Hurricane Ridge to Sponsor Avalanche Class
Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club will host a Level I avalanche class February 18, 19 and 20. The class will emphasize safe route finding, snow pack evaluation, making use of weather observations, and companion rescue. Participants will receive a Level I certificate from the American Avalanche Association.
“Knowing how to navigate safely in the mountain environment is crucial for a safe and fun experience in the winter” says Gary Holmquist, Hurricane Ridge Board and Ski Patrol member. “The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club is pleased to make this opportunity available to local residents at a considerable discount from similar courses, not to mention eliminating the need to travel. In addition, the class will be customized for our local Hurricane Ridge terrain and conditions, which also benefits the participants.” Similar Level I certificated classes often run from $300 to $400.
The instructor, Niko Weis, is one of the outstanding avalanche instructors in North America with over 25 years of avalanche safety experience. His background includes being the Ski Patrol Director at Mount Washington on Vancouver Island and an eight year stint on the Canadian Avalanche Association Board of Directors, during a period where the Canadians far outpaced other countries’ avalanche forecasting.
Weis has taught avalanche classes for many years for the HRWSC, Park, and Olympic Mountain Rescue and is intimately familiar with the terrain and snow conditions at Hurricane Ridge. “I have taken multiple Avalanche courses around North America, and Niko is one of the best instructors I have had the privilege to learn from,” says Holmquist.
Cost is $125 for ski club/season pass holders and $175 for non members. The class is open to all winter enthusiasts including skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoes.
The class will meet at the YMCA at 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday evenings, and spend Saturday and Sunday in the field at Hurricane Ridge. Contact Frank Crippen at North by Northwest (360) 452-5144 for more details.
