Introduction to Avalanche Safety Courses
Silverton, Red Mountain Pass, and San Juan Mountains, Colorado
This is a BRAND NEW AIARE COURSE!
TARGET PARTICIPANT:
- This course is meant to target riders frequenting avalanche terrain via lift access from ski areas and easily accessible backcountry trail heads and highway passes. This terrain is also known as “near county,” “slack country” or terrain that sees high local use. These users are typically young, relatively inexperienced and their travel is limited to day trips.
GOAlS
- Introduce riders to the risks associated with backcountry travel accessed via lift service and easily accessible roadside trailheads.
- Review the history of avalanche activity in terrain the participant is likely to travel through.
- Introduce and learn basic avalanche safety practices common to backcountry travelers.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Introduce riders to the risks associated with backcountry travel accessed via lift service and easily accessible roadside trailheads.
- Participants are made aware of local information resources including avalanche bulletins, avalanche , ski area closure signs, and local experts.
- Participants are introduced to the importance of a trip plan when mitigating the risks associated with travel in avalanche terrain. Participants are informed where to take a formal avalanche course that can increase their levels of preparation, planning, and mitigation of the risks associated with avalanches in their local terrain.
- Participants are introduced to “red flags” and “obvious clues” in identifying conditions that contribute to the formation of avalanches.
- Participants are given a demonstration of companion rescue techniques and an introduction to companion rescue equipment.
Price Includes
Price Does Not Include
- Travel to Durango Mountain Resort, CO
- Skiing equipment; Your normal inbounds skiing equipment will work fine. If you would like to rent new light weight backcountry touring equipment, everything is available to rent from our partner shop Backcountry Experience. Additional fees apply. Please inquire for more information.
- Ski pass or lift ticket
- Items of personal nature
- Individual travel costs, delays, etc.
- Excess baggage fees
- Personal clothing or gear
- Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
- Hotels before and after trip
- Recommended Travel/trip cancelation insurance
- Guide/ Staff gratuity
Prerequisites:
- Skiers should be in good physical condition.
- This course is designed for all skiing abilities.
- If you do not possess these skills or need review, we recommend doing a skills course with us in Colorado or Utah prior to your Durango Mountain Resort trip.
Registration and Cancelation:
- To reserve your spot in an avalanche program you will need to fill out one of our domestic ski registration applications and return it to us along with a 50% deposit if applying more than 60 days out. If your trip/ course starts in less than 60 days please submit full payment
- If notice of cancellation is given in writing at least 60 days prior to the trip start date, you will be refunded your full deposit except for a $50 processing fee.
- If notice of cancellation is given in writing within 59 - 30 days prior to the trip start date, a cancellation fee equal to the deposit amount will be charged.
- If notice of cancellation is given in writing less than 30 days prior to the trip start date, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the program fee will be charged.
*KMG operates under special use permits in the; San Juan National Forest, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park , Moab BLM, Indian Creek BLM, Manti-La Sal National Forest, Cedar Mesa Grand Gulch BLM, Mt. Rainier National Park, areas. Kling Mountain Guides LLC provides services and employment regardless of ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap.
