![]() The phenomenon of snow along with the fascination of decision-making keeps him committed to continuing to try to understand the avalanche game in order to educate his community.Outcomes of the FATF Plenary, 20-22 February 2013Īlignment of the Standards between R.37 and R.40 He is an American Avalanche Association Professional Course Instructor. Nick D’Alessio is making the turn into his 11th season teaching avalanche courses. It’s like this every day… right? Photo by Nick D’Alessio. Let the realization sink in now that a long-lived life in the backcountry requires patience. To those who are wanting to get into the backcountry, a humble approach to the subject is encouraged. It’s recommended to take a current course or hire an instructor for a refresher course. Alaska Avalanche School, Alaska Guide Collective, American Avalanche Institute, AIARE and Silverton Avalanche School are some examples of approved course providers.įor those who have taken courses in the past, a lot has changed. They provide the guidelines and oversee the legitimacy of the provider. When and wherever in the US you decide to take a course just make sure the organization is an American Avalanche Association approved course provider. A Pro 2 certification is required before even applying for guide exams. If you want to become a ski or mountain guide, you will have to complete your Pro 2. ![]() However for some, the Pro 1 might be the end of formal classes. For professional courses, you are examined on several different components and if you fail to pass, then you do not receive a “Certification”.Īvalanche education is never ending if you think you are done learning then that is the perfect time to quit working in the industry. For recreational courses, you receive a “Certificate of Completion” simply attending each day. Lots of guides and industry workers used to be able to work in the industry with the old regular Level 2 which did not have any kind of pass/fail component. The overarching difference between the Rec vs Pro avalanche education courses is receiving a “Certificate of Completion” versus a “Certification”. The American Avalanche Association (A3) current course progression. You want to be prepared for the advanced nature of the course and confident that you can pass the exams. Unless you are bringing years of self-achieved learning and experience, it is recommended to take a Rec 2 before Pro 1. Second, as it currently stands, you can take a Rec 1 and then go into the Pro 1. However, logistically it just hasn’t worked out for our schedules. I would like to be able to stack the rescue course the day before our Rec 1. For those who travel to take a course, it’s hard to make two separate weekend courses happen in the same season. However, it has come with logistical scheduling problems, for my company at least. First, I’m all about the full-day stand alone Avalanche Rescue Course. Rec vs Pro Avalanche Education FlowĬurrently, I see two hurdles with the new flow. No full data pits, less science, more practical application for more skiing! Photo courtesy of AGC by Ralph Kristopher. Just ask yourself, do you want a guide who has not gone through the training or who has maybe even failed the rescue drill exam being responsible for digging you out of an avalanche? Nick listening to a student’s question during an AGC Rec 2 course. As someone who is on the receiving end of what professionals do, you should want to know that person meets the minimum standard. ![]() As someone who gets paid to work in the avalanche industry, you should want to make sure you meet the current minimum standard. There used to be the “Level 3” or the “AvPro.” Now the Pro 1 is like an equivalent to an old 元-minus and the Pro 2 is like an equivalent of an old 元-plus. Paperwork, SWAG codes and a deeper understanding of applying data to decisions are for professionals. Photo courtesy of AGC by Ralph Kristopher. Nick follows a student’s route selection on an Alaska Guide Collective (AGC) recreational avalanche course in the Kenai Mountains.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |