Interested in taking an avalanche course this year? Members of the Friends of CNFAIC may apply for a snow safety scholarship. Membership does have its privileges! Applications are due by November 30th 2011. Follow the directions on the forms and return to the Friends by email with the appropriate subject line.
2011 Friends Scholarship Application

Before ever venturing into the backcountry you should educate yourself. You can learn to be avalanche aware in a number of different ways. Start by reading books and web research. Enroll in a quality avalanche workshop, with field-oriented training. Take note of any avalanche activity. Travel with an avalanche savvy partner and ask questions. Look, listen and feel the snow pack. Use our avalanche advisories along with other snow and weather reports to plan your recreational outing. This data is only a small part of the needed information. Check newspapers, news reports, other websites, talk to friends, and watch for environmental indicators.

When you leave for a trip into the backcountry, have a plan. Good communication among group members is essential. Leave a trip plan with a responsible friend who is not traveling with you. Carry the needed backcountry equipment. Probe pole, avalanche beacon, and a shovel are mandatory tools, practice, practice, practice using these tools. Talk about the best route selection among your group. The best avalanche rescue plan is to not get caught in one, but if one does occur, have a strategy already thought out.

If an avalanche accident does occur don't try to go for help, YOU ARE THE HELP. Most rescue teams take hours to get to the scene. A victim only has a 50% chance of survival if buried 30 minutes. The first 15 minutes are crucial in recovering an avalanche victim.

Educate yourself to be avalanche aware and you will live to enjoy the mountains for many years.

Check out our: Interactive Avalanche Safety Tutorial

Complete List of Upcoming Events and Training

  Avalanche Education Courses
  CNFAIC Events
  Special Events
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Sat - Feb 04
  Snowmachiner Recognition of Avalanche Hazard: Module 1, Red flags
1 day $155 Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
Sun - Feb 05
  Recognition of Avalanche Hazard Lecture Series
1 day program, $50 Per Person Feb 5, 2012, Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Location: Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
Sun - Feb 05
  Snowmachiner Core Concepts in Avalanche Safety: Module 2
1 day $155 Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
Thu - Feb 09
  Backcountry Skiing Film Festival
Alaska Pacific University is presenting the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival again this year and all proceeds benefit the Alaska Avalanche School. The Show is on Thursday, February 9th at the Grant Hall Theater. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show will start at 7:00pm. Tickets Cost $15 for Public and $10 for students with ID. The show will present nine different films with an intermission. Audience members can expect opportunities to win FREE shwag and prizes.
Fri - Feb 10 -- Sun - Feb 12
  Level 1 Backcountry Avalanche Hazard evaluation and rescue
3 days. $345 per person Girdwood and Turnagain Arm Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
Sun - Feb 12
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  Observer Training Day (non-motorized)
Join a CNFAIC avalanche forecaster for a day in the field! The purpose of these observer training sessions is to teach and encourage users how to submit quality snowpack, weather and avalanche observations for inclusion into daily avalanche bulletins. This session is open to Skiers or split-boarders with intermediate or advanced travel skills. Sign up by emailing Kevin Wright at kevin@chugachavalanche.org Space is limited.
Sat - Feb 18 -- Mon - Feb 20
  Level 1 Backcountry Avalanche Hazard evaluation and rescue
3 days. $345 per person Girdwood and Turnagain Arm Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
Sat - Mar 10 -- Mon - Mar 12
  Level 1 Backcountry Avalanche Hazard evaluation and rescue
3 days. $345 per person Hatcher Pass Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
Sat - Mar 10
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  Observer Training Day (non-motorized)
Join a CNFAIC avalanche forecaster for a day in the field! The purpose of these observer training sessions is to teach and encourage users how to submit quality snowpack, weather and avalanche observations for inclusion into daily avalanche bulletins. This session is open to Skiers or split-boarders with intermediate or advanced travel skills. Sign up by emailing Kevin Wright at kevin@chugachavalanche.org Space is limited.
Fri - Mar 16 -- Sun - Mar 18
  Level 1 Backcountry Avalanche Hazard evaluation and rescue
3 days. $345 per person Girdwood and Turnagain Arm Alaska Avalanche School More Info: www.alaskaavalanche.org/Schedule.html
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