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View Full Version : Best time to take an avy 1 course


seatosky
11-01-2005, 05:44 PM
Going to sign up for a course in the Whistler area at some point before Jan 15. Should I wait for a significant buildup of the snowpack, or does it not matter?
AltaPowderDaze
11-02-2005, 08:24 AM
Going to sign up for a course in the Whistler area at some point before Jan 15. Should I wait for a significant buildup of the snowpack, or does it not matter?


the short answer is before you go out and after you've read an avy book. it is nice to have a class when there are a few layers to observe but it's more important to just get the first class under your belt. besides, you'd be suprised how interesting a thin snowpack can be.
LeeLau
11-02-2005, 08:49 AM
seatosky - did you see the post about the ARAC course? Even the RAC courses are good - CWMS has taught great classes. I personally think getting hte classes in early season are good. Nice educational article in Powder APD. Thanks for that
seatosky
11-07-2005, 04:43 PM
Cool, I'll probably take an IRAC course up in whistler around the 3rd of December. About 3/4 of the way through 'Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain', very educational.
IHeartWhistler
11-08-2005, 02:12 AM
I took one in Whistler two years ago in early December. The mountains were still mostly closed, and the snowpack wasn't huge, but I still learned a HUGE amount. Our out of bounds trip was just into Harmony Bowl as the lift was still not open for the season yet. Simply put, as long as there is a little snow, and there was even a little wind when it fell... there will be wind loaded areas that will be interesting to study.