Me too. I've taken a fair number of avy classes, and Mike's was by far the best four-hour course I've taken from a practical standpoint.
I've learned more about crystalline shapes and their effects on shear in other classes......
ummmm
what?
I like the snow science stuff, don't get me wrong, it is interesting - but Mike's is a really good presentation while keeping on point - being safe while having fun.
Like temperature differentials - ground temp vs air temp, it's effect on the snowpack. I've taken classes where that's discussed for a LONG time, but leaves the group knowing basically the same thing - if it is COLD out, the snowpack changes - you have to take more than an hour or so to truly explain what's going on inside the snow; interesting stuff, but....yeah.
We talked about hoars and bondage, errr, hoar and bonding, looked at a lot of stuff, watched interesting videos, etc.
Strongly recommended. Most of the avy stuff I've done has been from the BC skier side; also very good, but for whatever reason, they turn into more of a snow science discussion vs. a what to look for/listen for/feel for discussion.
Fun, too - brought my kid, and she lasted almost all the way through (only so much an 11yo can take). She had a great time, though.
Mike's class won't fully prepare you for the real world; an on-snow course is pretty darned important (just having the beacon/probe/shovel won't get you out alive - gotta know how to use it), but I know I'd feel a LOT more comfortable riding with someone who has ONLY sat through Mike's course than with someone who sat on the couch reading about avalanches. At the very least, bury the beacons in the leaves and practice what Mike taught.
Iain
