The Basic Avalanche Awareness Course consists of one lecture and half day field trip that provides an introduction to the avalanche phenomena. Students will learn the basics of avalanche mechanics, snow stability, safe travel, search technique and beacon use. This class is a prerequisite for signing up for most trips (excepting only basic Nordic trips), and required to graduate from most courses. We are offering two Basic Avy Courses in December and in January.

The Level 1 Avalanche Awareness Course consists of avalanche and snow mechanics, stability analysis and snow-pit techniques, route-finding, search techniques, advanced beacon use and deep burials, avalanche accident scenario, and rescue management. T his course meets all requirements of a Level 1 Recreational Avalanche Course, as defined by the American Avalanche Association.

In the Avy Refresher Course for Leaders, you will get to try out the latest beacons, check out the Avalung, learn about the new shovel and probe search techniques, and try out the new Beacon Search Basin just installed on the Mountaineers' Snoqualmie property. Gerry Haugen has put together a refresher course tailored just to leaders. It should be informative as well as a fun chance to get together and share stories/information over coffee and doughnuts. Free to past leaders.