AIARE Avalanche Rescue in Whitefish
Top three reasons to upgrade your skills in Whitefish
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Tons of black diamond runs provide an authentic learning environment
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Mountain winds and cold temperatures guarantee quality powder daily
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Breathtaking views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley
For the visitors of the small mountain town of Whitefish, Montana, skiing is everything. And with a national park and a mountain resort practically in their backyard, who could blame them? However, you shouldn’t mistake Whitefish for just another trendy resort complex. As the locals would tell you, “Whitefish is not a ski town, it’s a town of skiers”. Hundreds of locals join the tourists every day to ride the tree-lined runs of Whitetail and Whiskey Spring, or to test their skill on Big Horn, Black Bear, or the aptly named Hellroaring Basin. All this on light and fluffy snow that’s constantly being refreshed by Pacific snowstorms, making scoring a powder day extremely likely. This winter, mix backcountry business with backcountry pleasure and take an AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Whitefish. Learning doesn’t feel as strenuous when you’re among rime-ice coated trees, soaking in the stunning views of Flathead Lake or Glacier National park. Scratch your backcountry itch and learn a thing or two while you’re at it!
SeasonDecember through January |
Nearest cityKalispell, MO is 20 minutes away |
Duration1 day |
Skill levelBeginner to intermediate |
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Learning outcomes
This course is meant to teach you avalanche rescue skills and increase your likelihood of survival in an avalanche situation. The course emphasizes that education and avoiding getting caught in an avalanche is the best plan, while rescue is just a backup in case everything goes wrong. The course also promotes a culture of routine avalanche rescue practice and attendance of an avalanche rescue course every two years.
Start with an introduction and an explanation of course logistics and an intro to avalanche rescue. After a short departure check, participate in a rescue demonstration, a rescue skills breakdown, and single burial scenarios. After a lunch break, engage in advanced topics, scenario practice and assessment, and learn about patient considerations and evac protocols.