Hey Folks! We have lots of exciting news in this one!
- First, we want to welcome Joe Stock from Alaska and the Alaska Avalanche School to the Ice Fest Guest Guide roster!
- Second, we are offering 2 NEW clinics with Joe this coming Ice Fest! Those clinics are:
- 1 Day Ice Rescue Clinic (FRIDAY, Feb. 5th):
This 1 day clinic will focus on how to get out of a bad situation ice climbing! The course will cover rescuing the second and the leader with anchor-building and assessment, escaping a belay, counter-balance and tandem rappels. Be prepared if something goes wrong and know how to get out of it with what you have right on your harness! This is an invaluable course for every climber heading towards any ice objective. Climbers must have solid ice climbing experience and a strong foundation of knots and anchor building.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced, must have solid ice climbing experience with a strong foundation in climbing knots, belay and anchor systems. - 2 Day Avi Awareness Clinic (SAT & SUN, Feb 6th & 7th):
Don’t want to commit to the 3 day AIARE course, but want to “know before you go”? This course is for YOU!
Specifically designed for skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and climbers who venture into avalanche terrain (which includes the White Mountains!). Avalanches are serious business as evidenced by the increasing number of injuries and deaths suffered by climbers, hikers and skiers while in the mountains. This course will give you an introduction to assessing snow conditions and avalanche terrain. You will learn how to use avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels and what do do if you are caught in a slide. This is a two day course on Saturday & Sunday.
Note: This is not an AIARE certification course. This is a 2 day Avi Awareness Clinic.
Student Prerequisites :Students must be comfortable outdoors and prepared for winter conditions. There are no other prerequisites.
About Joe Stock: Joe combines 30 years of avalanche training and mountain experience to teach avalanche safety. Joe has been obsessed about avalanches since age 12. His training includes internships with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center and the Silverton Avalanche Forecast Office. He’s AIARE Level 3 trained and AIARE instructor trained. He’s been tested at the highest level in the US; through the AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Exam. Although Joe has a strong snow science background, his teaching minimizes science talk and focuses on applying good decisions to move through avalanche terrain. He has been teaching with the Alaska Avalanche School since 2008. In 2009 Joe became the 56th American guide to become fully certified by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and licensed by the International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA).
Know before you go! Whether it is regarding your rescue skills or avalanch awareness.
