AltaPowderDaze
01-12-2006, 12:09 PM
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Before you even think about heading for uncontrolled slopes you need to do a few things. Learn the basics from a few good books. Listed in order of thoroughness: -- Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper is the most complete avy book for recreationalists that I have come across. It leads you through the basics and even takes you into snow metamorphosis. -- Snow Sense by Fessler/Fredston is a great starter since it is a quick and easy read. It also covers the bases. -- The ABC's of Avalanche Safety by Ed LaChapelle has older terminology but is still an effective book. It includes real life accident cases. He also has a great visual book called "Secrets of the Snow". It will jump start your on snow clues learning curve.
Putting that knowledge to use comes in the form of a multiday avalanche class taught by professionals. To get the most out of this class you need to come into it with some idea as to how and why avalanches occur. The prior reading will accomplish that plus give you knowledge of common terminology and allow you to fully participate in class discussions. Ask plenty of questions there because it is the place for answers.
After completion of the course your instructor will likely congradulate you and greet you as "the most dangerous people in the backcountry". Now that you are fresh out of an avy course you probably have more knowledge and confidence than when you went in. Unfortunatly this can cause you to overestimate your avy savy and consequently place yourself in more danger. It is important to keep your ego grounded at this time and continue your education. I haven't met an avalanche professional yet that thinks they are done learning. In fact, most of them grow more humble as their knowledge increases.
Continuing your education takes many forms. Re-reading your books will keep the knowledge fresh in your mind when you can't practice your new found skills. Just out of that avy1 class is the best time to start applying what you have learned. Find someone that you know has been touring for years that can safely show you how to travel on and assess the snow. The learning curve and harsh lessons can be cut in half by just having someone show you the ropes. Good bc practices start from the first time you tour. Likewise, bad ones do too so make sure you are learning from someone who is going to start you off right.
please add any stories of how you got started or things you think can jump start safe education.
Before you even think about heading for uncontrolled slopes you need to do a few things. Learn the basics from a few good books. Listed in order of thoroughness: -- Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper is the most complete avy book for recreationalists that I have come across. It leads you through the basics and even takes you into snow metamorphosis. -- Snow Sense by Fessler/Fredston is a great starter since it is a quick and easy read. It also covers the bases. -- The ABC's of Avalanche Safety by Ed LaChapelle has older terminology but is still an effective book. It includes real life accident cases. He also has a great visual book called "Secrets of the Snow". It will jump start your on snow clues learning curve.
Putting that knowledge to use comes in the form of a multiday avalanche class taught by professionals. To get the most out of this class you need to come into it with some idea as to how and why avalanches occur. The prior reading will accomplish that plus give you knowledge of common terminology and allow you to fully participate in class discussions. Ask plenty of questions there because it is the place for answers.
After completion of the course your instructor will likely congradulate you and greet you as "the most dangerous people in the backcountry". Now that you are fresh out of an avy course you probably have more knowledge and confidence than when you went in. Unfortunatly this can cause you to overestimate your avy savy and consequently place yourself in more danger. It is important to keep your ego grounded at this time and continue your education. I haven't met an avalanche professional yet that thinks they are done learning. In fact, most of them grow more humble as their knowledge increases.
Continuing your education takes many forms. Re-reading your books will keep the knowledge fresh in your mind when you can't practice your new found skills. Just out of that avy1 class is the best time to start applying what you have learned. Find someone that you know has been touring for years that can safely show you how to travel on and assess the snow. The learning curve and harsh lessons can be cut in half by just having someone show you the ropes. Good bc practices start from the first time you tour. Likewise, bad ones do too so make sure you are learning from someone who is going to start you off right.
please add any stories of how you got started or things you think can jump start safe education.