AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
The program's curriculum is built on recognized sources like the American Avalanche Association and Avalanche Canada. Plus, all of the material has been reviewed by
a broad group of industry leaders. It's intended to augment existing certification courses, not replace them.
The curriculum is divided into Sorties (the basic unit of training), and Missions (comprised of 15-20 Sorties). To complete a Sortie, a user must provide evidence of their knowledge. That evidence, which can range from an answered question to photographic documentation of a field exercise, is then accepted by peer approval. Evidence can be reviewed by a senior content administrator.
Backcountry Ascender starts with self-directed online learning and incorporates existing in-person courses. By starting online, riders can learn before hitting the snow and prevent many of the basic mistakes made in avalanche terrain. To move up to higher levels, participants must take on-snow classes.
The program is being backed by all four manufacturers (Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha), as well as top-tier backcountry riders. To sign up for free and start learning now, go to
www.BackcountryAscender.com.