Friends of GNFAC: Avalanche Fundamentals Non Motorized December Bridger Bowl Field Days

Avalanche Fundamentals is an introduction to avalanche basics. It covers the basics of weather observations, snowpack development, avalanche terrain identification, travel techniques and companion rescue.

An online lecture series  plus two class sessions in person accompanies this course.

The on-snow field day will give students a chance to practice theories learned in lectures, and get hands on with our experienced team of instructors.

Pre field session class sessions for December Fundamentals Classes are December 1st and 3rd 6-8pm at MSU, room location TBD.

What you will learn:  

• Relevant components of mountain weather

• Application of local Avalanche Forecast

• Identify avalanche terrain

• Snowpack Observations

• Travel techniques in the backcountry

• Companion rescue techniques 

Ability Requirements 

• Participants must have the preparedness to be outside for the entire day and take care of themselves in winter conditions with adequate layers, hydration and fueling. 

• Basic ski or snowboard skills are required and participants must be able to negotiate intermediate (blue square) terrain. Short off piste travel is required

• Ability to travel short distances uphill from the ski area, either by skinning with touring equipment or boot-packing required

• Touring skis/ split board with skins are highly recommended, but boot packing with alpine skis or snowboard is acceptable. Basic knowledge of your gear is required, but we will review uphill travel with skins if it’s a new skill. All gear must have retention devices or brakes to ride the lifts at Bridger Bowl 

• Ability to carry a backpack up to 25 pounds, bend up and down repeatedly, twist, and shovel snow

Equipment Requirements

• Modern, 3 antenna beacon with fresh batteries 

• Avalanche Shovel (These are metal and specific to digging/chopping in firm, icy snow, extendable handles are strongly encouraged) 

• Avalanche Probe (At least 240cm or more) 

• Skis, Snowboard, Touring Skis or Splitboard (with retention devices for riding lifts) with climbing skins

• Helmets are strongly encouraged 

• Small backpack with required gear, layers, food and water

Field Days are held at Bridger Bowl Ski area, from 9:00am- 3:00pm. Pre-registration is required.