Hello everyone,
I would like suggestions of where are good places to do self arrest practice and what times of year are best. The two I know of are the Angel of Shavano, and off Trail Ridge Road in RMNP. My summer is shot by work, so looking at Sept or later. Thanks.
places and best times of year for self arrest practice
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Re: places and best times of year for self arrest practice
In addition to the locations mentioned Saint Mary's Glacier isn't a bad one either. However, September is probably going to be a bit sparse in most places for self-arrest--the issue isn't just having snow period but a slope that has enough snow to practice on. October sometimes works but November is more likely. At this time of year the snow probably won't too hardpacked--don't forget to take avalanche danger into consideration when selecting slope--so you are less likely to careen out of control if you make a mistake.
The key to self-arrest practice is finding a slope that is steep enough to gain some momentum (but not too much) and also has a safe runout if you don't get it quite right.
The key to self-arrest practice is finding a slope that is steep enough to gain some momentum (but not too much) and also has a safe runout if you don't get it quite right.
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Re: places and best times of year for self arrest practice
Thanks for the info. According to Summitpost James Peak & St Mary's Glacier page the best time to ski is late April to early June. We are tentaively planning taking a wilderness first responder class around that time, so it may work out.
- 3rdGenNative
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Re: places and best times of year for self arrest practice
St. Mary's is the best if you're in Denver. We've had groups from this site meet up there in March and April. It was a total blast. Where are you taking your WFR at?
"There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will never again settle for less."
Kurt Hahn-Founder of Outward Bound
"Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God." George Washington Carver
Kurt Hahn-Founder of Outward Bound
"Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God." George Washington Carver
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Re: places and best times of year for self arrest practice
Haven't decided yet. Looked at NOLS and a few others. One of them had yurts for lodging which would be good to minimize distractions during the 10 days. The NOLS class is at UC Boulder, which is not so good for that reason so I was looking at after the semester was done so the frat boys would already be out of town for the summer. Have a recommendation?