Frequently Asked Questions about our avalanche safety courses… What are the prerequisites to attend an Avalanche Safety course? A “moderate” level of fitness is required, and gear (clothing, skis, snowshoes, etc) appropriate for a winter day’s travel through and around avalanche terrain. Please refer to the “List of Recommended Equipment” link on our web page. Level 2 participants are required to be reasonably familiar and practiced with their Level 1 avalanche safety material. What level of fitness and skiing/snowboarding skills are needed to participate? While we may ascend up to 1500 vertical feet during any one day, the climb will be broken up into short, manageable sections; we’ll be evaluating terrain as we go. We will descend in short manageable sections as well. “Intermediate” skiing, riding, and snowshoeing skills are sufficient. Most people that get regular exercise have no problem participating. When and where will we first meet? Our first meeting will be at 8:30 in the morning. We’ll meet in one of a couple different locations (in Truckee or on Donner Summit) depending on class size. All course participants will be informed well in advance. Please be on time! What will I need to bring to our first meeting? Comfortable clothes (plus snow boots), pen or pencil, and lunch. Level 2 participants will receive special notification on what is required at our first meeting. How much time are we in the classroom and how much time outside? For Level 1, one third classroom, two thirds out on the snow. For Level 2, about one quarter time in the classroom (plus homework), the rest out on the snow. How late will we go each day? To about 4:30 or 5:00 PM. Will the course still go on during stormy weather? Yes. Only weather severe enough to seriously impede auto travel would cancel or delay the course. It hasn’t snowed in the mountains for a couple weeks and I hear the skiing’s not very good. I’m not sure: should I sign up for a course? As you will learn, dry periods and dry winters breed very interesting (and sometimes very weak) snows. Winters with shallow snowpacks are especially good years to take an avalanche safety course. During dry periods, the skiing quality at ski areas diminishes rapidly, while the backcountry skiing often gets better every day. Come learn why that is.

Deep snowpack years mean lots of storms which usually means lots of avalanches. Avalanche courses are especially apropos during these times as well. Bottom line: avalanche education fits every winter, blizzard or drought. Are AIARE certificates awarded at the completion of the course? Yes. I took my Level 1 avalanche course long ago and/or it wasn’t an AIARE course. Can I sign up for an AIARE Level 2? We like to answer this question on a case by case basis. Some non-AIARE “level 1” courses are more comprehensive than others. Current AIARE courses are based on up-to-date information, research, and technology from many facets of the fields of snow safety and snow science. Snow avalanche safety and education are very different today than even just a decade ago. We’re happy to discuss several options with you regarding your continuing avalanche education. I just completed your AIARE Level 1, can I immediately sign on for the Level 2? We always urge those who have completed a Level 1 course to practice their new skills for a year before moving on to Level 2. That being said, everyone is different. Some participants bring significant prior experience to our courses and are well equipped to continue their formal avalanche education. Again, we’re happy to discuss several options with you. I have other questions. Please email [email protected] or call (530) 412-3585, anytime.