do you have an Avi course

[overkill131313]

venting about $h!ty attitude about avy course!

I just would like to know how many people have one....the reason I ask is because someone I know (I dont want to mention names but he is not on this site) said to me that he does not need one because he does not go into those places.....I said it is not for you....it is for everyone else on the hill......so to make a long story short, since I'm so Pi$$ed off right now about his attitude ...... I just would like to know how many people do or dont have this.....and yes I know that having the course doesnt not mean you know how to use your equipment but it is a start......this guy has the equipment but I know he doesnt even know how to turn his beacon on......I'm embareased to say I know this guy with his $h!ty attitude about this topic......I told him no one will ride with him if he cant save them.....he said he will just sell his sled......I guess we dont need guys like this on the hill......and he has been sledding since the 60's.......I just dont get some people.....I wish I had a printer to show him what other sledders feel about his attitude......I guess I could find a printer.......say what you want good and bad! I wont be sledding with him anymore.......I dont like the idea of him not having my back covered in a bad situation.......sorry for venting!

 

[tantrumpipeline]

Re: venting about $h!ty attitude about avy course!

I don't have the course, but do have the beacon/shovel/probe and have practiced locating buried beacons and snow cutting with my trained friends, we also test run our beacons everytime and run a new battery every 3 trips, I do plan on getting certified this season, but in all honesty it's not top priority due to the minimal free time I have and the group I ride with is very knowledgeable and have done a fairly good job of inform/schooling me so until I get stuck with my sled in the shop or I manage to find some free time I can't sled I will be another "idiot" without one, the whole I don't ride those areas etc is retarded though, I realize the importance of the course but also know how limited my free time is

 

[PINKalicious]

I have mine, in class worth every penny I will be doing out of class this season. It's not just to save your own life your saving mine too with the training.

 

[snoqueen]

I have my AST 1, agree with PINKalicious...it's worth every penny. It just totally opens your eyes to everything, makes you look at the backcountry with a whole different respect. I also agree with tantrumpipeline that riding with knowledgeable people is key!

Overkill, there is always going to be those that think they don't need this training. I know quite a few like this and it is totally frustrating. All we can do is try to point out the importance of having it, that's all. But I totally know where you're coming from.

 

[briguy99]

Got my AST1 last year...opened my eyes to ALOT!!!!! And Gary...about the gentleman you speak of there...ask him if he really thinks he is never in avy terrain...I thought i wasnt ...till i took the course............let him sell his sled.....cheers Bri

 

[takethebounce]

I am what I would consider a newer mountain rider. I grew up on sleds, but on the East Coast. Coming out West I was fortunate several years ago to have friends who were into sledding. I jumped back into it head first.

There is the mentality of a few out there that they have been riding in the mountains forever and they don't need any sort of training to be safe. Some of that might be true. They have been riding and experiencing things that some people will never see. They can make decisions based on experience. You hear some of these people talking in the chalets, on the trail, in the stagging area. I try everyday at work to fix stupid, I know I can't. Sometimes you see it in the darndest places.

Having the ability to take a course like an AST gives people who didn't grow up riding, living and experiencing an opportunity to learn not only about the in's and out's about riding in avalanche terrain, but more importantly, using the equipment we carry with us. That is what I think is a disapointing issue with some of these people as they have never spent the time to actually learn any shortcomings that equipment might have. I also don't think an AST is something that should be a one time item.

I'd like to see the possibility of AST providers offering one day outside refreshers for people who can provide proof they have taken an AST in say the past 36-48 months? Many people who don't take the time to freshen up on their searching skills would benefit from something like that.

 

[cokecrazed007]

I'm signed up for ast1 in dec in valmount

 

[QuintinG]

My first year sledding and I've got all my safety gear and registered for my avy training. I think taking the course every year would be a good idea just as a refresher.

 

[spikeydave]

I am signed up for the AST 1 on Dec. 11 in Edmonton. I have limited time as well and trying to time the courses is not easy but this year I made it priority as last year I helped recover some sleds from an Avy and made the decision that I was not going to post pone it anymore, I know myself I would not sled with someone like that and for his knowledge if he is on any slope 30 degrees or better he in in any conditions, if he is on the mountain where a run it may come he is in any conditions, all in all when ever he goes into the hills he is in any conditions at some point. Last year 3 guys were sitting in an area that they thought was safe but the any was so large it took 3 lives. Plan on the field course Dec 16 or 17 to put the class to reality.

 

[QuintinG]

I'll see you at the course on Dec 11 spikeydave!

 

[ferniesnow]

I am what I would consider a newer mountain rider. I grew up on sleds, but on the East Coast. Coming out West I was fortunate several years ago to have friends who were into sledding. I jumped back into it head first.

There is the mentality of a few out there that they have been riding in the mountains forever and they don't need any sort of training to be safe. Some of that might be true. They have been riding and experiencing things that some people will never see. They can make decisions based on experience. You hear some of these people talking in the chalets, on the trail, in the stagging area. I try everyday at work to fix stupid, I know I can't. Sometimes you see it in the darndest places.

Having the ability to take a course like an AST gives people who didn't grow up riding, living and experiencing an opportunity to learn not only about the in's and out's about riding in avalanche terrain, but more importantly, using the equipment we carry with us. That is what I think is a disapointing issue with some of these people as they have never spent the time to actually learn any shortcomings that equipment might have. I also don't think an AST is something that should be a one time item.

I'd like to see the possibility of AST providers offering one day outside refreshers for people who can provide proof they have taken an AST in say the past 36-48 months? Many people who don't take the time to freshen up on their searching skills would benefit from something like that.

This is great man but doo you have an AST1??????? just asking.........

 

[takethebounce]

Yes I have an AST1, from Hangfire, and I value every bit of the information that Aaron and his crew gave and would like to think I live by it. I would also like to someday expand upon that training as well. I had not outright said that to acknowledge the question in the threads subject, so good catch FS!

Did I have it the first time I went riding in the mountains? No. I hadn't even heard of it. I relied upon the experience of the people I was riding with to ensure my safety. I don't think anyone can honestly say they have ever ridden in the mountains, every single time and been fully equiped with training and knowledge from the very beggining. But as time goes on, we all become more knowledgable. I did own a beacon before I owned my own sled out here.

Some people might not approve, agree, or like my comments, but they are what they are. I also have Emergency First Aid and took wildnerness survival many years ago, AST1 training is another tool for the sponge that sits in my skull. Its not something I would say I show off in having it. Its a basic entry level training to ensure our safety. I don't like to BS about serious things, I don't mind admitting when I am wrong, and don't mind learning whenever I can. I like to promote the idea of avalanche safety and point people in the right direction, so that they too can continue to enjoy what we all love to do.

 

[Scrambled]

Ive got mine,Ive been backcountry skiing and sledding for 30 years now but when I took the course 3 years ago I was surprised at what I didnt no,so I recamend it to all I meet out there,I also think if possible to do a weekend course so what you learn in the classroom is shown in real life the next day.I ride with guys who dont have it but they do no how to use there gear(I test them regularly)and they listen to what we(with the course) tell them.

 

[whitell]

im pretty new to sledding in the mountains but im getting my ast 1 this weekend. cheap insurance.

 

[fnDan]

I have AST1 and I'm looking into the Companion Rescue Course that Hangfire is offering.

 

[QuintinG]

Well Takethebounce, I'm hoping to break the trend. I have never ridden in the mountains and before I do I will be taking ast1 on Dec 11 and I already own a beacon probe shovel and ABS backpack. Its because of the great people here on S&M that I've been able to get all the needed information so that I can join the great sport of mountain snowmobiling with confidence that I have taken all safety precautions. I also plan in riding with experienced riders so that I can learn from them firsthand.

 

[takethebounce]

Well Takethebounce, I'm hoping to break the trend. I have never ridden in the mountains and before I do I will be taking ast1 on Dec 11 and I already own a beacon probe shovel and ABS backpack. Its because of the great people here on S&M that I've been able to get all the needed information so that I can join the great sport of mountain snowmobiling with confidence that I have taken all safety precautions. I also plan in riding with experienced riders so that I can learn from them firsthand.

Yeah and thats what I think most people want to do. We can all become advocates for safety and as I said, as time goes on, we all become more educated! But the thread was unfortunately started because of someones ignorance. I hope we can get the point across to some of these people. This forum is great for that, but not everyone uses an internet forum.