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Avalanche course for snowmobilers

Avalanches contributed to at least two deaths to snowmobilers in Colorado last season, one in the La Plata Mountains.

The Silverton Avalanche School is holding a three-day class designed for snowmobilers Dec. 12-14 at Kendall Mountain Recreation Center.

Classes begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and end at 5 p.m. Dec. 14. The Level 1 course has been developed for snowmobilers and mountain riders.

The curriculum includes terrain evaluation, safe travel protocols, route finding, decision making, avalanche equipment, rescue, weather, snowpack and applying avalanche bulletins to travel planning.

Morning sessions introduce the concepts to students. Afternoon field sessions in backcountry terrain provide hands-on experience. Friday and Saturday afternoon, and most of Sunday, students will travel into backcountry snowmobile terrain.

Students will practice companion rescue, route finding and terrain analysis, dig snowpits, and conduct stability tests. All field excursions will be made on snowmobiles.

Instructors include Mike Duffy, a pioneer in snowmobile avalanche education in Colorado. The Silverton Avalanche School was formed in 1962. Other classes it offers are designed for skiers and snowboarders, search-and-rescue personnel, as well as highway workers.

The cost is $340. For more information, visit http://avyschool.com, email info@avyschool.org or call (970) 903-7039.

johnp@durangoherald.com



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