Avalanche Prevention!
Tis the season. Yes, the holidays are upon us, but that is not what we are referring to. We’re talking about the ski season, snow, powder, and of course avalanche awareness!
With Winter Park Resort already open, and Granby Ranch’s famous night skiing opening mid-December, people are getting excited to hit the slopes and enjoy some Colorado powder!
But those aren’t the only skiing opportunities around here. There are many backcountry skiing and riding options to enjoy! With backcountry, comes the danger of avalanches and Winter Park has seen a quite a few avalanches over the years, including more than a few without happy endings. Berthoud Pass has been named one of the 4 deadliest backcountry ski slope in the nation…
So if you’re in search of back country skiing and riding, there are a few essentials you should not hit the slopes without.
The Avalanche Essentials:
- An Avalanche Beacon – Not just one, but one attached to each person heading backcountry with you. One beacon is not going to do any good if you need to search for someone.
- Shovel – Light but effective. Way more effective than your hands when trying to dig someone out. There are even techniques on how to shovel so you don’t get worn out as quickly. Take a class, or at the very least research techniques on the internet.
- Probe – Probes are tools used to feel for people under the snow. Should an avalanche occur and a teammate get buried, time is of the essence. It is important to be able to properly use a probe in a probe line to make sure every foot of the grid is searched.
- Training –
- Training on how to use the avy essentials:
Believe it or not, a beacon is not the most user-friendly tool in the world. It takes time, practice, and knowledge of beacons to use them right. A beacon set to receive, is not going to do anyone much good if you’re buried.
- Training on the science behind avalanches:
Without proper training you’ll be more likely to head towards areas that are unsafe and prone to avalanches. Friends of Berthoud Pass offers free avalanche classes throughout the year. Learn more here.
