The 13th annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop open session will be held virtually on Nov 10, 11. It's a great opportunity to upgrade your skills and further your avalanche education, and the virtual format means you don't have to drive to Salt Lake City.
Get more details on each session, and sign up
HERE.
As more snow begins to fall many people will soon get their first riding of the season. There are a few things to remember:
- Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.
- Early season avalanches are a real possibility. It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner. Many people have died during early season snowstorms. Listen to this podcast episode about a bad day in November 2011 when many avalanches were triggered and pro skier Jamie Pierre died.
- Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. These closed resorts that allow uphill travel can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock-free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain. We will soon have an up to date resource on all the ski resorts individual policies.
Until more snow begins to fall, there are plenty of resources available to begin thinking about the season today:
- Check out the free online avalanche course material and e-learning materials available.
- Start looking at weather patterns in areas you plan to ski this upcoming winter. A full list of mountain weather stations can be found HERE.
- Freshen up on how to read the forecast page.
- Look over all of your gear and make sure everything is in good, working order.
- Sign up for an avalanche class! Get it on the schedule early.
