Class content: Class follows American Avalanche Association guidelines. Taught by AAA pro member and certified instructor, Mike Duffy. Covers: equipment, rescue, nine different types of avalanche problems, forecasts, stability tests, transceiver, shoveling and probing skills, terrain recognition, terrain traps, route finding, islands of safety, backcountry guidelines, group dynamics, communication, deep burials, multiple burials, observations, contributing factors, using snowmobiles in rescue and much more.
Format for winter 24-25. Classroom session will be online using a special level I version of Backcountry Ascender. Online is self-paced on your time using the fun and engaging Backcountry Ascender platform. No scheduled video meetings and more time on the snow. This is a snowmobile/snow bike specific class and we will be traveling to areas by snowmobile or snow bike. Certified American Avalanche Association instructor and course provider.
Who? For recreational riders, pros, guides, and search and rescue teams.
Location: 10 Mile Snow Park, La Pine, OR
Class start: Saturday 8:30am in 10 Mile Snow Park LaPine, OR
Be dressed to ride and spend the day outside.
Dates: February 1-2, 2025. Saturday 8:30am – 5pm. Sunday 9:00am -5:00pm.
Cost: $650
Refund policy: No refunds will be given within 30 days of class start date.
Schedule:
Saturday 8:30 am-5:00pm
Group meeting/discussion outside: 8:30am-9:30am. Daily preparation-4 steps. Waivers.
Bring a lunch. Dress warm.
9:30-5:00 Travel into Backcountry.
Sunday 9:00am -5:00pm
9:00-9:45 Daily plan in Snow Park.
9:45-4:00. In the backcountry. Bring lunch.
4:00-5:00 Course wrap up. Course evaluations, certifications, coupons.
What to do for preparation: Read your transceiver manual. Practice single transceiver burial. Make sure all your gear is ready. Bring notebook and pen to class. Read the avalanche forecast. Make notes on questions you have for class.
Apps that you will need for class:
Inclinometer or inclinometer app: Suggest BCA-free. Avalanche Inclinometer-Iterum, LLC,
Google Earth:
Slope shading for steepness: Gaia, Caltopo or a topo map.
Avalanche Forecast: Avalanche Forecast.
Weather: My Radar
The riding in class. We are using Jeep roads and single track to access terrain in class. Have your machines in excellent working order, fueled and ready.
What to bring: Snowmobile or Snow Bike. Transceiver (3 antenna), shovel, probe, tunnel bag, backpack or airbag pack, sunglasses, multiple pairs of gloves, sunscreen, face protection, survival and first aid gear, hat, food (lunch) and water for in the field, extra layers, head lamp, notebook, pens, pencil, camera. If you don’t have avalanche gear, please let me know and I can supply it.
Dress warmer than expected. We are out in the elements for long periods of time at or above timberline. Bring a thermos with hot liquids if it is going to be cold. We do not cancel for cold weather.
What we supply: I can supply digital 3 antenna transceiver if you do not have one. Let me know.
Instructor: Mike Duffy. Professional member and Certified instructor/school American Avalanche Association. Teaching at American Avalanche Institute, Colorado Mountain College and Silverton Avalanche School. Rescue/avalanche team leader/ Vail Mountain Rescue Group. Graduate of National Avalanche School, National Academy of Winter Guiding, AVPRO & Professional Avalanche Search & Rescue. Mountain Snowmobiler for 25 years. Provided training for Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, Mountain Rescue Teams, FBI and Navy Seals. Backcountry Guide/riding instructor. 26 years' experience in proven, effective avalanche education.
Looking forward to this! Any questions or running late, please contact Mike Duffy at 970-390-9433 duffyavalanche1@gmail.com.
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