Pre-Course Information

Rec 1 Refresher Avalanche Course

Please use this list to prepare for your Rec 1 Refresher Course with AGC. Also see the AGC Avalanche Resources page for more links. Please don't hesitate to contact the lead instructor Joe Stock with questions at: alaskaguidecollective@gmail.com or the phone number included on emails.

Pre-Course Homework

1. Complete one adult waiver or one minor waiver (under 18) per person.

2. Complete the pre-course quiz. This is to help you prepare and will not be collected.

3. Practice with your field gear so you're ready. This is not a backcountry riding course.

4. Read The Avalanche Factor (ch 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 and 10) by Joe Stock.

5. Read the cnfaic.org avalanche forecast for the Glenn Alps area before the course.

6. Watch Avalanche Problems Explained.

7. Watch Rescue at Cherry Bowl.

8. Watch these rescue videos

   • BCA Beacon Searching 101

   • BCA Avalanche Probing 101

   • BCA Avalanche Shoveling 101

   • BCA Organizing a Backcountry Rescue

9. Watch the video below.

Prepare for the Cold!

We will be standing around more than on a normal day of backcountry skiing. It might be cold. See also the detailed gear list. Some additional tips:

• Bring a BIG backpack to put all this stuff in.

• Bring multiple puff layers: two puff coats, puff pants or puff skirt.

• Bring big insulated boots like Muck Arctic boots for the parking lot debrief.

• Bring a thermos of hot drink for the trail.

• Leave a thermos of hot drink in your car for afterward.

• Eat a big breakfast and eat all day long.

• Keep your toes warm with clean socks, heat packs, possibly electric socks (Lenz are best), or 40 Below Fresh Tracks overboots.

• Consider bringing extra layers in the car like a sleeping bag to wrap around your shoulders for the parking lot debrief.

Itinerary

Note: If the weather forecast predicts poor learning conditions at Glenn Alps we may shift to Turnagain Pass or Hatcher Pass.

8am meet inside Kaladi Brothers Coffee on Brayton in Anchorage.

9:30am - 4pm field session at Glenn Alps.

4pm - 4:30pm parking lot debrief and course wrap up.

Course Includes

• One day (8 hours) of instruction.

• Professional instructors: certified Ski Guides and American Avalanche Association Pro 2 certified.

• 5:1 max student to instructor ratio

• AGC field book.

• AGC avalanche avoidance system field card.

• AGC avalanche rescue field card.

• Certificates of completion

Does Not Include

• Lodging, food, and drink.

• Transportation to and from the trailhead.

• The Avalanche Factor by Joe Stock.

• Personal gear and avalanche rescue gear. See gear list.

• Rescue and trip insurance (recommended). See Avalanche Reservation, Cancellation and Insurance Policy for details.

Prerequisites

• Advanced downhill ability. You must be able to ski or splitboard black diamond resort runs without falling. Being in control on skis is fundamental to reducing risk, group compatibility, group learning, and your learning.

• Proficiency with your backcountry gear including your bindings and skins. Practice with your backcountry gear away from avalanche terrain before the course. This is not a backcountry riding course. Sorry, no snowshoes on this course.

• Fitness for a full day in the mountains, skinning up 1,000 vertical feet.

• Be prepared to remain outside all day in cold and foul weather.

• Age 16 or older and able to drive.

• Wilderness First Aid course recommended.