Ski patrol offers avalanche safety clinics
<p>A snowboarder hikes out of Canyon Creek back to the chair lifts at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The canyon is a popular backcountry ski destination accessible from Big Mountain.</p>
Mike Block doesn’t like the word “sidecountry” when used in reference to the out-of-bounds ski terrain accessible from Big Mountain. The term is too soft, too nonchalant.
As a veteran Whitefish Mountain Resort ski patroller, Block knows the dangers that exist beyond the resort boundary ropes. Whether it’s a five minute walk from the chair lift or an all-day tour in the Middle Fork, the backcounty shouldn’t be taken lightly — especially when it comes to avalanche safety.
For the second time in as many years, Big Mountain Ski Patrol, Inc., a nonprofit group of local patrollers, will host Level I and Level II avalanche clinics at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Block says these classes are for anyone with an interest in wintertime backcountry travel.
“Even if you just ski in the Canyon every once in a while,” Block said, referring to the popular Canyon Creek backcountry ski terrain near the ski resort. “These classes will open your eyes.”
Big Mountain Ski Patrol will partner with the National Forest Service and Whitefish Mountain Resort for the two Level I clinics and a single Level II course. Classes will be taught by ski patroller and BNSF Railway avalanche forecaster Mark Dundas, avalanche specialist Mike Foote, USGS avalanche specialist Eric Pietzch, and BNSF Railway avalanche forecaster Ted Steiner.
The course will be capped at 14 students, allowing each participant personal instruction. The small class size meets the required ratio of students to instructors set by the American Avalanche Association. Most class time, 60 percent, will be spent in the field, which also meets AAA guidelines.
“Most of the time you’ll be on the snow,” Block said.
The Level I class is open to anyone who skis or snowboards at an intermediate level. The class is taught entirely inbounds. Level II classes are more advanced and require long climbs on skis in backcountry terrain.
The Level I courses are set for Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 8-10 and costs $125. Level II is set for Feb. 28 - March 3 and costs $300.
Big Mountain Ski Patrol again this winter will offer four community scholarships. Applicants can apply for assistance with Level I Avalanche and Level II Avalanche classes, Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder.
Applicants must live in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln or Glacier counties and be at least 16 years old. Applications can be found online at www.bigmountainskipatrol.org. Deadline to apply is Jan. 12.
For more information stop into the ski patrol cabin on the summit of Big Mountain, or call 862-2940, or visit online.