Staying safe in the backcountry begins with recognizing unstable conditions and having the skills to perform an avalanche rescue. The Sawtooth NF Avalanche Center offers a number of free or minimal cost avalanche classes throughout the winter. Some are geared towards human-powered backcountry recreation, while others are specifically for snowmobilers.
Please join us for one of our classes this winter. Call 208-622-0095 or email us for more information.
Avalanche Basics- Ketchum - Classroom Session
December 6, 2011 6-8pm, Hemingway School, Ketchum
This is an introductory class that also serves as a great refresher for anyone with prior avalanche training. Topics covered include recognizing avalanche conditions & avalanche warning signs, understanding avalanche terrain, safe backcountry travel techniques, what to do if you are caught in an avalanche and how to perform an immediate avalanche rescue within your group. Avalanche Basics are a must for anyone planning this winter to ski, snowmachine, snowshoe, snowboard or hike on the slopes or in the side canyons surrounding our area. Instructors will be from the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center.
Other details that may be of interest:
An optional, all day field session is offered for the Saturday following each class. Signup & details will be at the classroom session. You must attend a classroom session to go in the field.
Free! A North Valley Trail Pass will be raffled off at the class, 5$ per raffle ticket. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Avalanche Center to further avalanche education.
Call 622-0095 for further information
Avalanche Awareness 1 hr - Stanley - Classroom Session
December 8, 2011 5-6pm at the Sawtooth Hotel
Participants are invited to stay for a Sweetgrass productions ski movie and dinner organized by the Sawtooth Ski Club. Donation requested for dinner.
Avalanche Awareness programs run 1 hour. They are an introduction to snow & avalanches and help you understand why & where avalanches occur, avalanche warning signs and the basic concepts of what to do if you’re caught & what to do if your partner is caught. This program is an excellent primer before taking an avalanche class, or for anyone who is seeking information about avalanches.
Avalanche Basics - Field Session
December 10, 2011 9-4pm
We will spend all day in the field looking at the snowpack & avalanche terrain. You must be prepared to be out all day and travel on the snow with touring skis & skins or snowshoes. Layered clothing for moving and standing, lunch, water, avalanche beacon shovel & probe for rescue practice. Details will be announced at the classroom sessions. You must attend a classroom session to go in the field with us.
Avalanche Basics- Hailey - Classroom Session
January 3, 2012 6-8pm, Wood River High School, Distance Learning Lab C-105
**Please note this is a different location than in the past**
This is an introductory class that also serves as a great refresher for anyone with prior avalanche training. Topics covered include recognizing avalanche conditions & avalanche warning signs, understanding avalanche terrain, safe backcountry travel techniques, what to do if you are caught in an avalanche and how to perform an immediate avalanche rescue within your group.
Avalanche Basics are a must for anyone planning this winter to ski, snowmachine, snowshoe, snowboard or hike on the slopes or in the side canyons surrounding our area. Instructors will be from the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center.
Other details that may be of interest:
An optional, all day field session is offered for the Saturday following each class. Signup & details will be at the classroom session. You must attend a classroom session to go in the field.
5$ donation at the door
All proceeds go to the Friends of the Avalanche Center to further avalanche education.
Call 622-0095 for further information
Avalanche Basics - Field Session
January 7, 2012 9-4pm
We will spend all day in the field looking at the snowpack & avalanche terrain. You must be prepared to be out all day and travel on the snow with touring skis & skins or snowshoes. Layered clothing for moving and standing, lunch, water, avalanche beacon shovel & probe for rescue practice. Details will be announced at the classroom sessions. You must attend a classroom session to go in the field with us.
Avalanche Basics for Snowmobilers - Woodside Motorsports - Classroom Session
January 11, 2012 7-9pm, Woodside Motorsports
This is an introductory class specifically oriented towards snowmobilers that also serves as a great refresher for anyone with prior avalanche training. Topics covered include recognizing avalanche conditions & avalanche warning signs, understanding avalanche terrain, safe backcountry travel techniques, what to do if you are caught in an avalanche and how to perform an immediate avalanche rescue within your group.
Avalanche Basics are a must for anyone planning this winter to snowmobile on the slopes or in the side canyons surrounding our area. Instructors will be from the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center.
$5 requested donation
Other details that may be of interest:
An optional, all day field session is offered the following Saturday at Baker Creek. Signup & details will be at the classroom session. You must attend a classroom session to go in the field.
Avalanche Basics for Snowmobilers - Field Session
January 14, 2012 9-4PM
Participants must have attended an earlier classroom session this season and signed up for this field session.We will spend all day in the field looking at the snowpack & avalanche terrain. You'll need to have your own snowmobile (no double riders)and be ready to do some short rescue practice off your sled. Details will be announced at the classroom sessions. Participants will need an avalanche beacon, shovel & probes. Bring lunch, water, warm clothes and have the ability to layer clothing as well.
NEW!! Avalanche Basics for Out-of-bounds Skiers - Bald Mountain - Field Session
January 21, 2012 9am-5pm, Bald Mountain/Sun Valley Ski Resort
** This class requires advanced registration, call 208-622-0095 or email info@sawtoothavalanche.com
** Those participating in the field portion need a season pass or must purchase a half-day ticket ($67) before the start of the class.
** Beacon, shovel, and probe are not required but are strongly recommended. These can be rented at Backwoods or the Elephants Perch the day before the class.
** Downhill ski equipment required for field portion.
Class includes:
- 2 hour classroom instruction
- 1 hour beacon introduction
- 3-4 hour on-mountain field class
This is a new class specially designed for sidecountry/out-of-bounds skiers and boarders. It is an introductory level program and no prior avalanche training is required. Topics covered include interpreting the avalanche advisory, identifying dangerous avalanche conditions, terrain management and safe travel, and what to do in the event of an avalanche. This class is a must for anyone who plans to head into the backcountry, especially the out-of-bounds areas on Baldy. Instructors will be from the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center and Sun Valley Ski Patrol.
A $25 donation to the Friends of the SNFAC is requested for the class.
January 31, 2012 AVALANCHE AWARENESS WEEK 2012- January 29th - February 4th Tuesday, January 31st 7-8pm
Hailey Community Campus-Room 903
Avalanche Awareness programs run 1 hour. They are an introduction to snow & avalanches and help you understand why & where avalanches occur, avalanche warning signs and the basic concepts of what to do if you’re caught & what to do if your partner is caught. This program is an excellent primer before taking an avalanche class, or for anyone who is seeking information about avalanches.
Call 622-0095 for further information
Avalanche Beacon & Rescue Training Clinic- 2hrs - Field Session
February 4, 2012 AVALANCHE AWARENESS WEEK 2012 * January 29th - February 4th*
Saturday, Feb 4, 1pm sharp at the Avalanche Rescue Training Park on Sun Valley Road. Free. Bring your own beacon & avalanche probe, dress warm to spend 1 & 1/2 to 2 hours outside. Sawtooth NF Avalanche Center Instructors. No sign up needed, just show up.
Additional Information call 622-0095
Avalanche Basics for Snowmobilers - Carey - Classroom Session
February 17, 2012 7-9pm, Location to be announced.
Taught in conjunction with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation, this is an introductory class specifically oriented towards snowmobilers that also serves as a great refresher for anyone with prior avalanche training. Topics covered include recognizing avalanche conditions & avalanche warning signs, understanding avalanche terrain, safe backcountry travel techniques, what to do if you are caught in an avalanche and how to perform an immediate avalanche rescue within your group.
Avalanche Basics are a must for anyone planning this winter to snowmobile on the slopes or in the side canyons surrounding our area. Instructors will be from the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center.
An optional, all day field session is offered the following Saturday, February 18th. Signup & details will be at the classroom session. You must attend a classroom session to go in the field.
Avalanche Basics for Snowmobilers - Field Session
February 18, 2012 Participants must have attended an earlier classroom session this season and signed up for this field session. Taught in conjunction with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation, we will spend all day in the field looking at the snowpack & avalanche terrain. You'll need to have your own snowmobile (no double riders)and be ready to do some short rescue practice off your sled. Details will be announced at the classroom sessions. Participants will need an avalanche beacon, shovel & probes. Bring lunch, water, warm clothes and have the ability to layer clothing as well.
