What to bring?
Participants should bring their own AVY kit (beacon, probe and shovel). AVY kits are availble to rent if needed. Participants should also arrive with appropriate clothing and backcountry skis, split boards, or snowshoes for field sessions.
Equipment List
PERSONAL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
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Avalanche 1 & Rescue
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The most important part of personal clothing is the LAYERING SYSTEM consisting of three layers: outer layer, insulating layer and base layer. The OUTTER LAYER repels wind, water and snow. Gore-Tex or other waterproof/breathable shell is recommended. The INSULATING LAYER helps to keep the body warm. Fleece and/or wool are excellent insulating layers. Depending on conditions, additional insulating layers can be added. Finally, the BASE LAYER is next to the skin and wicks away moisture. Polypropylene and Capaliene are excellent base layers. Remember: NO COTTON! When cotton become wet it loses its insulating ability. Most synthetic materials are okay.
UPPER-BODY CLOTHING: OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS:
___ Fleece hat
___ Thermos or water bottle
___ Sun hat
___ Sunglasses w/ keeper strap
___ Outer shell Jacket
___ Goggles
___ Insulating layer
___ Sunscreen/lip balm
___ Puffy Jacket (belay parka)
___ Base layer(s)
___ Glove liners
___ Outer gloves
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LOWER-BODY CLOTHING:
___ Outer-shell Pants (ski bibs)
___ Insulating layer
___ Base layer
___ Warms socks (1-2)
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AVY/BACKCOUNTRY GEAR:
___ Beacon w/ batteries
___ Split board/skis/snowshoes
___ Probe
___ Snowboard or ski boots
___ Shovel
___ Poles
___ Field notebook & pencil
___ Skins
___ Backpack (30-50 L)
___ Snow study kit (provided)
___ Helmet (optional)
OTHER ITEMS:
___ Small knife/multi-tool
___ Headlamp
___ Food for the day
___ Sunscreen/lip balm
___ Compass/map/GPS (optional)
___ Watch/altimeter (optional)
___ Phone OK, but must be turned OFF or in airplane mode
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MINIMUM IMPACT LIVING:
Whether on a wilderness expedition or day trip, we will be particularly conscientious about our impact on the land in which we travel. We will travel with the Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics in mind. All trash will be carried out, including leftover food. Our goal will be to leave our activity sites better than we found them. Site-specific LNT principles will be covered on course.
BACKCOUNTRY SANITATION:
Some activity sites have pit toilets at the parking lot, but will not be available once we travel into the backcountry. Human waste will be disposed of according to LNT and land
management agency regulations. If TP is used, it must be packed out with all trash (as well as feminine hygiene products).
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BACKCOUNTRY NUTRITION:
Students will provide their own lunches. Please bring nutritious food for sustained energy. Two to three liters of water is recommended. Use a thermos or insulated bottle to keep drinks warm.
HEALTH CONCERNS:
The prevention of personal discomfort and injury will be discussed on the course,
but it is ultimately a matter of personal responsibility. Some of these concerns include: sprains/strains, exhaustion, dehydration, hypothermia, heat stroke, sunburn, and medical concerns. Education and caution are the best prevention of discomfort and injury.
The instructor will carry first aid kits at all times. However, these are intended for emergency use only, so please bring along any medication or treatment materials that you use regularly such as aspirin, band-aids, prescription medications, elastic wraps, etc. Please be sure to mention health issues to an instructor so that we are aware of any particular needs or special requirements that you may have.
PERSONAL PREPARATION:
While courses are planned to allow participation by individuals who have varying levels of expertise and differing degrees of physical fitness, any trip may be enhanced by some physical and mental preparation. All ULLR courses involve some method of self-propulsion; a regular program of aerobic exercise is encouraged.
WEATHER:
Temperatures in the mountain vary with the seasons. We may experience cold and wet conditions and/or hot and sunny conditions. We can expect snow and wind. Conditions can change quickly and we will need to be prepared.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: