Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers
2011/2012 IDPR Sponsored Avalanche Awareness Classes have ended.
Check back with us in the fall for the 2012-2013 Schedule.
Since avalanches are the number one cause of snowmobile fatalities in the west, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is presenting a free Snowmobile based Avalanche Awareness Course near you. These practical and popular classes familiarize the winter backcountry enthusiast with hazard recognition and techniques for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
What to expect:
The program is divided into a classroom and field portion. Classroom sessions are a prerequisite to attend a field exercise. The program is 12 hours of training between the classroom and field portion.
Goals of this program:
Understand basic trip planning - understand safe travel techniques - be able to distinguish between safe and potentially hazardous terrain - understand the basics of snow stability analysis - be able to perform basic risk analysis and employ risk mitigation measures - know how to perform individual and small group self-rescue.
New this season the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is presenting a free Snowmobile Operators Course. We are hosting two per region.
What to expect:
The program is divided into a classroom and field portion. Classroom sessions are a prerequisite to attend a field exercise. The program is 12 hours of training between the classroom and field portion.
Goals of this program:
Review the setup and operation of the snowmobile, rider positions. Pre-operation checks and recommended safety equipment. Understand through practice the basic operation on groomed trails and in off trail settings.
Additional Classes:
Come out and learn basic avalanche awareness with Soldier Mountain Search and Rescue
What: Basic Avalanche Awareness Training for Snowmobilers (but all winter sports enthusiasts are welcome)
Where: Fairfield, ID American Legion Hall
When: Friday February 3, 2012 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Classroom Session
Saturday February 4, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Field Session
RSVP: Fairfield RD at 208-764-3202
No cost. Sponsored by the Soldier Mountain Search and Rescue and the Fairfield Ranger District
To try an Ecourse--click here. Take a free snowmobile safety quiz--click here.
2011/2012 IDPR AVALANCHE AWARENESS CLASS SCHEDULE
EAST REGION: Rich Gummersall (208) 514-2414 Michael Robinson (208) 525-7121
NORTH REGION: Scott Hildesheim - (208) 215-9550 or Marc Hildesheim - (208) 769-1511
SOUTH REGION: Jonathan Okerlund - (208) 921-6404 or Todd Wernex - (208) 514-2413