Avalanche Awareness, Rescue Training?

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willey

New member
Allright I got a question for all my fellow JDer's. How many have or are planning on taking an Avalanche awareness, rescue training class for the up coming seasons western adventures?
I am planning a trip for a group this year and it looks like we will be heading to Island Park. We are all second year greenhorns for the most part except for one is a rookie. Now I know that everyone can benefit from this type of training even if you don't plan on climbing the nasty stuff (not much of a climber myself but if the opportunity looks good you never know). I plan on taking Mike Duffy's class December 2 at Century Power in Stillwater MN. I am trying to encourage the rest of the group to do the same, but I am meeting som resistance from a few! One for example has been riding since he was 5 or so and he is a really good rider, but when it comes to mountain experience he has no more than the rest of us. I am at the point where I can't risk any type of injury or worse not coming home to my Little girl and Wife!!! What to do? Do I lay down an ultimatum of no training no trip with me? To harsh? It's four hours of class time and $50 bucks. In my mind it's a small price to gain alot of knowledge that could save someones life. I know that it's more than just a class that gives you experience but you gotta start somewhere right? I really value the opinions of others on this site and hope this question gets some thoughtful response!

Bill
 
mezz

mezz

Well-known member
willey said:
Now I know that everyone can benefit from this type of training even if you don't plan on climbing the nasty stuff (not much of a climber myself but if the opportunity looks good you never know). I plan on taking Mike Duffy's class December 2 at Century Power in Stillwater MN. I am trying to encourage the rest of the group to do the same, but I am meeting som resistance from a few! One for example has been riding since he was 5 or so and he is a really good rider, but when it comes to mountain experience he has no more than the rest of us. I am at the point where I can't risk any type of injury or worse not coming home to my Little girl and Wife!!! What to do? Do I lay down an ultimatum of no training no trip with me? To harsh? Bill
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It's a good idea to take it if there is one close enough to you. There are also some materials available on-line as well. Any knowledge is better than none, however, it will depend on where you are riding & who you are riding with, specifically, Guides or no guides. It's all together different in the steep & deep not to forget the elevation you are riding at. The guides at Togwotee cannot take you unless you are familiar with & wear beacons which is law in Wyoming & they will show you how to operate them if you are unfamiliar. If you are going into avy danger area's, they will also brief you on the use of beacons, probes & search patterns. In my opinion to say "No training no trip" would be a bit harsh, if you are taking the course, sweet, you can pass some of this knowledge to your group. Make certain everyone is on board with that & has the necessary equipment to contribute to the safety of the group as a whole. In my opinion, unless you ride in any of those area's for years, you will alway's be a green horn, too much terrain with too many variations that can change all too quickly. Good Luck & enjoy your trip.-Mezz
 
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lookin4snow

New member
No training/no trip is not too harsh! There is a saying in the west that goes something along the lines of my safety gear is for your and yours is for me. If they don't know how to use it, it is your life that is in danger. Having been involved in two rescues now, and personally seeing how little of a hill it could actually take to give way, there is no excuse for not getting proper training. I will only ride with people who could save my life if the need arose. Period.
 
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techsledder

Member
My gosh people, it' only $50... for the cost of the trip out there it's very worth it. I would tell your friend if he plans on riding with you out there he needs to take the class. Because every second it takes him to get going and looking for your buried butt, with familiar equipment and technique, it is precious seconds on YOUR LIFE. At the very LEAST, Mike’s class room session is a beginning. It starts to familiarize you with the basics. I plan on making it someday to one of his on-slope classes. It’s just good experience at the very least. Harsh? Maybe in some people’s eyes… but really it comes down to how much do you value your and your riding partner's life?
Show him to Mike’s site http://www.avalanche1.com/
Or theses ones:
http://www.avalanche.org/
http://www.avalanche.ca/

Also, remember avy’s happen most frequently on slopes 35 to 50 degrees. It really doesn't take much of a hill and the right conditions...
 
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snoluver1

Active member
X2. No training, no trip, Period. Is it really that much to ask a guy to spend 4 hrs of his life learning skills that could very possibly save your life. Not only do you learn the techniques of using beacons and probes and efficient search patterns,etc, you also learn how to avoid avalanche terrain in the first place. Ask yourself this, do you want to take responsibility for the rest of your group being buried because the one guy who didn't take the class decided to climb something that the rest of you could easily spot as being "risky"?
 
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snoluver1

Active member
I also just read somewhere (snowest maybe?) that Skidoo is sponsoring several free avy classes at snowshows. If 50 bucks is an issue, try to get him in one of the free ones! I'm sure there is info on BRP's website.
 
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snoluver1

Active member
Sorry, its at dealerships, not snowshows.



September 16, 2011

BRP Expands Avalanche Safety Awareness Courses To The U.S.

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Valcourt, Québec – BRP is expanding its outreach program on avalanche safety awareness into the western United States. The program was launched in Western Canada last year.

From September through November a qualified avalanche safety instructor will provide free courses at 21 BRP Ski-Doo dealerships in Canada and 19 others in the United States. The courses are open to owners of all snowmobile brands and are presented from a snowmobiler’s perspective. Attendees can expect an informative, interactive and fun evening. Many sessions will be combined with in-store special events.

Support from the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) for BRP’s outreach program has been very strong right from the beginning. “These sessions are a great introduction to the knowledge needed to manage avalanche risk in the backcountry,” Ian Tomm, executive director of the CAC, said. “With help from BRP, we’re hopeful that participants will be encouraged to take even more training.”

“We saw the need to partner with the CAC in furthering avalanche awareness and education,” Robert Lumley, vice-president, Sales and Marketing, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo, said. “We were pleased by the large turnout and keen interest demonstrated by snowmobilers in Canada and thus decided to expand the program to the western part of the United States."

For more information on the program or the schedule for avalanche awareness courses, visit www.ski-doo.com, the Ski-Doo Elevation Mountain Blog, or Ski-Doo Mountain Facebook page.

The schedule is also below.

Avalanche Safety Awareness Presentation Schedule

To sign up for a course contact the host dealer. Dealer contact information can be found at www.ski-doo.com.

2011 Canadian Schedule:
October 14 RTR Performance Kamloops, BC
October 17 Mr. R’s Ltd. Lethbridge, AB
October 18 A & E RV Sales and Service Ltd. Brooks, AB
October 19 Bow Cycle South Calgary, AB
October 20 Bow Ridge Sports Cochrane, AB
October 24 Riderz Edson, AB
October 25 Riverside Honda and Ski-Doo St. Albert, AB
October 26 Martin Motorsports Edmonton, AB
October 27 Power Merchants Ltd. St. Paul, AB
October 28 Turple Brothers Ltd. Red Deer, AB
November 8 Playmor Power Products Ltd. Cresent Valley, BC
November 9 Banner Recreational Products Kelowna, BC
November 10 Banner Recreational Products Vernon, BC
November 11 Reichert Sales and Service Tulameen, BC
November 15 No Limits Motorsports Squamish, BC
November 16 Ski and Trail Powersports Ltd. Langley, BC
November 17 Greater Vancouver Powersports Chilliwack, BC
November 18 Greater Vancouver Powersports Surrey, BC
November 22 Performance All Terrain and Rentals 100 Mile House, BC
November 23 Forest Powersports Ltd. Prince George, BC
November 26 Courtenay Motorsports Courtenay, BC

2011 United States Schedule
October 13 Interlakes Sports Center Madison, SD
October 18 Karst Motorsports Casper, WY
October 19 Rogers Sports Center Cody, WY
October 20 Action MotorSports Gillette, WY
October 22 RPM MotorSports Denver, CO
October 26 Specialty Recreation Coeur D’Alene, ID
October 27 Moto Tech Boise, ID
October 28 SK Northwest Portland, OR
November 2 Enumclaw Powersports Enumclaw, WA
November 3 Rexburg Motorsports Rexburg, ID
November 4 Water World Medford, OR
November 6 Lifestyles Recreational Products Mt. Vernon, WA
November 8 High Adventure Power Sports Salt Lake City, UT
November 9 Renegade Powersports Logan, UT
November 10 ADS Motorsports Odgen, UT
November 11 Roelefson Implement Toronto, SD
November 15 Rocky Mountain Motorsports Rock Springs, WY
November 16 Gull Boats Missoula, MT
November 17 One Way Marine Helena, MT




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borderstaff

New member
Its great that BRP is stepping up to offer Avy classes. Its a shame that they don't offer one in MN or WI (or MI). There are a lot of riders in these states that could really benefit from the knowledge and might be too frugal to spend the $50.

I have taken both Mike's level one classroom class and level 2 on-the-snow class. The classroom class was a great introduction. The on-the-snow class is a HUGE eye-opener and I'd recommend it to everyone. We spent 4 hours outside in the bitter cold at the Elk River ERX motorpark in Elk River MN last winter. Two of my riding group joined me and it was a great way to train together for a situation we hope to never encounter, but having taken the class, feel more confident in each others' abilities to react quickly and efficiently in a rescue situation.
 
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nitroman

New member
Explain that the class will prepare him to save yours and your crews life if ever something should happen! If he's not willing well then show him the pics and vids when you get back from Island park!
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
I also do not think that no class, no trip is too harsh. As was pointed out, $50 cannot possibly break the bank for someone heading out west to ride, so the reason must be just too lazy.

I would just talk to the person(s) that do not want to take the class and very nicely explain that the material taught is mostly to help save the life of someone riding with them, not to save their own life. So if they do not care enough about those they are riding with to take the class they probably should not go.

-John
 
skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
I'm planning on taking one. We hope to be making our first ever sledding trip to the Tetons this year and would like to be as prepared as possible. I've been there skiing but that's a whole different ball game when you stay in-bounds.

It just seems like the right thing to do. Could a snow probe be useful this year in the U.P.? You just never know.
 
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willey

New member
Our original plan this year was to head back out to Togwotee and possibly go with the full package with guides. As everyone who has ever stayed there says that is a must to fully enjoy riding in the mountains. Once again $$$ come into play and "why would we need or want a guide?" Sometimes I wish I had a whole different group to ride with that wasn't so concerned about $$$ and more concerned about having fun, learning a few things (mountain riding techniques, avy safety, etc....). Anybody have any suggestions on guides, riding areas in Island Park? I have a very cheap option for lodging @ Island Park Village Resort (timeshare exchange). Looks to be a great area to ride. Just not the one stop shopping that Togwotee has to offer.

I am in for sure on the training class! I have been interested in buying and becoming familiar with the BCA tracker beacons. Rental would probably be my best option to start???

My love of this sport is changing as every year goes buy. So long to the trail rides (except with my daughter her Grandpa). I can't get enough of the powder and exploring the backwoods of the UP and out west. I want to be responsible and aware of my surroundings as well as making sure whomever I am riding with has the same principals in mind also. Making sure myself and my riding partners have fun and come home safe is really all I am talking about.
 
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polarisrider1

New member
No training no trip. I love that rule. Everyone I ride with has had some form of Avy training. I have had level 1 and would take level 2 in a heart beat. You will all need beacons, probes and survival gear and survival skills to ride with me or in my group. I ride with people trained as first responders also. The mountains make for some serious fun but offer some serious challenges if something goes wrong and it has for even the best of the best out there. Your beacon, probe and shovel are to save me and mine are to save you period. I highly recommend a guide for Togwotee area. IP is a bit more forgiving if you stay near the trail system. But IP has a vast area that they would never find you ever, so being prepared is an understatement and Avy class is a minimal entry to ride with my group. I would tell the guy that his attitude is not right for the trip if he don't pony up and get the proper training and gear. Safety is job 1 ask Carter. I have UP riding friends and outwest riding buddies, they don't all mix.
 
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willey

New member
polarisrider1 said:
No training no trip. I love that rule. Everyone I ride with has had some form of Avy training. I have had level 1 and would take level 2 in a heart beat. You will all need beacons, probes and survival gear and survival skills to ride with me or in my group. I ride with people trained as first responders also. The mountains make for some serious fun but offer some serious challenges if something goes wrong and it has for even the best of the best out there. Your beacon, probe and shovel are to save me and mine are to save you period. I highly recommend a guide for Togwotee area. IP is a bit more forgiving if you stay near the trail system. But IP has a vast area that they would never find you ever, so being prepared is an understatement and Avy class is a minimal entry to ride with my group. I would tell the guy that his attitude is not right for the trip if he don't pony up and get the proper training and gear. Safety is job 1 ask Carter. I have UP riding friends and outwest riding buddies, they don't all mix.
Click to expand...

Maybe I need new outwest riding buddies! Anyone excepting applications??? LOL.
 
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thebreeze

Member
I feel that anyone riding out west should become educated on recognizing avalanche terrain and avoidance, and become somewhat familiar with beacon operation, and conducting a search.

It is hard to be the guy in the group telling your riding buddies that they need to take the class, as many scoff at the though initially. I know some of those I ride with did. By the start of this season, almost everyone I ride with will have now taken the class. It takes time to convince some. I never told anyone no class, no trip, but if thats what it takes to get them in the class, you gotta do what you gotta do.

On a side note Mike's class is extremely worth while, and at the very least gets you thinking and talking more about avalanches while out riding. Effective, timely search techniques, and beacon use take significant hands on training and repetition and this class by no means fully prepares you for a full on avalanche event and burial but is an excelent introdution to it. For us greenhorns, and anyone riding the mountains AVALANCHE AVOIDANCE is the real area of focus and you learn a great deal about that subject in his class. I would love to take one of his "on the hill" classes as I feel my search/beacon operation skills are not up to snuff.

If you ever try a practice beacon search at altitude in deep snow on a slope, you will find out quickly how futile your efforts are, even if you have a basic understanding on beacon opeartion. It is not something that can be figured out on the fly. It is something that must be practiced repetitively, so when the shiz hits the fan, the guy under the snow stands a chance.
 
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rp7x

Well-known member
i went to mike's class at century power sports last year was worth it to me ,they gave people a 10 or 20 % discount on their klim gear picked up a pack and two pair of gloves , may go again this year
 
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willey

New member
thebreeze said:
I feel that anyone riding out west should become educated on recognizing avalanche terrain and avoidance, and become somewhat familiar with beacon operation, and conducting a search.

It is hard to be the guy in the group telling your riding buddies that they need to take the class, as many scoff at the though initially. I know some of those I ride with did. By the start of this season, almost everyone I ride with will have no taken the class. It takes time to convince some. I never told anyone no class, no trip, but if thats what it takes to get them in the class, you gotta do what you gotta do.

On a side note Mike's class is extremely worth while, and at the very least gets you thinking and talking more about avalanches while out riding. Effective, timely search techniques, and beacon use take significant hands on training and repetition and this class by no means fully prepares you for a full on avalanche event and burial but is an excelent introdution to it. For us greenhorns, and anyone riding the mountains AVALANCHE AVOIDANCE is the real area of focus and you learn a great deal about that subject in his class. I would love to take one of his "on the hill" classes as I feel my search/beacon operation skills are not up to snuff.

If you ever try a practice beacon search at altitude in deep snow on a slope, you will find out quickly how futile your efforts are, even if you have a basic understanding on beacon opeartion. It is not something that can be figured out on the fly. It is something that must be practiced repetitively, so when the shiz hits the fan, the guy under the snow stands a chance.
Click to expand...

Breeze that is exactly how I feel! I don't wanna force anyone to do something they are not interested in but at the same time I think people are reluctant to look at training such as this because they don't fully understand it.

RP7X if you end up going let me know. I emailed Century yesterday to put me on the list. I am sure I will be able to talk a couple of my buddies and budette to take the class. I just wish it was an easier process and not like trying to get your kid eat to his or her vegetables.
 
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