MOUNTAIN OPS
Mountain Ops builds upon the foundation of a Level 1 avalanche course to become a self-sufficient member of a touring group and learn practical skills to increase your mountain sense. We will sprinkle in backcountry ethics throughout the season, so we can work together to preserve our local resources. Each week, Mountain Ops will offer an evening classroom session followed by a field day. We will focus on various subjects including touring gear, self rescue, teamwork, digital navigation, route planning, mountain weather, decision-making, and semi-technical applications for safe backcountry travel.
Participants will practice navigating through terrain and managing risk in a group setting on each field session. Every tour will conclude with a debrief of the day and ways to improve your decision making processes. Each evening session will begin with a discussion on the current state of the snowpack and avalanche conditions. We will continue to form a mental map of the snowpack and avalanche problems throughout the course. The goal is for you to leave at the end of the season with the skills to track and monitor avalanche problems on your own.
This course will be led by a certified AMGA Ski Guide, who will aim to transfer their local knowledge and experience to empower our community of backcountry travelers. There is an optional three day overnight trip into the Sawtooth mountains, where we will set up a base camp and embark on day tours. Never has there been a more important time to become a responsible steward of our treasured National Forest.
What is INCLUDED:
● Experienced AMGA guides
● Guest lecturers
● Six 8-hour field sessions
● Six 1-hour evening classroom sessions at SVG HQ with food and beverage
● Snowmobile assistance as desired
● Recreational Level 2 and Avalanche Rescue Certificate of completion
DATES & meeting DETAILS:
Evening Sessions (typically 5:30-6:30pm)
Dates TBD
Field Sessions (Full Day, 8:30am-4pm):
Dates TBD
(Optional) 3-Day Sawtooth Haute Route overnight trip (March) ***not included in pricing***
Meet at Sun Valley Guides Headquarters
Guest to Guide ratio is 5:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 5
Pricing:
Pricing: $1650
*Includes all field and classroom sessions. Optional overnight trip not included.
