[pct-l] 1-day Snow Skills Clinic this weekend in Washington, anyone?

[Ned Tibbits]

1-day Snow Skills Clinic in Washington, anyone?

It is rapidly becoming an urgent decision whether or not Mountain Education can teach a 1-day Snow Skills Clinic up at Stevens Pass this weekend!

There seems to be a few people in the Oregon/Washington area who really want to learn what's needed to Play Safe and Stay Found on springtime snow, but who only have time for an abbreviated, intensive Snow Basics Course taught on one day, 9am-5pm.

Would any of you be interested in such an event if we could pull it off THIS WEEKEND, April 23rd or 24th???

What would be taught?

Snowshoeing
Boot-packing
Balance and edge-control techniques on variously pitched snow surfaces with two poles
Ascent and Descent techniques for boots, with and without crampons
    - Heel-Plunge
    - Glissading
    - Switchbacks
    - Boot-skiing and skating
    - Self-Belay
Self-arrest technique, with ice axe or self-arrest pole
Over-snow topographic Navigation (Finding your way when the summer trail is buried)
How and Where to safely get water when lakes are frozen and creeks are buried
Choosing the winter campsite
Avalanche Awareness & Avoidance in winter
    - Safe Route Selection
    - Discussion of snowpack stability/instability 
    - Discussion of Avalanche Rescue
Emergency Communications
Emergency Medical Response

Where would the event take place?

Stevens Pass Ski Area (near)

What equipment would be needed by students?

- snowshoes, boots, and daypack
- lunch & liquids
- full waterproof shells, top & bottom with gaiters
- winter clothing with gloves and glasses
- an ice axe with two poles or a pole and a Whippet

What is the schedule?

9:00-5:00 instruction while we snow-hike. 

Cost?

$250/student (10-student minimum)

When?

Either Saturday, April 23rd, or Sunday, 24th. (This weekend!)

How to respond if interested in attending?

Due to the short time frame, email ned at mountaineducation.org for further instructions!


Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education, Inc.
www.mountaineducation.org 
ned at mountaineducation.org 


Mission:
"To minimize wilderness accidents, injury, and illness in order to maximize wilderness enjoyment, safety, and personal growth, all through experiential education and risk awareness training."