Back Country Adventures

Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours offers backcountry and avalanche courses in a mechanized guide setting. We offer small class sizes, specializing in the student experience. Our professional guides are instructors with AIARE . Each course includes classroom instruction and field sessions. This season we are offering exciting new courses to meet any backcountry users need!
 

Chicago Ridge can customize any backcountry safety or avalanche course for groups. Minimum group size must be six participants, with a maximum of 12. Please contact us to design your personal education experience!


 

As with all activity in potentially hazardous environments, participants need to know what to do in case of emergency. Companion Rescue is the terminology used for emergency rescue in avalanche terrain.
This Companion Rescue Skills course can be used as the first stepping stone to avalanche training and can also be used as a refresher for those who have previous avalanche training. The vital skills covered in this course are absolute fundamentals for anyone traveling in the backcountry.
Companion rescue course students are encouraged to continue their avalanche training by taking an AIARE level one or above.

Why is this class different than other classes? Because of the unique situation that exists between Ski Cooper and Chicago Ridge, students have the opportunity to travel in backcountry terrain that is controlled for avalanches.
Class minimum is 6, max is 12
Teacher to student ratio is 1:6

CLASS INFORMATION:
• This course is open to skiers and snowboarders. There are no prerequisites.
• Students must have the ability to move around on snow during the outdoor portion of the class
• AIARE encourages students to take a companion rescue course before signing up for a level one.
• This is a 8+ hour class, the majority of the day will be spent out in the field
• Class begins at 9, plan on finishing around 5.30

CLASS OBJECTIVES:
• At the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Understand the Decision Making Framework
• Pre travel gear check
• Evaluate path of travel and consider preventative actions
• Prioritize actions if caught in an avalanche
• Understand beacon/transceiver basics
• Organize and execute search and rescue

CLASS COST:
$100 includes instruction, lift ticket, full lunch (drink included) and après ski debriefing Q & A (beer, soft drinks and nachos included)
$85 for Ski Cooper pass holders
 

 

There are only 2 national avalanche schools that support a baseline curriculum- AIARE and AAA
Basically, other non national schools offer a basic level one, but the curriculum may be sub standard, so when the student goes on to the next level of avalanche education, they may not have all of the skills needed to continue on.

This intro class is designed to orient winter backcountry users to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain, or for those who need a refresher. Considerable time will be spent in the field learning functional, usable skills with a focus on local information. The primary goal of this course is to give students a basic understanding of traveling in avalanche terrain, mainly in areas easily accessible by resort or car.

Many snow riders often face the conundrum of making the decision to ride in the backcountry or not. A common question is “can I ride in the backcountry and not be constantly worried about avalanches? How much do I need to know before riding in the backcountry?” This introduction class is designed to be the first step in helping you evaluate your surroundings so you can make informed decisions on when and where to go.

Not all riders want to commit to a full Level 1 class without first understanding what is involved with traveling in the backcountry. Introduction to Avalanche Safety is a way to be introduced into backcountry travel in a fun, inexpensive and different environment.

Why is this class different than other classes? Because of the unique situation that exists between Ski Cooper and Chicago Ridge, students have the opportunity to travel in backcountry terrain that is controlled for avalanches.

CLASS FACTS:
• This class is open to skiers and snowboards.
• Students must be able to move around on the snow for the second day. 
• Students will be traveling in the backcountry, therefore students must have the appropriate equipment. IE- AT gear, tele gear, split board, etc.
• Students should have avalanche gear including transceiver, probe and shovel
• The course includes a 3 hour indoor lecture and 8+ hour indoor/field day
•Day 1- 6- 9pm, indoors
• Day 2- 9 – 5, in and outdoor
• This is an AIARE pre Level One course, all instructors are qualified avalanche professionals
Class minimum is 6 students, max is 12
Teacher to student ratio is 1:6

CLASS COSTS:
• $125 includes instruction, lift ticket, full lunch (including drink), all manuals, and an après ski debriefing Q & A (beer, soft drinks and nachos included)
• $115 for Ski Cooper pass holders



WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO LEARN:
• Identify avalanche terrain
• Understanding local information resources
• When and where to go
• Basic companion rescue skills
• Basic trip planning
• Safe travel protocol
•DMF- Decision Making Framework
 

 

This level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management.

ABOUT THE COURSE:
• This course has been developed to provide a basic understanding of avalanches.
• Students will become versed in the DMF- Decision Making Framework, the basis for decision making   and risk management when traveling in the backcountry
• The lessons and activities taught are practically oriented and pertinent for real life circumstances
• Students will learn to determine the right answers to make positive decisions
• The class will develop good skills for trip preparation
• Students will learn companion rescue basics

STUDENT OUTCOME:
• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
• Recognize avalanche terrain.
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Why is this class different than other classes? Because of the unique situation that exists between Ski Cooper and Chicago Ridge, students have the opportunity to travel in backcountry terrain that is controlled for avalanches.

CLASS FACTS:
• This class is open to skiers and snowboards.
• Students will be traveling in the backcountry, therefore students must have the appropriate equipment. IE- AT gear, tele gear, split board, etc.
• Students should have avalanche gear including transceiver, probe and shovel
• This 3 day class is 9-5

CLASS COSTS:
$350 per person includes
Instruction, manuals, one day of snow cat assistance, lift tickets and après ski Q & A (including beer, soft drinks and snacks)
(Lunch is available for $15/day)

AIARE’S MISSION IS TO “SAVE LIVE THOUGHT AVALANCHE EDUCATION”
 

For More Information or to Register:  Please call (719) 486 – 2247.