Avalanche! As a ski patroller or someone who enjoys the snowy outdoors, you’re no doubt aware of the danger avalanches pose to winter recreation, both at ski resorts and in the backcountry. The Mother Lode Region avalanche program aims to teach students about what causes avalanches, how to travel safely in avalanche terrain, and how to conduct an avalanche rescue. We offer four main opportunities to increase your avalanche IQ.

• EXPOSE YOURSELF TO THE FUNDAMENTALS
  The National Ski Patrol provides an overview of avalanche principles through two different courses, Mountain and Avalanche Awareness and Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue. Both are excellent introductions to the subject, and are targeted to the general public or other interested groups. Education requirements for ski patrollers are more appropriately satisfied by the Level 1 and Level 2 courses listed below.

Although the Mother Lode Region (MLR) has offered these courses in the past, there are currently no plans to do so for this season. However, we are always interested in avalanche education and outreach; please contact us to discuss the possibility of arranging a class.

• LEARN THE BASICS: Level 1
  The Level 1 Avalanche class is the workhorse of MLR avalanche education. Designed to teach students the basics of avalanche principles, safe travel, and rescue fundamentals, this course is required by many patrols and is the prerequisite for the Level 2 class. Further curriculum information here. This course is open to patrollers as well as the general public, and takes place over a single weekend.

• LEARN A BUNCH MORE: Level 2
  Where the Level 1 class teaches you some basic rules about avalanches, the Level 2 class teaches you why those rules work, and also the exceptions. This class provides you with a much deeper understanding of avalanche causes, dynamics, and rescue techniques. It also prepares you to help lead an avalanche rescue. If you’ve taken Level 1, want to learn more, or anticipate spending a lot of time in avalanche-prone terrain, this is your course. Curriculum here. Requires Level 1 as a prerequisite. Offered over two weekends.

• TEACH IT: Become an instructor
  Can’t get enough? Help teach others about avalanches. As you might imagine, providing courses for a region with more than 400 members requires a significant effort from our instructors. If you are interested in becoming an avalanche instructor, please contact us. It’s a great way to participate in the ski patrol, and learn more about the subject. You don’t have to be an expert, just be interested and enthusiastic.

The schedule of classes is listed below. To sign up for any classes, please contact the Region Avalanche Administrator.