You
won a J3 race at Cochran’s as a kid, you nailed the Black Hole at Smuggs, you
held on edge on the steeps of CanAm at Jay and you smoked the Paradise
waterfall at Mad River. * WARNING * All of these accomplishments do NOT
mean you’re ready for the untamed mountains.
“Mountain skills are
complex and require a high degree of technical training in a variety of
disciplines.”
-
Chris Joosen,
Mount Washington Avalanche
Center
Classification of Advanced
Skier …….. Avalanche Awareness: Solid grasp of principles, some experience
-
Tom Turiano,
Ski Mountaineer and Author of “Teton Skiing”
They
Happen in The Great Northeast, even in Vermont:
http://tinyurl.com/3d3tlnh
Avalanche Deaths in The
Lower 48 1950-2010:
Colorado: 235
Utah: 99
Washington: 97
Montana: 91
Idaho: 68
Wyoming: 65
California: 58
Northeast
US: 21
Oregon: 12
Nevada: 11
New
Mexico: 4
Arizona: 1
While
not at the top, the Northeast US does have its share of avalanches.
Get Educated
The National Ski Patrol offers Level 1 and Level 2 courses that
are recognized by AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and
Education) and AAA (American Avalanche Association). All of the below listed courses meets 1 NSP Senior Elective
requirement. These classes are open to the public – we encourage the public to enroll in our courses!

Smugglers
Notch VT Level 1 2007 Graduation Picture
Many are smiling and
there’s a reason for that – it’s because these courses are fun!

2010 Whiteface NY Level 1 Class
Our classes
have much hands-on work for students!
.
Ladies!
LADIES! We encourage and need females to get involved with the
Avalanche program. If you’re a
female, this is your opportunity to learn, to instruct and mentor other females
as well as be actively involved with the total program. This is a caring supportive
woman-friendly environment. Please
contact markrenson@verizon.net to
find out how you can get involved.
Important
Links:
http://www.americanavalancheassociation.org/
http://www.centreavalanche.qc.ca/bulletins/bulletin_en.php
http://www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org/
Mount Washington, NH Avalanche Center
http://www.uvm.edu/skivt-l/?Page=depths.php
Mount Mansfield, VT Daily Snowpack
Data