Posted by Bert Fukuda on January 2, 2008 at 8:14 PM
I got a pair of snowshoes for Xmas and I'm ready to try them out. However, I have one great fear, avalanches. I have a couple of books ab out nice places to snowshoe but wanted to query the snowshoer's in the forum. How many had avi training prior to snowshoeing?
Based on my fear and my newness to Co., I'm more than likely going to stick to easy trails of RMNP until I'm avi trained.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 2, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Probably a good plan though there are some other places where you could safely wander.
I had avi training when I was in El Paso County Search and Rescue, but I'd done some backcountry skiing prior to that.
Posted by Don Grall on January 2, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I have had no formal training, but have read a lot about avalanches, their causes, and how to stay away from them. Don't traverse slopes greater than 35 degrees and you'll be fine unless someone else triggers one higher up. Stay away from narrow, steeply sloped canyons. Stay close to trees if possible. Use common sense and you'll be safe. It's the people that push the envelope that endanger themselves and anyone with them.
Also, check www.powderbuzz.com for the latest snow conditions and avalanche dangers.
Posted by Gabi Lach on January 2, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Bert,
I live in Northern Utah in Rocky Mountains. Every winter, several people die here in avalanches.
I go snowshoeing and backcountry skiing a lot and never had any avi training. Never had fear neither.
I do exactly what Don said and usually call Utah Avalange Center in the morning to make sure the danger is not high. If it is, they advise not to go to backcountry and I don't go.
As Don said, use common sense and you will be safe. Enjoy the mountains and snowshoeing. It's great, especially if you can also take nice photographs while you are there.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 2, 2008 at 11:02 PM
REI conducts basic Avi training. Check your local store. Colorado Springs has a class on 16 Jan. Also, there was an earlier post about classes from Friends of Berhoud Pass but I don't remember the dates. There are probably plenty of opportunities for training if you want it.
Still, there are plenty of mountain showshoeing destinations that aren't in avalanche country. Get a good book on Colorado showshoeing trails.
Have fun!
Posted by Stan Rose on January 2, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I haven't had 'formal' Avi training (unless you count count REI) but thanks to my profession (weather forecaster) i know a fair amount about the subject. I think if you read up and attend a class youll be fine so long as you don't venture into truly uncomfortable territory, as Don said. Ive done a ton of shoeing the last couple winters on some pretty rugged terrain in the Sangres, and by timing my trips and avoiding the worst areas, have had no problems whatsoever. If i do venture into a little more hazardous territory, ill definitely bring a beacon!
Posted by Bert Fukuda on January 3, 2008 at 1:23 AM
All ~ Appreciate all the good advice. I'll have my wife with me so using common sense won't be an issue, she has more to waste than I have all together.
Kalin &Stan ~ I now have a book on snowshoeing trails, will be attending the REI Avi Awareness tomorrow, and plan on attending REI WinterFest on 19 Jan.
Don ~ Thanks for the powderbuzz heads up. I'll be sure to check them out before heading out the door
As a side note, we do plan on taking 'official' Avi training. You can never be too prepared for something bad possibly happening.
Discussion
6 repliesBased on my fear and my newness to Co., I'm more than likely going to stick to easy trails of RMNP until I'm avi trained.
I had avi training when I was in El Paso County Search and Rescue, but I'd done some backcountry skiing prior to that.
Also, check www.powderbuzz.com for the latest snow conditions and avalanche dangers.
I live in Northern Utah in Rocky Mountains. Every winter, several people die here in avalanches.
I go snowshoeing and backcountry skiing a lot and never had any avi training. Never had fear neither.
I do exactly what Don said and usually call Utah Avalange Center in the morning to make sure the danger is not high. If it is, they advise not to go to backcountry and I don't go.
As Don said, use common sense and you will be safe. Enjoy the mountains and snowshoeing. It's great, especially if you can also take nice photographs while you are there.
Still, there are plenty of mountain showshoeing destinations that aren't in avalanche country. Get a good book on Colorado showshoeing trails.
Have fun!
Kalin &Stan ~ I now have a book on snowshoeing trails, will be attending the REI Avi Awareness tomorrow, and plan on attending REI WinterFest on 19 Jan.
Don ~ Thanks for the powderbuzz heads up. I'll be sure to check them out before heading out the door
As a side note, we do plan on taking 'official' Avi training. You can never be too prepared for something bad possibly happening.
Thanks again,
Bert