Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:12:03 -0800 From: To: redwood [AT] lists.stanford.edu, powderbound [AT] lists.stanford.edu, OEP , stanford-outdoors [AT] lists.stanford.edu, climbing [AT] lists.stanford.edu Subject: Avalanche AIARE level 1 course Hey all - Stanford has once again coordinated an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche awareness class with Mountain Adventure Seminars!! (MAS http://www.mtadventure.com/ - a company up in the Sierras).  The AIARE curriculum is renowned for being one of the most comprehensive avalanche awareness and preparedness in the industry.  The Level I class is about 20 hrs and focuses mainly on Avalanche awareness and decision making.  Cost will be $150 (for Stanford affiliates, $225 for non-Stanford students/faculty/staff).  The class will be held at MAS (near Bear Valley on Hwy 4), on either Feb 11-13, Feb 14-16, or Mar 14-16.   more details and course application below: WHAT?: Stanford Outdoors has organized a Level 1 avalanche education class (on campus!) in coordination with Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS - a year-round outdoor adventure school and guide service specializing in rock climbing, mountaineering, telemark skiing, avalanche education, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.).  All MAS avalanche programs use the materials and standards determined by the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), which is renowned internationally as the industry leader in avalanche education.  CLASS FORMAT: The class will be held over a 3-day session in Bear Valley (about 4 hours away), which will include both lecture and field components. All materials (other than clothing, food, ski/snowshoes, and lodging or camping gear) is included in the fee and will be provided for you over the weekend.  WHAT WILL I LEARN? This class will help you identify potential avalanche terrain, provide an introduction to snowpack analysis, weather factors, and human factors involved in avalanche hazard evaluation, as well as teach you basic rescue skills in the event of an avalanche.  In summary, it will cover essential basic knowledge for anyone planning to be in the backcountry during winter, either leading/participating in a winter backcountry snow trip, or even those just wanting to venture into ski resort "soft boundaries" (lift-accessed backcountry).  DATES:  February 11-13 (Wed-Fri)  February 14-16 (President's Day Weekend)   March 14-16 (Sat-Mon) FEES:  Stanford Students: $150  Faculty/Staff/Non-Stanford Students or Affiliates: $225 This is a huge discount off the regular $375 fee!   INSTRUCTORS: The wonderful professionals at Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) in Bear Valley, http://www.mtadventure.com/ FOR MORE INFO: http://avtraining.org/Avalanche-Training-Courses/AIARE-Level-1.html http://www.mtadventure.com/pages/avalanche/avalanche_education.html#ski WHO IS THIS FOR: All outdoor enthusiasts that plan to be in the backcountry during winter, including skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, snow mobilers, etc.  Just because you're only traversing terrain doesn't mean you are not in avalanche terrain! TO APPLY: Fill out the questionnaire at the end and send to Adrianne Elizabeth Vasey (adrianne at stanford).  There are limited spaces for each section, and these will be filled on a first come - first serve basis, so respond quickly!! QUESTIONS: Feel free to email: * Adrianne Elizabeth Vasey, adrianne at stanford.edu  --- Application, send to adrianne [AT] stanford.edu  --- Name: Email: Gender: (Cell) Phone: Stanford affiliation: What weekend would you like to take the class? * W1 Feb 11-13 * W2 Feb 14-16 * W3 Mar 14-16 Do you have a car capable of driving in snowy conditions (AWD, 4WD, snow tires, chains, etc) that you would be willing to drive participants in out to Bear Valley for the weekend field component?   How many can you fit (with snow camping gear/skis, etc)? How did you hear about this?  (Which mailing list, who forwarded it to you, etc.) Sweet!  Hope to hear from you soon! -Adrianne.