Out of Bounds Print E-mail
Written by Todd Rempel   
Thursday, 04 February 2010 09:16
There isn't a skier around who hasn't at one time looked longingly past the "Out of Bounds" signs at the uncut terrain- and been tempted to duck the ropes and inhale a few "champagne" face-shots- even if it meant a little hiking. Picture that same skier standing there gazing out over the acres of white stuff, the tracks of others can be plainly seen making you think it must be safe if others are doing it. You read the signs again "CAUTION AVALANCHE DANGER SKIING OUT OF BOUNDS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH". Hmmm. That "death" word resonates within you and you resign yourself to staying in-bounds and letting the others harvest the fresh pow. If this story accurately describes you, then you made the right decision.  The mere fact that you had doubt makes the decision a "no-brainer".

If you want to get some knowledge so that there is no more "doubt" then the CAC (Canadian Avalanche Centre) certified AST1 (Avalanche Skills Training 1) course facilitated by Matt Atton and Darrell Dawson is for you. This course which is held on the mountain, will give you introductory knowledge of how to:
  • recognizing avalanche terrain
  • avoid avalanche terrain by picking alternate routes
  • properly prepare for a back-country or slack-country (out of bounds skiing accessed from a resort) trip using the CAC and other information sources
  • properly ski terrain using safe havens and other techniques
  • analyze the snowpack by digging pits and using various tests
The course will also teach you the basics of locating an avalanche victim using the three basic items that every responsible person skiing out of bounds should have on them at all times: probe, shovel, and beacon.

The last, and most important item that you will come away with from the course is a respect for off-resort skiing.

I recently had the pleasure of taking the course so I'll give you a quick run-down on the activities. It's a three day commitment- Day one (Friday evening) is in class. You will be shown how to use the Canadian Avalanche Centre website and the "Avaluator" system for determining risk (go-no-go). The morning of the second day is spent finishing up classroom items and "Avaluating" the afternoon's trip to the slack-country with the instructors. Bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm, because the instructors will challenge you to find buried victims (beacons that they have buried in advance) and dig them out. Day three is again spent out in the slack-country digging sample pits and analyzing snowpacks. You will also be asked to perform several simulated avalanche scenarios where you "rescue" multiple victim avalanches and companion searches.

Equipment required for the course is a beacon, a shovel, and a probe. I would highly recommend renting the items from Venture Gear in Kelowna rather than purchasing- this gives you a chance to be a little more informed before you buy so that you can get the right product. It's convenient and they're familiar with the course and know exactly what you need.

All in all the weekend is a fantastic learning experience facilitated by two very experienced avalanche instructors. If you really want to become a solid skier/boarder, get educated before ducking ropes and putting yourself or others in danger.

For more information call Matt at 250 862 1247 or check out the <Venture Gear Website>
 
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