Level I and I avalanche courses scheduled

Mike Block doesn’t like the word “sidecountry” when referring to out-of-bounds ski terrain accessible from Big Mountain. The term is too soft, he says, too nonchalant.

As a veteran Whitefish Mountain Resort ski patroller, Block knows the dangers that exist beyond the resort’s boundary ropes. Whether it’s a five-minute walk from the chairlift or an all-day tour in the Middle Fork, the backcountry shouldn’t be taken lightly, he says — 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 the resort. Block says the classes are for anyone with an interest in wintertime backcountry travel. 

“Even if you just ski in the Canyon every once in a while, these classes will open your eyes,” Block said, referring to the popular Canyon Creek terrain behind the resort.

Big Mountain Ski Patrol will partner with the National Forest Service and Whitefish Mountain Resort for two Level I clinics and one Level II course. Classes will be taught by ski patroller and BNSF Railway avalanche forecaster Mark Dundas, avalanche specialist Mike Foote, U.S. Geological Survey 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. About 60 percent of the class time 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 will be 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. The Level II class is set for Feb. 28 through March 3 and costs $300.

Big Mountain Ski Patrol will offer four community scholarships again this winter. 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, call 862-2940 or visit online.