Sometimes you just know, and after several signs externally and internally, I’ve identified my backcountry ski resolution for 2021… organize an avalanche rescue practice day with regular touring partners.
I used to help organize an annual half-day clinic for the Spokane Mountaineers when was co-chair of the BC Ski group. By the way, they are a great organization that helped me get my footing in the backcountry world!
These avy rescue practice days are invaluable for tuning up the skills you learn during a level one course. So if you’ve taken a level one and want to organize something similar for your touring buds drop me an email and I’ll share what I have.
Be safe out there amigos by getting in some sort of snow school, organizing your own snow school, or whatever you need to do so you don’t get “schooled” by the mountains.
BC SKI LINKS ROUND-UP…
SALOMON’S SOLID SERIES
I’m guessing quite a few of you are tracking with the 10 episodes released so far from this Salomon series. One of the last ones out was just another message from the snow gods to me saying… “organize an avy rescue practice!”
Another push came from the godfather of bc ski blogs at wildsnow… https://www.wildsnow.com/28804/get-prepared-avalanche-rescue-practice-tips/
ANOTHER NUDGE
After running across this video, I too felt the nudge. Watching this was a great reminder how I may be 10+ years into this, yet one still needs to keep their head on a swivel ALL. THE. TIME.
“CALCULUS OF RISK” SAYS IT ALL
Thanks to the good doc Matt for recommending this one. It too highlights the complexity of chasing adventure in avalanche terrain. The culmination of these videos and articles have really highlighted how I do not want to get rusty and unpracticed when it comes to being able to positively contribute to an avalanche scenario.
FREE AVALANCHE AWARENESS COURSES
I haven’t participated in it, but found the one above, and here is another 45min video Jeremy Jones put out. Again, get to school or get schooled.
OK, thanks for putting up with all of my avy ed hub-bub. What are your BC Ski resolutions? The snow is cycling awesome right now in the PNW… lot’s to be thankful for. Grateful for you all, and I hope you get some untracked pow in the near future.
-Landon
ps. I’m aiming to do a Sunday uphill during the 7:15am-9am window at Mt Spokane. You should come!
pps. The Mt Spokane uphill article from last month punched the short list of most read Spokesman pieces this year! Additionally, the uphill/BC godfather calls out the resort management and notes how important it is for mountains to develop policies with their user groups in mind. Check it out here.