time to start thinking about avalanche courses

[flatlander_99]

yes it is that time of year again to start thinking about checking your gear as you get your sleds out. i know it is only august but last years fatalities are never far from my mind. check your gear, take a class, come home safe.
with that thought, can someone help me get into contact with someone who could put on a class in sw minnesota? i have a group who is interested & would also like to get the snowmobile club on board.

here is to a safe season!!!

 

[tundramonkey]

You can try Mike Duffy, here's his email addy. duffyww1@aol.com

 

[SnowBigDeal]

As mentioned; get in touch with Mike Duffy. He usually does a couple classes in MN each year. If you're going to Haydays, look for him there and he can probably give you more details.

 

[colorado_matt]

Great topic! It's never too early to be thinking about avalanche awareness and safety.

 

[snowww1]

I'm already lining up snowmobile specific avalanche classes in Minnesota for this year starting in October. If you have a group, I will go to your area. I may be reached at 970-390-9433 or duffyww1@aol.com. It's very easy to have a class in your area. I can send more details. Thanks for the interest. Mike Duffy

 

[tundramonkey]

Hey Mike, any word on a more advanced avy course? The 4 hour class was great, just looking for a little more hands on stuff. Digging avy pit, search techniques, in field rescue.

Thanks

 

[Rob1334]

A little off location, but was wondering if anyone knows of an AVY course in the Bismarck, ND area. Starting to ride out west here, would like to learn more about it, I do not want to become a statistic.

Saw they had one last year but was out of town. Any info would be great!

 

[MN_Nole]

I'm already lining up snowmobile specific avalanche classes in Minnesota for this year starting in October. If you have a group, I will go to your area. I may be reached at 970-390-9433 or duffyww1@aol.com. It's very easy to have a class in your area. I can send more details. Thanks for the interest. Mike Duffy

Mike I have emailed her the info you had sent me about the (reduced) level 1 training along with the information about the courses you have taught. Told her to get in touch with you or me once a group is together, as you maybe able to drive south in MN once you are here, to help them reduce the cost of brining you out for a single course, just for them. I let her know as well that you had courses planned in MN so it may be easier for you and them to work the schedule to yours, and as I had info when you would be here, I would let her know.

Mike let me know if she has not gotten hold of you, as I will forward you the contact info and let you two talk directly..

Hope the semi short summer you have had is going well Mike, see you as always this fall.
John.

 

[MARCUSO]

I took the Zacs Traks avalanche AST1 course, and I am so glad I spent the money. It was amazing when you realize what you do not know....

http://zacstracs.com/

 

[STRAYPUSSY]

Any goin on around Edmonton.ab?? Thanks SP

 

[Supplicate]

Mike,

Did you do the class on Vail Pass last winter like you talked about during the snow show? Are you planning on doing it again this winter?

Might try to get a few days off work if you are going to do a field class just for some good practice.

 

[snowww1]

Avi class questions

Here's the answers to people's questions regarding classes:

More advanced training in Minnesota I am lining up a four hour field session for hands-on experience with beacons and rescue techniques. I need to confirm the location and date. It took a while last year to find a location. Class will consist of 1.5 hours beacon work, 1.5 hours rescue techniques, and 1 hour of rescue scenarios. I'll keep you posted as I confirm dates and locations. I will be at Hay Days (space E28) and will have more info after that. Feedback that I was getting was that a four hour session would work better for most riders than a 24 hour level I class.

Bismarck, ND class I hope to be in Bismarck again this winter. I am working on a location and talking to dealerships. The class will most likely happen in early December. I should know by September 1st.

Vail Pass field session I am working with Colorado Mountain College on setting dates and prices for a one day or half day field session. I may also have another location for a field session. I am planning on doing a level I class on Vail Pass through the college in mid December. Two nights classroom and two days on the pass.

I am in the process of lining up classes for the upcoming season, starting in October. I'll post the classes and information as soon as I get confirmations on locations and dates. My plan is to have many of the classes confirmed by Hay Days (Sept 6 & 7). Please email me if you have any suggestions or would like a class in your area. duffyww1@aol.com Thanks for the interest, Mike Duffy

 

[snowww1]

Starting to get some class dates

Here's an update:

Minnesota:
October 24th (6-10pm) and 25th (1-5pm) Detroit Lakes. Four Hour Avalanche awareness, avoidance and rescue class.

Wisconsin:
October 16th. Madison 6-10pm Engelhart Center.Four Hour Avalanche awareness, avoidance and rescue class.

Iowa:
November 23, Waterloo12:00-4pm. Five Sullivans Convention Center.Four Hour Avalanche awareness, avoidance and rescue class.

I'll keep you posted as I get more confirmations.

 

[snowww1]

Class update

Here is the schedule for the four hour avalanche awareness, avoidance and rescue class.

Schedule Fall 2008:
Minnesota:
October 24th or 25th Detroit Lakes
location: Club House Hotel, Hwy 10 East
Time: 6:00-10:00pm Friday or 1:00-5:00pm Saturday.
Sign up: TBD, contact MNUSA 763-577-0185
November 21st or 22nd Minneapolis
location: Minneapolis Convention Center Room 213ab
Powersports, RV Boat Show and Sale
Time:6:00pm-10:00pm Friday or Saturday 9am-1pm or 3pm-7pm.
Sign up: Avalanche 1.com or duffyww1@aol.com
Wisconsin:
October 16th Madison
location: Engelhart Center. 1589 Greenway Cross
Time:6:00pm-10:00pm Thursday
Sign up: Call Sean Kelly 608-204-0149 or
spkelly14@yahoo.com
October 18th or 19th Milwaukee
location: Snowmobile USA Show and Sale. WI Expo Center at State Fair Park
Time:10am-2pm or 4pm-8pm Saturday, 12-4pm Sunday
Sign up: avalanche1.com or duffyww1@aol.com
Iowa:
November 23 Waterloo
location: Five Sullivan Center
Time: 12-4pm Sunday
Sign up: Call Gary McVicker 641-425-1375 or email kgmcvicker@fbx.com
Colorado:
October 4 or 5 Denver
location: Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo. ComfortInn Showroom Meeting Room
Time: 9-1pm or 5-9pm Saturday, 9-1pm Sunday
Sign up: avalanche1.com or duffyww1@aol.com
North Dakota:
October 22, 23 Fargo
location: UMotors
Time: 6-10pm Wednesday or Thursday
Sign up: Call Heather 701-232-5000

If you have any questions, please email Mike Duffy: duffyww1@aol.com

 

[Dogmeat]

You can try Mike Duffy, here's his email addy. duffyww1@aol.com

Yeah, he put on an evening avy seminar in Laramie last year that was definatley worthwhile ...

I'd like to take the Level 1 course they offer in Vail this winter if I can find the time.