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January 1, 2002 STAFF REPORT TELLURIDE — The Telluride Avalanche School (TAS) is conducting its 11th annual Level I Avalanche Course, Jan. 4-6, 2002, for backcountry enthusiasts. The primary goal of TAS is to teach the basic skills necessary for sound decision-making and safe winter travel through avalanche-prone terrain. TAS offers students the unique opportunity for field sessions conducted in real avalanche terrain within a controlled ski area environment. Students will learn to identify avalanche terrain, recognize instabilities in the snowpack, evaluate the effects of weather, develop safe travel protocols and practice rescue techniques. At the end of the course, all participants will receive an American Avalanche Association Level 1 Certification. "Skiers, snowboarders and those who work in the backcountry should learn about the conditions that cause avalanches and how to avoid getting caught by surprise," said Craig Sterbenz, snow safety expert for the Telluride Ski Patrol. "It is necessary to be knowledgeable and experienced in this alpine environment as the snow pack in the San Juan Mountains is some of the most unstable in the country." TAS was founded in 1990 in response to several fatal avalanche accidents that occurred near Telluride during the winters of 1986-89. The school was created as a joint venture between the Telluride Ski Patrol and the International Alpine School. Certified by the American Avalanche Association, TAS is taught by some of the country’s finest avalanche forecasters, pro-patrollers, and snow science experts including Andy Gleason, a Silverton-based forecaster and PhD candidate; Sterbenz, the Snow Safety Director for the Telluride Ski Area; and Scott Toepher of Boulder who works as a forecaster for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). The Telluride Avalanche School places significant emphasis on field study. Students will travel into Prospect Bowl and Gold Hill to dig snow-pits, evaluate avalanche terrain and safe route-finding, learn how to use avalanche beacons and practice rescue techniques. The $160 cost for the school includes instructional materials, a copy of "The Avalanche Handbook," ski mountain access for non-passholders and three days of field sessions and lectures. Recommended equipment for the course includes warm, waterproof clothing, adequate headgear, a day pack, snow shovel, 457 compatible transceiver (rentals available), a water bottle or thermos and a sack lunch. Registration forms are available and can be dropped off at Main Street Telluride Sports, Telluride Mountaineer, Paragon Ski and Sport and the Telluride Ski Patrol Headquarters just below Giuseppe's restaurant and lift no. 6. The program is designed for 50 students and space is limited. For more information call the Telluride Ski Patrol at (970) 728-7529 or (970) 728-7587 (daytime) or (970) 209-6577 (evenings). For updates on snow conditions, call (970) 728-7425 or log on to tellurideskire sort.com. Telluride isn’t the only place where an avalanche class will be held. The Hesperus Ski Patrol is presenting its sixth annual Avalanche Awareness and Avoidance Classes. The first class will be held Jan. 16-17 and Jan. 19. The second class is slated Feb. 6-7 and Feb. 9. The weekday clases will be held 6:30-10 p.m. held at the National Guard Armory, 283 Girard in Bodo Park in Durango. The Saturday class will be held at Hesperus Ski Area from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost of the class is $35 per person and classes are limited to 24 persons. Advance registration required. Applications are available at area sporting goods stores and at the San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office. For more information, phone Kathy Fritch at (970) 247-4617. |
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