take an Avalanche Safety Course

I went to the one-hour intro “class” at a local outdoor store. Just enough to get me thinking about some basics avy safety and to know I really need the full training. Takes time (a weekend) and money ($200) but perhaps that can be my birthday present.

A bunch of snowmobiliers died in an avalanche in British Columbia last week. I enjoy backcountry hiking and snowshoeing, but have NO training for this kind of thing. It looks like REI has a few free classes available; time to see if my girlfriend wants to join me for one on a weeknight.

I got a 2 month membership to a gym which includes discounted avi classes, so I should do this in January or February. Not to mention if I want to go snowboarding in the backcountry this winter, I need this class asap.

I just heard yesterday, that my friend, Hal, did an end over end cartwheel in 96 inches of fresh powder, and landed like a lawn dart – snowboard on top, head straight down.

He wasn’t wearing a beacon, his buddy didn’t see that he was in trouble (due to low visibility), and he nearly panicked, but was eventually able to free himself.

SCARY stuff.

I need to register for my class.

You know you live in Alaska, and you know you love snowboarding when you’re thinking about it, and it’s sunny and 68 out, and you’re wishing for snow. (That was the world’s worst run-on sentence but I don’t really care right now.)

Kerry, Ellen and I were watching a 90s snowboarding video, and oogling the helicopter snowboard trips. I REALLY want to do this. My friend, Hoagie does too. I am officially not allowed to do backcountry at all until I take an avalanche safety course.

I guess the first step is to find out who’s offering them and when. Something tells me I might have to wait until winter.

I have a few friends who have already volunteered to tug me up the mountains in Hatcher’s Pass with their snow machines (snow mobiles for you outsiders). Again, i am not allowed to do this until I take the said safety course first. Come on, I’ve read all the informational signs out in Hatcher’s already… doesn’t that count?