Events
Arapahoe Basin
February 22-23, 2011
This is an industry employee only workshop
Speakers
Martin Volken
IFMGA, AMGA Guide and Author "The Backcountry Skiing Book."
Andrew McLean
Ski mountaineer, author of "The Chuting Gallery."
Ace Kvale
Adventure photographer
Kasha Rigby
Ski mountaineer, North Face athlete
Brad Sawtell
Avalanche forecaster
Ace Kvale Slideshow
Ace Kvale presents: "The Older I Get, The More Awesome I Was"
After more than thirty years of skiing and climbing around the world Ace Kvale now focuses his art on the cultures he has come to love in Asia and Africa. Please join us for a retrospective of a career in adventure and a glimpse of work yet to come.
Proceeds from the show support The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies in Silverton, Colorado. www.snowstudies.org.
Day 1
- Understanding your local avalanche forecast
- Map and compass navigation and route planning
- GPS navigation and Spot locator
- Field execution of the route plan
Day 2
- Decision making in avalanche terrain
- Skinning techniques
- Snow science
- Search and rescue techniques
This is an industry employee only workshop however the slideshow by Ace Kvale and raffle are open to the general public. We will be raffling off $2500 worth of gear! February 22, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Warren Station Center for the Arts.
Clinic participants will receive a $40/day discounted lift ticket rate. Please take your registration receipt to the A-Basin Guest Services building to purchase your discounted ticket. Valid February 22 and 23, 2011 only. Lodging not included
$69 for 1 day 63 openings.
$99 full course with certificate 44 openings.
* Discounted lift tickets available for industry employees- see A-Basin for discount. Lodging not included
Classes
Route Planning
Before you go anywhere, you need beta and where to go. This class provides some insight on how to assess terrain and potential challenges to your planned trip itinerary.
Navigation
Map compass altimeter three tools you never leave home without. Participants will work on putting these tools to use in the field. You never know when the clouds roll down and you need to make the right call having these skills will benefit your future backcountry travel.
GPS Navigation & Spot Locator
In keeping up with the times, one of the most advanced tools you can use in the backcountry is a GPS. See how mountaineers use GPS to pinpoint their location, as well as learn how to use the new Spot Global Locators
Snow Science
Sometimes it snows. Other times it rains (yes, up to 10,000 feet at times). And many times it does both within a single storm. At times, the south side might have high hazards; the north side of the same mountain, less. Dig a pit, handle some snow, break out the magnifying glass. If this class has you doing one thing, it's signing up for your next avi science class from a Certified A.I.R.E. provider.
Beacon Search & Rescue Techniques 1
Join us in the field for a basic lesson on the new techniques and tools available for searching after a slide has occurred and someone goes down.
Beacon Search & Rescue Techniques 2
Follow along for a wild ride scenario on multiple burials. Our instructors take you to where no one wants to be. Two, three four buddies down -- where do you begin? Try your skills in a multiple burial situation.
Skinning The Right Way
Why is it that we always want to punch the gut and go straight up? Check out the hazards in this and the reason why you need to look at the hill as a canvas for you to paint your art. Save energy, time, and learn some of the tricks to making that dreaded switchback a friendly peaceful transformation to the other side.
Avalanche Forecast Where You Are
Learn what the forecast has for you and why it is the first phone call you need to make before you head out.
What To Pack In Your Pack
Light is right, but weight is great! How many times have you seen someone with a roll of duct tape in the backcountry? Or someone suffering with a cumbersome and poorly packed pack or a rolling junk show flopping down the trail. Learn some great packing techniques for a pleasurable trip. Remember that old adage; a pound on the foot is like seven on your back? This will get you lean and mean.
About
No matter what the form of sliding you choose it's all about hitting the mountains and enjoying the freedom of winter. Snow should not be feared but respected, because nature is a beautiful thing and the white planet is filled with life and release from what we call daily routine.
Our mission is to help instill the respect that nature deserves and offer people the opportunity to meet the Guides and Services within your region and beyond that can allow you to enjoy the beauty and serenity which is accessible to you here in the US and abroad.
The National forest service has joined us in this mission along with leaders in the snow sports industry to help educate the general public with options to explore our nations out of bounds.
Ian Reid
Ian Reid moved to this country from Scotland in the early '70s and soon began following his father around in the backcountry. He has never stopped. He is a ski mountaineer based in Boulder, CO, and is a partner at Redline Sports Group, LLC, a snow and outdoor sports agency dedicated to representing products they use. He is also Directeur Sportif for Avalanche Ski Company which puts on the Backcountry Workshops.
Contact
Ian Reid, Director Sportif
P.O. Box 2066 Boulder, CO 80306
303.957.5403
