Ladies Introduction to Avalanches Class

Course description:
This ladies course aims to help students recognize and understand obvious avalanche hazard through both classroom and field sessions. This course provides a brief introduction to avalanche statistics and human factors, avalanche terminology, avalanche terrain, snowpack and weather factors, trip planning and preparation, simple decision making tools, and backcountry travel protocols. In the field session, students will gain an understanding of how a layered snowpack contributes to avalanching. Companion rescue techniques will also be covered, including the use of avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes.

Overall goal:
Introduce students to a more in-depth understanding of avalanche hazard, terrain

The course outcomes:

1. Recognize and avoid obvious avalanche hazard
2. Understand and apply current avalanche advisories.
3. Understand how the snowpack contributes to avalanching.
4. Understand basic companion rescue.

Length/Format:
One classroom session (in person at FVCC or zoom presentation...TBD) of 3 hours and a field session of 7 hours.

Required Equipment:
Students are required to have a fully operational modern avalanche transceiver, an avalanche shovel (no plastic blades), and an avalanche probe. For this class, you are required to have downhill (or backcountry) skis or snowboard with appropriate bindings. You do not need climbing skins. 

The classroom portion of the course on Thursday, February 24, 2022, will begin at 6:00 pm and last until 9:00 pm. It will take place at either FVCC in person, or on zoom.  We will prefer to do in person classes, but if not possible we will defer to zoom. The field portion of the course on Saturday, February 26th, 2022, will take place at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Cost for both the classroom and field session is $60

This class is offered by Flathead Avalanche Center in partnership with Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC). 

Registration Link: https://ace.fvcc.edu/CourseStatus.awp?&course=22SHPER1208A