Level 1 avalanche classes are always interesting, even if the snow isn't. I don't just try to teach my students why this or that slope may slide, to think about what questions we should be asking on any given day for the given snow conditions. Its an important distinction to me - the former teaches a rote, "cookbook" methodology, but that latter emphasizes evaluation and judgement. In the end, I think it makes a better backcountry skier.
Today's forecast: snow. Yes, this was good skiing. |
Getting ready for a companion rescue drill. |
A lot of relevant observations of the snowpack can be made while moving, and can answer a number of questions without stopping to dig a pit. |