Colorado Snow Show Avalanche training

[PJ-Hunter]

For those of you that are thinking but haven't committed, I will be posting some info about Mike Duffy and his classes.

Here is a little about him:
Mike is an accomplished snowmobiler and avalanche safety instructor. He is a Colorado Mountain College Level I and Level II instructor, a member of the Vail Mountain Rescue Group, Walter Kirch Avanalance Seminar Instructor, a graduate of the National Avalanche School, a member of the National Academy of Winter Guiding and more!


Course content:
Course content:
-Introduction to avalanches, statistics, contributing factors.
-Avalanche reports.
-Signs of instability/stability analysis.
-Equipment.
-What to carry and what works best.
-Avalanche beacons.
-Fast and effective single and multiple burial searches.
-Rescue
-Avalanche survival methods
-Effective hasty search techniques.
-Mistakes in rescue.
-Group Dynamics/heuristics.
-Slide show: Terrain Evaluation/terrain traps.
-Preparing for your trip.
-What to do if lost or injured.
-Stability tests.
-Scenarios.

*Work in progress*

 

[tudizzle]

There will be 3-4 of us taking the Sunday AM course...come on down and get educated!

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Here are a few tips that he put together:

The most important thing about surviving an avalanche is know what causes them and knowing where they are likely to occur. Know the contributing factors to avalanches, signs of instability, recognize avalanche terrain and terrain traps, identify trigger points, look for escape routes or know group dynamics, how to rescue effectively, analyze stability and know the area (slide history, avalanche reports, recent snowfalls and types of snow, and wind loading).



Some of the gear required to survive or help someone survive an avalanche includes the following.



1. Backpack: If you get separated from the sled or the sled gets buried and you do not, you will always have the gear with you. Get apack that fits, doesn’t interfere with arm movement.



2. Avalanche beacon: Digital, 457 kHz, proven design, easy to use. Spare batteries.

3. Shovel: large metal blade, extendable handle, solid design.



4. Avalanche probe: To pinpoint the location of the buried person. Also in case the beacon fails, the person does not have a beacon and to locate sled. 260cm (8’6”) or longer.

5. Map and compass: The ability to use it. Store in zip lock bag. Do not rely on GPS alone.

6. Flagging: Used to mark last seen point, areas searched, your trail in and out.

7. Strobe: Easier to be found with one.

8. First aid/survival kit: Have a fire starter/heat packs. Have first aid and CPR training.

9. Extra clothes: If someone is caught in a slide, they will probably need gloves and a hat. You will need extra gloves after shoveling. Extra socks. Extra layers.

10. Food and water: Eat and stay hydrated to keep warmer.

11. Bivy sack: Survive the night or keep injured person warm until help arrives.

12. Headlamp: LED. It’s easier to be found, if you have a light source.

13. Communication: Cell phones may not work in valleys and remote areas. Helmet communicators let you keep in touch with your group if separated or stuck, relay information about avalanche conditions and oncoming slides. Hand held radios may also be used. Use ear pieces.

14. Lastly and most important, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.

 

[backcountryislife]

Mike's classes are great, well thought out with plenty of student participation.

I take this class as a refresher every year, it's worth the little price.

He also does hands on classes that are cheaper & more tuned to what we need than any other class that I've taken.

I'm gonna sign up for the sunday class now, mostly so I can spend some extra time with dizzle, he's so sweet!

SIGN UP!!!!!

 

[tudizzle]

I'll have to get all gussied up now if Kaleb is going to be there

 

[backcountryislife]

 

[skibreeze]

There will be 3-4 of us taking the Sunday AM course...come on down and get educated!

I'll be in this group.

 

[Tec]

I'll be in the Saturday morning class

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I'll be in this group.

Really, there is a surprise!

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I'll be in the Saturday morning class

See ya there?

 

[Ex-Member]

stiiiiiiicky thiiiiiiiiiis

already signed up for the sat evening class.

 

[corpeleven]

Great class. Took it last fall here in GJ. I'd be down to come over and do a refresher for sure. What are the dates??

 

[Ex-Member]

Same as the show snow, 10-11 Oct 09.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I took this class a couple years ago. Very informative and the best part is that it is for snowmobilers (not x-country skiers). In my opinion, every snowmobile in Colorado should take this class.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Here is his post:

I'll be having the avalanche classes at the Denver Show at the Comfort Inn(hotel in the parking lot of the show) Saturday 9am-1pm or 5pm-9pm,or Sunday 9am-1pm. It will be held in the showroom meeting room. Cost is $40 and includes a discount on avalanche gear. Class has been updated with new techniques, video, powerpoint and equipment. Email me at duffyww1@aol.com to sign up. Thanks for the interest. Mike Duffy

 

[BTP]

I will be there. Everyone riding in the backcountry should attend a class. The class cannot hurt, may save your life or your riding buddies.

 

[XC700116]

Taking his class for the second time, Great information tailored to us snowmobilers. Hopefully be picking up a tracker 2 (if it's finally released, saying early OCT) with the discount and saving my original for a spare/buddy beacon.

 

[Vailguy]

Thouroghly enjoyed Mike's class up at VailPass last year, and learned alot. More sledders in the class than REI outfitter's, way to represent guys.
-l-

 

[colorado logger]

Discount on gear

Here is his post:

I need to update my beacon, does Mike have gear for sale?

 

[tudizzle]

I need to update my beacon, does Mike have gear for sale?

I believe they will have avy stuff for sale. Not sure if it is actually Mike who is selling it. People who take the class will be offered a discount on avy equipment if purchased after the class that day.