in avalanche terrain; Basic Rescue; and Human factors—why we make the decisions we do—in avalanche terrain. 

Course Flow: 

AIARE Level I Avalanche Course is a three day event.  In order to satisfy AIARE curriculum requirements; Kirkwood has developed a schedule of flexibility for students.  We will be delivering the first two days consecutively and providing a skills tour (the third day) at a later date that you can schedule at your convenience.  The skill’s based tour is a requirement and should be noted that students will not receive a “certificate of completion” until the third day requirement has been completed. The skills tour must be completed in the 07-08 season; students requesting to complete the skills tour portion in the 08-09 season will be assessed an additional fee. Please see course schedule to properly plan your education.


For more details or information on backcountry certification programs,

please contact Expedition HQ at (209) 258 7360 or email us at expedition@kirkwood.com.

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Cost: $280 for all three days with a valid full season pass (20% savings)
           $380 for non-passholders (includes lift tickets)

Course Dates and Schedule:

 
2 Day Consecutive Dates: 
 
Skills Tour Dates:
March 1st & 2nd; 29th & 30th March 23rd; 31st
    April 3rd, 4th, 5th, 19th, 20th

Level 1 Course Outline: 

Day 1

8:00am – 1:00pm

Classroom: dress comfortably, but bring gear and be prepared to be  on the snow in the afternoon.

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Field Time: dress appropriately for the conditions of the day; make sure your foot wear is appropriate.

We will not be skiing day one.

Day 2

8:00am – 12:00pm

Classroom: dress comfortably, but be prepared to be on the snow with ski gear in the afternoon.

12:00pm – 4:30pm

Field time- Mountain Tour

Day 3

8:30am – 4:00pm

Skills Tour Day: The third and final day of certification can be completed on the above dates (must be completed during the 07-08 season; students requesting to complete the skills tour portion in the 08-09 season will be assessed an additional fee). Please call the Expedition Desk at 209.258.7360 to make your reservation.  Be prepared to be on the snow with skis/board all day.  Be sure to pack a lunch, power bars, water.

*Be flexible as the schedules may shift.

*Pack a lunch and snacks for both days.

*Coffee and pastries will be provided for morning classroom sessions.

Gear Requirements/Personal Equipment

Personal Equipment: 

  • Clothing for activities and standing in cold/snowy weather (no cotton please).
  • Long underwear
  • Insulating layers
  • Outer Layers (wind/waterproof)
  • Warm gloves and hat or baseball style cap
  • Goggles and Sunglasses
  • Small personal first aid kit (Sun screen/lip balm, moleskin, band-aids, medication, etc.)
  • Water bottle, energy bar

Skiing/Riding Equipment:

For the two consecutive day portion Touring equipment is strongly recommended, but not mandatory.  For the “Skills Based Tour” touring equipment is mandatory.  Kirkwood’s Demo Center has top of the line touring equipment for Tele, Randonee, & Split-Boards for snow boarders.  All Touring equipment is limited, be sure to call for reservations.   An additional fee of $10 will be charged for a touring package.

AIARE Courses have maximum capacity of 16 guests and fill up fast so reservations are highly recommended. 

Cancellation Policy: Outside of 3 days – no charge; within 3 days -$100 cancellation fee


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