Personal Equipment:

Clothing for activities and standing in cold/snowy weather (no cotton) long underwear insulating layers outer layer (wind/waterproof) warm gloves, mitts, headband, and hat Goggles and sunglasses Small personal first aid kit (sunscreen/lip-balm, moleskin, band-aids, medication, etc.) Water Bottle Pack

Skiing Equipment:

Boots (touring boots recommended) Skis with touring bindings and skins (please adjust bindings to boots and skins to skis before the course). Collapsible Poles

Snowboarding Equipment:

Split Board with touring bindings and skins (please adjust bindings to boots and skins to board before the course) For students arriving at the course with snowboarding equipment, split boards are recommended, as compared to traveling with snowshoes. You must be able to repair your snowboard if it breaks. Boots Collapsible Poles

OR

Snowboard (with means of attachment to pack—please have a system worked out before you come on the course). Boots Collapsible poles

Snowshoes:

Snowshoes (adjusted to boots, please test thoroughly before the course) Snowshoes are not recommended for courses where deep new snow conditions or steep terrain will likely be experienced. Please contact the course provider.

Rescue Equipment:

Avalanche probe Collapsible shovel Avalanche transceiver (457 kHz frequency only. Digital) Cell phone or two-way radio (OPTIONAL) Avalung (OPTIONAL) Air Bag System (ABS) (OPTIONAL) available here

Other Equipment:
(this equipment is optional for Level 1 courses)

Lift pass or discount card for local ski areas Pack (large enough for all equipment on day ski-tours) Weather, Snowpack, and Avalanche Observation and Recording Equipment – required for Level 2 and Level 3, optional for Level 1 Weather/Snow observation tools are available here.

For Level 2 Courses bring: (optional for Level 1 courses)

Snow saw or folding pruning saw (approx. 40cm blade). There will also be longer folding saws available from Brooks-Range Mountaineering. Snow thermometer (graduated in degrees Celsius). Dial stem and/or glass/alcohol types are commonly used. Electronic thermometers are acceptable but have limitations for snow profile work. NOTE: If you bring thermometers calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit, you will be required to purchase or borrow a Celsius thermometer. Crystal identification screen. Dark color, metal screen is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Magnifier (8x or 10x RECOMMENDED). Folding rule (graduated in centimetres required. 2 metre length). Compass (Optional, compass with clinometer or bring separate clinometer RECOMMENDED) Altimeter (Optional) Field notebook (AIARE Field Notebook, may be available through course provider.) Pencil and spare Pocket Knife

Note: Pre-packaged snow observation kits sold in backcountry ski shops often have thermometers in °F, rulers in inches, white crystal cards that are difficult to see clear snow grains and magnifiers that are narrow, overpowered and difficult to see multiple grains or to identify grain size and type. Please take the extra effort to purchase standard magnifiers (available in photo shops or linen shops), darker metal crystal cards and 2m rulers. Order from us and we’ll drop ship the right stuff to you.

Please do not show up with undersized notebook. Notebooks used in the course are sometimes provided by the course host.
Weather, Snowpack, and Avalanche Observation and Recording Equipment

Snow saw (approx. 40cm blade). Snow thermometer (graduated in degrees Celsius). Dial stem and/or glass/alcohol types are commonly used. Digital thermometers are acceptable but have limitations for snow profile work.

If you bring thermometers calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit, you will be at a significant disadvantage on the course.

PSIA Examiner & Trainer – Chris Chaput

ALPINE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
PSIA-Rocky Mountain-AASI
Discipline: Alpine
Duration: 2 Days
Course Description:
ITC Prerequisites:
• Registered member of PSIA-RM
Pre ITC Elective Courses:
• Learn to be a Snowsports Instructor
Full or Partial Pass:
• Candidates may pass the teaching day, the skiing day or the entire exam.
• A “retake day” may be scheduled with the RM Office.

SKIING MANEUVERS: The following maneuvers will be scored by examiners. Passing candidates must attain an average score of 4 for these
five maneuvers. A total score of 20 will pass this section:
Wedge (green, groomed terrain)
Wedge Christy (green, groomed terrain)
Carved Uphill Arcs(green-blue groomed terrain)
Alternate maneuver: Skidded Uphill Arcs Sideslip in fall line (blue groomed terrain) Step Turn into Fall Line(flat – easiest terrain)
Passing candidates must attain an average score of 4 for these two maneuvers. A total score of eight will pass this section:
Free run on groomed terrain(blue groomed terrain)
Variable terrain & snow conditions (blue ungroomed terrain)
• PERFORMANCE DESCRIBERS: Refer to IDP Skiing Standards grid and the online skiing standards videos.
• TERRAIN SELECTION: There are specific types of runs (green, blue) and or conditions designated for the seven skiing maneuvers. All terrain choices are listed above and in the Pocket Summaries. The exam manager reserves the right to change designated runs based on daily snow and weather conditions.
• FEEDBACK AT EXAM: Extensive teaching, coaching and guiding are the hallmarks of the ITC. Examiners will work throughout the event to provide clear, accessible, relevant feedback. If a candidate’s performance drops considerably from run to run during the on snow days, examiners have the discretion to score the better performance.

Indoor Presentation:
The presentation is typically a full day power point based presentation held indoors but due to the unique needs of this course we will be dividing the presentation into three 2 hour sessions after skiing.
The presentation will be custom built to the needs of the student but will cover the concepts of (What is good skiing?) and (What is good teaching?)
Additionally you will learn the basics of Movement Analysis and have opportunities to practice.

Day One-On Snow
Meet your examiner and your group at the designated spot and at the designated time. Don’ be late!
Your Examiner will:
• Model: Safety, Professionalism, Guest Service, Communication Skills
• Coach: Student Profiles, Learning Styles (VAK) The Teaching Cycle “Play, Drill, Adventure, Summary” for Kids, Teaching Progressions for Skill Development, Basic Movement Analysis, Basic Class Handling & Safety, A Basic Beginner Progression
• Ski through the Skills Concept.
• Connect the indoor day’s discussion and exercises to on-snow sensations.
• Use the MA filter to connect ski and body performance.
• Get coaching and feedback as you move around the mountain.
Teaching presentation to copy
• Watch and listen as your examiner demonstrates how to teach a Level One progression.
Scored Teaching Session
• You will participate in a 10 to 15 minute on snow presentation.
• Teams of two or three candidates will present a portion of a progression that highlights the development of the previously assigned Level One Milestone. Boot work, one ski, two skis, straight run, step turn, wedge, etc.
• You will focus on one skill (Rotation, Edging or Pressure Control) within the
milestone. Your team mates will cover the other two.
• This is a scored session. Each member of the group must be an active participant! This is an important first step toward the teaching component of the Level II exam.
• Follow up questions and coaching will center on your understanding of the Teaching Cycle, CAP/GCT and Student Profiles.
MA Session
• Your group will set up in a flat or easiest green section of trail, preferably at or near the bottom of the hill
• You will be “on stage” for 5 minutes. In that time you will observe a skier of the age you most comfortably teach at their home area.
• The first task is to observe and describe ski performance, body performance and ski-body performance of a beginner skier ranging from Level 1 up to Level 4.
o The focus will be on any two of: Fore/Aft Pressure Control Foot to Foot Pressure Control Rotation Edging
• Your second task is to discuss an appropriate prescription for change with the examiner.

Day Two – On Snow
Objectives for the Day:
• Receive coaching and feedback as you review, practice, and ski each maneuver for a score on appropriate terrain.
• The skiing standard at the ITC is a Level 7 skier making consistent parallel turns on green and easy blue terrain.
• Ski with your group. 11:00 – 1:00
• Meet a second group or a second examiner for a group scoring session and then break for lunch The joint scoring session will include Wedge Turns and the Free Run on Smooth Terrain.
Due to time constraints, the lunch break will be under 45 minutes.
1:00 – 3:00
• Ski with your group through the remaining maneuvers. • End your day at the bottom of the hill.
4:30 Results
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Alpine Level 2 Prerequisite All-Mountain Performance
PSIA-Rocky Mountain-AASI
Discipline: Alpine
Duration: 2 Days
Course Description:
This clinic is designed for the all mountain skier looking to ski a variety of terrain and conditions. Participants will develop skills and tactics on green, blue, black, groomed, off‐piste runs and race courses where available. Participants will develop a stronger understanding of how to achieve tactical choices by changing skill blends. Participants will develop their ability to deliver accurate, effective feedback and better connect with guests and fellow instructors.
Participants should feel comfortable skiing the entire mountain in most conditions.
Main Goal:
Participants will increase personal skill development and tactics in a variety of terrain and conditions. Participants will increase ability to communicate outcomes to guests through a stronger understanding of personal mechanics.
Course Outcomes to meet goal:
• Participants will explore changes in skill blends in a variety of terrain and conditions to increase personal accuracy and versatility. • Participants will utilize a variety of tactics relevant to different mountain situations. • Participants will play with a variety of turn types and turn shapes to increase versatility.
• Participants will gain confidence through experience, positive feedback and fun! • Participants will better identify relationships between skis and body performance in order to communicate accurately with guests.
Sample Activities:
• Play with exercises and drills to develop various skill blends. • Explore tactical benefits of particular skill blends applied to different mountain situations. • Monitor group energy levels to pace terrain difficulty and maximize performance. • Discuss the mental, physical, perceptual aspects of peak performance in terrain. • Ski through a wide variety of exercises that can be used in various situations. (e.g. hop turns, retraction turns, stem turns, etc.) • Have fun in NASTAR if available! • Take a cruiser when needed to relax between more difficult terrain situations. • Play with a variety of group handling formats, depending on terrain and conditio ns (e.g. line rotation, pairs, instructor first or last, etc.) • Develop accuracy in movement analysis through peer analysis
Materials Needed:
• Roster • Helmet recommended.
All Mountain Performance

History of the International Mountain Guide. IFMGA/UIAGM/IVBV. from Wiki

Mountain guides – mostly state-certified – climbers , because of their experience, local customer or special training to pay other hikers, climbers and mountaineers in responsible mountain run or terrain.

In the First World War were from the Austria-Hungarian army several guide companies in the fight against Italy in the high mountains situated. Verwendet wurde dafür möglichst nur vorgebildetes Personal (Bewohner aus den Bergregionen) die in Lehrgängen durch die sog. Alpinreferenten noch weiter ausgebildet wurden. Use for this situation was possible, and only preformed by staff (residents from the mountain regions) and were in courses through the so-called Alpine speakers still further training. Their task, individuals or groups – in the high mountains cliques – the desire to guide you through a safe region and wish to bring you to your target.

Since 1966, the national mountain guide associations in the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IVBV) together. The American Mountain Guides Association is the representative entity for the United States to the International community. The AMGA is working hard to improve reciprocity for Internationally certified mountain guides.

Most people believe that avalanches no not occur in New Mexico. However, it only takes three key ingredients to have an avalanche:

1 Avalanche Terrain (any slope steep enough for snow to run)
2 An unstable snowpack
3 A trigger

The fact is, that avalanches are triggered every year in New Mexico. How you and your team travel in this terrain is a function of many critical points. As a SAR professional, you need to meet the industry standard. Avalanche training is part of that standard.

Backcountry snowmobiling has led to an alarming rate of burials and deaths on a National level within the past five years according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. However, backcountry freerider (ski and snowboard) burial and death rates have remained consistent from previous years. How will your team respond in avalanche terrain? What are the issues that surround that kind of decision making?

New Mexico Search and Rescue teams respond to these avalanche incidents but may not be ready to deal with not only the incident but also their own backcountry travel risk profile. Most Search and Rescue teams are not as versed in avalanche mitigation or risk assessment as mountain guides or ski patrols simply because SAR teams don’t have the equivalent experience or education.

Bring your team up to speed on the latest technology as well as literature-supported techniques through a BMG AIARE Certified Avalanche Course approved by the American Avalanche Association . BMG provides courses that are specifically tailored to Search and Rescue Teams. We will teach at your ski area or response area that your team responds to and help guide your team with formulating an emergency response plan.