PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Below are brief descriptions for the current offerings of AAS Programs. For more information on these courses and workshops please download the PDF Program Descriptions included on this page. If a PDF Program Description is not available please contact the AAS office to receive one via email or fax. LECTURES Avalanche Hazard Evaluation Lecture An 8-hour classroom workshop for all mountain travelers (snowmachiners, skiers, snowboarders, climbers, snowshoers, etc.) interested in a solid introduction to avalanches, avalanche terrain, recognizing clues to instability, route-finding and rescue. AAS instructors keep this lecture entertaining with demonstrations, slides, and stories. This is a great program for adults and young backcountry enthusiasts alike. We highly recommend the outdoor AVALANCHE RESCUE WORKSHOP as an accompaniment to this program. Recommended reading: Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard, by Fredston and Fesler. Avalanche Hazard Evaluation Lecture Description.pdf Weather for the Backcountry Traveler Knowing what will happen weather-wise in the backcountry is an important skill. Whether trying to decide to go for the summit or to make the drive to Turnagain Pass, making accurate weather predictions can mean the difference between success and having an epic. Learn from the pros at the National Weather Service how to use web-based weather products before you leave home and, once in the field, to use your weather observations to prevent being surprised. This day-long classroom workshop is a great addition to your backcountry skill set. Weather for the Backcountry Traveler Lecture Description.pdf WORKSHOPS Avalanche Rescue Workshop This one day, hands-on intensive workshop covers backcountry avalanche rescue. Following a short introductory lecture this workshop provides an opportunity for participants to practice with avalanche transceivers, try different brands, and do realistic rescue scenarios. This is a great companion program with the Avalanche Hazard Recognition Workshop. Pre-requisite: ability to be outside all day in wintery, inclement conditions. Open to those with and without prior rescue practice. Recommended reading: Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard, by Fredston and Fesler. Avalanche Rescue Workshop Description in Hatcher Pass.pdf Avalanche Refresher Workshop Has it been awhile since your Level 1 avalanche course? Would you like an opportunity to spend time in the field with an instructor, ask questions, refresh your skills, and learn the newest ideas and techniques in snow science? This seasons Refresher Workshop will take place in Girdwood & Turnagain Arm. The night session will be held at the NSFS Ranger Station in Girdwood with the full day of fieldwork in the Chugach Mountains of Turnagain Arm. Prerequisites: AAS 3 day avalanche workshop or equivalent. Required Reading: Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard, by Fredston and Fesler. Recommended reading: Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, by Bruce Tremper. Avalanche Refresher Workshop Description.pdf Wet Snow Hazard Evaluation Workshop Spring skiing has its’ own set of avalanche hazards. Wet snow behaves differently than dry snow and requires different hazard evaluation skills. This program concentrates on observations, tests, and terrain selection for late season skiing. Recommended reading: Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, by Bruce Tremper. Wet Snow Workshop Description.pdf Avalanche First Aid Workshop Avalanches present some challenging first aid problems. It’s common to think that the rescue challenge is over once the person has been uncovered. This is a long way from the truth. Learn how to deal with a contorted, chilled, and unconscious patient with the best of backcountry medicine techniques and the latest in research. This class will open your eyes and make you a better, more prepared backcountry partner. Avalanche First Aid Workshop Description.pdf COURSES Level 1 Backcountry Avalanche Hazard Evaluation & Rescue Course
This intensive course, with over 33 hours of classroom and field training, is aimed at teaching the hands-on skills needed to recognize and evaluate potential avalanche hazards. Training includes group rescue techniques, terrain analysis, snow stability evaluation, decision-making, safe travel procedures, and route selection. This course is packed full of valuable information, and our instructors keep things entertaining and fun! This course is recommended for adults and young aspiring backcountry enthusiasts alike. Pre-requisite: No prior avalanche training necessary. Must be prepared to remain outdoors in inclement weather all day. Participants must be able to ski or snowshoe up and downhill in variable terrain with changing snow conditions. Required reading: Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard, by Fredston and Fesler. Recommended reading: Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, by Bruce Tremper. AAS Level 1 Course Description for Hatcher Pass.pdf AAS Level 1 Course Description for Turnagain Arm.pdf Level 2 Avalanche Hazard Evaluation Course This workshop is for those who have already attended a Level I workshop and are serious about learning more. The focus will be on enhancing skills in avalanche hazard evaluation and decision-making with an emphasis on avalanche forecasting. New ideas in snow science and documentation will also be covered. Field sessions will be held in two different locations so participants can work in different snow climates. Pre-requisite: At least intermediate backcountry travel skills. Prior 3 day AAS workshop or equivalent, and at least one year experience since your Level I course. Required reading: Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, by Bruce Tremper. Recommended additional reading: The Avalanche Handbook. AAS Level 2 Course Description.pdf Winter Backcountry Camping Course Being a competent backcountry traveler requires a complete list of skills. One of the foundations of backcountry competence is solid winter camping skills. Learn how to stay safe, warm, and even have fun in the winter environment. This course is for beginning campers, but physical fitness and skiing or snowshoeing ability are necessary. Beginning Winter Camping Course Description.pdf Snow Shelters Course Put another tool in your backcountry toolbox. With the ability to construct a shelter out of the snow, you have a powerful skill that you can fall back on in an emergency or simply use to allow you to leave the tent behind and lighten your load. We’ll construct five different shelters and spend the night in one of them. Winter camping skills are a prerequisite for getting the most out of this class. Snow Shelter Course Description.pdf Snowmobilers Hazard Evaluation & Rescue Course Snowmachiners have unique avalanche hazard evaluation and rescue problems. Assessing the terrain and snowpack required different observational skills than when afoot. If there is an avalanche, the escape and rescue strategies are different as well. Learn from mountain professionals with riding and search and rescue experience during this two day intensive, hands on workshop. Snowmobilers Hazard Evaluation Course Description.pdf Programs_files/APU%20Haz%20Eval%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Wx%20for%20the%20BC.pdfPrograms_files/HP%20Rescue%20Workshop.pdfPrograms_files/Refresher%20Workshop.pdfPrograms_files/Wet%20Snow%20Workshop%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Avi%201%20Hatcher%20Pass%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Avi%201%20Turnagain%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Avi%202%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Winter%20Camping%20%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Snow%20Shelter%20Hatcher%20Pass%20CD.pdfPrograms_files/Snowmobilers%20CD.pdfRegistration.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4shapeimage_1_link_5shapeimage_1_link_6shapeimage_1_link_7shapeimage_1_link_8shapeimage_1_link_9shapeimage_1_link_10

Alaska Avalanche School Incorporated operates under special use permits with the U.S.F.S and Alaska State Parks

© Alaska Avalanche School 2006 All Rights Reserved

Contact UsContact.html
Programs
ScheduleSchedule_2.html
Home Page Homepage.html
About Us About_US.html
Registration Registration.html
LinksLinks.html
State Wide ProgramsRFP_Grants.html

Home Page     About Us     Programs     Schedule     Registration     Links    Contact Us     State Wide Programs