Thread: Kirkwood "backcountry awareness clinic"

Found this while browsing the Kirkwood site:
http://www.kirkwood.com/iframes/backcountry.html

Anyone done their class? I'm planning on taking an avy course this winter, and was thinking of the one offered by Alpine Skills in Truckee:
http://www.alpineskills.com/avalanche1.html

The Kirkwood one is shorter but less expensive too.

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

Found this while browsing the Kirkwood site:
http://www.kirkwood.com/iframes/backcountry.html

Anyone done their class? I'm planning on taking an avy course this winter, and was thinking of the one offered by Alpine Skills in Truckee:
http://www.alpineskills.com/avalanche1.html

The Kirkwood one is shorter but less expensive too.

I haven't taken the Kirkwood class, but I'm planning on taking Avy I from ASI this December or January. It just seems much more comprehensive. IMO it's worth it to spend extra $$$ on an education that could save both you and your friends lives.

Take the ASI course or another Level 1 course. I took a level 1 course from ASI, it was taught by Norm Wilson and quite good (but that was when they had their lodge at Donner and we got 3' over the course of the course ) not sure who/how good their current offerings are.

Sierra Mountain Center (Bishop) http://www.sierramountaincenter.com/ and
Mountain Adventure Seminars (Bear Valley) http://www.mtadventure.com/
also offer courses.

you're better off taking a formal avy course that will get you a Level 1 cert.

Kirkwood's is a complete elementary introduction. I looked into it thinking it was an introduction to Kirkwood's backcountry i.e. what is there to ski outside the gates. Not the case. It's just a marketing tool thought up by Cohee.

Originally Posted by slim

you're better off taking a formal avy course that will get you a Level 1 cert.

That's what I'm thinking too. Thanks all-

Originally Posted by slim

Kirkwood's is a complete elementary introduction. I looked into it thinking it was an introduction to Kirkwood's backcountry i.e. what is there to ski outside the gates. Not the case. It's just a marketing tool thought up by Cohee.

Yeah, and do remember that "really huge slide" someone set off in corner chute? I guess they train their attendees well.

I took the course at ASI last year, definitely recommended. I've heard good things about SMC as well. Avoid the Kirkwood course, but the Beacon Basin (next to Monte Wolfe's Cafe) they have set up isn't a bad tool to exploit.

Another vote for Level 1 at ASI. We had the fortune of getting instruction from a Tom Carter, really down to earth "here's a bunch of examples of dicey situations I've gotten into and what I learned" kind of guy, which I found a nice contrast to other more textbook approaches. Tom also covered the key nuts and bolts stuff very well. I think he got a snow boner when we found a layer of grupel about 1m down in a pit we dug... Definitely into his work. I think he's a heli ski guide as well, for some operation in Nevada. Good people.