Courses and Books

[duders]

Hey, Im just getting into touring and the BC and I was wondering if anyone can suggest some good books to read before I take a course. Also if anyone in the Vancouver/Whislter area knows of any courses. I read about some advanced course, but since I havent even taken one I cant do that. So if anyone knows of any starter/beginner courses in the area Id appreciate it. Thanks.

[Core Shot]

Buy the avy book by Bruce Tremper (http://www.csac.org/store/books-stayingalive.html) or Tony Dafffern (http://www.csac.org/store/books-daffern.html).

Definitely worth reading and re-reading the book before the course.

http://www.csac.org/store/products-books.html

[LeeLau]

See thread re Vancouver maggots in Ski/Snowboard. See thread in Slide Zone re Coast Mountain Observations

[skifishbum]

http://access.jibc.bc.ca/avalancheFirstResponse/index.htm
From Nesta via Biglines. More info @ Biglines Concerning Caa Classes

[nesta]

you're thinking of ARAC (advanced recreational avalanche course) but you were right in that you need a RAC first. There should be plenty of these offered in the Lower Mainland area. For a list of RAC providers, contact the CAA- www.avalanche.ca. This is also prerequisite to taking the CAA Level 1 which in turn is necessary to have before taking CAA Level 2, that and a whole bunch of experience and recommendation from a Professional member of the CAA. As for books, here's a couple that were not mentioned:The Avalanche Handbook by McClung & Schaerer, Avalanche Accidents in Canada Vol 4 1984-1996 Jamieson & Geldsetzer, Backcountry Avalanche Awareness by Bruce Jamieson, Sledding in Avalanche Terrain by Jamieson & Sverdus, Free Riding in Avalanche Terrain by Jamieson & McDonald
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Tremper is right there with these.

[seatosky]

Tried to get into an avy course at Whistler this weekend but it was all booked up - ended up paying a little more for the 'avalanche weekend' offered by www.themountainschool.com next week - if you're planning on taking a course this month I'd get registered soon, looks like they're all filling up pretty fast.

[LeeLau]

hey nesta

You're right that usually you need a RAC before the ARAC but you can sign up for the ARAC without taking a RAC first if you have some previous b/c experience. A buddy of mine with about 30 days touring under his belt is taking the CWMS ARAC from themountainschool.com and doesn't have a RAC. He spoke to Brian Jones first before he signed up and got permission to do so.


you're thinking of ARAC (advanced recreational avalanche course) but you were right in that you need a RAC first. There should be plenty of these offered in the Lower Mainland area. For a list of RAC providers, contact the CAA- www.avalanche.ca. This is also prerequisite to taking the CAA Level 1 which in turn is necessary to have before taking CAA Level 2, that and a whole bunch of experience and recommendation from a Professional member of the CAA. As for books, here's a couple that were not mentioned:The Avalanche Handbook by McClung & Schaerer, Avalanche Accidents in Canada Vol 4 1984-1996 Jamieson & Geldsetzer, Backcountry Avalanche Awareness by Bruce Jamieson, Sledding in Avalanche Terrain by Jamieson & Sverdus, Free Riding in Avalanche Terrain by Jamieson & McDonald
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Tremper is right there with these.

[seatosky]

Just a note: I just got a call from CWMS and it turns out they are running a 2nd 'avalanche whistler' course this weekend because of high demand. I'm going to stick with the 3-day one next week just because I already had that organized, but it sounds like there's an option there if you want to get into the course this weekend.

[LeeLau]

http://www.themountainschool.com/avalanche_whistler.html

3 spots still open in 2nd course for this weekend. Remember to ask for your $ 10 off as a TGR club member

[nesta]

hey lee, i stand corrected- i was just giving duders the facts as i know them- he did say he was just getting into touring and the b/c didn't he? i'm a little sketchy on these details as i started with my Level 1 and never did the RAC program. i've taught a couple though, RACs not ARACs.

[LeeLau]

hey lee, i stand corrected- i was just giving duders the facts as i know them- he did say he was just getting into touring and the b/c didn't he? i'm a little sketchy on these details as i started with my Level 1 and never did the RAC program. i've taught a couple though, RACs not ARACs.

No worries nesta - I do agree duders would be better off with a RAC. Starting off with a Lvl 1? You must have logged some serious time

[nesta]

No worries nesta - I do agree duders would be better off with a RAC. Starting off with a Lvl 1? You must have logged some serious time
I never try to be too "serious" Lee. After all, it's all fun, except when you get whacked by an avalanche. And take it from me, that's not somewhere you want to go. I have logged a good bit of time though.