By SAWTOOTH MOUNTAIN GUIDES
As snow accumulates in Idaho's high country, we are reminded that winter is now under way. It's time to dust off our skis and boards and start hiding our avalanche transceivers in sock drawers and under beds for a little early season search practice.
If you are a backcountry ski or snowboard enthusiast interested in furthering your avalanche awareness, now is the time to start planning. Sawtooth Mountain Guides, based in Stanley, is once again offering a variety of avalanche courses under the guidelines established by the American Avalanche Association.
The Level I Backcountry Skier and Snowboarder Avalanche Safety Course is a three-day course based at the Williams Peak Hut in the Sawtooth Mountains. The goal of this course is to give the backcountry skier the practical knowledge to understand snow avalanche phenomenon, skier preparedness and how to travel safely in avalanche terrain. This course focuses on winter weather, snow pack, terrain and route selection. The Level I is being offered Dec. 9-11, Jan. 6-8 and Jan. 13-15.
The Level II Tour Leadership and Avalanche Hazard Course is a four-day comprehensive course based in and around the Stanley Basin. This course combines the thorough curriculum of a field-based avalanche course with additional considerations for guiding and leading ski tours in high-mountain terrain. The Level II is excellent continuing education for those who have completed a Level I field course and is being offered Feb. 2-5.
Sawtooth Mountain Guides' avalanche courses typically fill to capacity early in the season. Early registration is highly recommended. For more information on course reservations and sign-up, contact Sawtooth Mountain Guides at (208) 774-3324, e-mail getaway@sawtoothguides.com, or visit www.sawtoothguides.com.
