Looking for a backcountry guide

VAQUERO

VAQUERO

Hello,

On piste skier looking for some randonee experience. 25 years on resorts, now looking for some education in the backcountry. Have all the gear, now looking for some experience/guidance/expertise....

As a professional spearfishing guide, I get emails/requests like this all of the time. My first inclination is NO. You have no experience & are a liability.

I understand, but I am an excellent student & listener. Please do not dismiss me just because I am "NEW" to off piste. Spent many weeks in the backcountry on solo elk hunts, fly fishing trips, etc...

Thanks for any replies,

Brent. Dover, ID
 
idsnowghost

idsnowghost

Staff member
Welcome to Panhandle Backcountry, Brent!

Have you considered taking an AIARE Level 1 avalanche class? These multi-day classes are a great starting point (often offering more instruction than just avalanche safety) and do two full days of touring in the backcountry. They're also a great place to connect with others brand new to the sport. There's several classes offered in our area this winter. You can find a full list at http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/safety/

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
Click to expand...
In addition, once you have the avalanche class under your belt you're more likely to find someone willing to mentor you as you progress as a backcountry skier or splitboarder. Practicing in a low consequence environment such as Mt Spokane's ski resort on a closed day, is also another way to work on your uphill skills with partners of any ability level.

Good luck!
 
VAQUERO

VAQUERO

Mike said:
Welcome to Panhandle Backcountry, Brent!

Have you considered taking an AIARE Level 1 avalanche class? These multi-day classes are a great starting point (often offering more instruction than just avalanche safety) and do two full days of touring in the backcountry. They're also a great place to connect with others brand new to the sport. There's several classes offered in our area this winter. You can find a full list at http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/safety/



In addition, once you have the avalanche class under your belt you're more likely to find someone willing to mentor you as you progress as a backcountry skier or splitboarder. Practicing in a low consequence environment such as Mt Spokane's ski resort on a closed day, is also another way to work on your uphill skills with partners of any ability level.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
 
VAQUERO

VAQUERO

Thank you, Mike.

Glad to be a new part of the clan. If it is anything like our spearfishing community, I look forward to meeting new friends & sharing some great adventure.

I would like to do AIARE class, but I am in Southern Ca and they are hard to come by. My time in Dover is limited, so I was hoping someone would be willing to take me on as a project. A lot to ask, but like I said, I'm a good student. Good risk assessment skills, listen & follow instruction well, easy to get along with, good physical condition.

If the AIARE is a prerequisite, then I will make sure to get that under my belt.

Thank you for the advice....


If there is anyone else that would be willing to help out I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you, Brent.
 
PowderPanda

PowderPanda

Staff member
Brent,
Jump into a avy awareness class by Panhandle Avalanche center (based right there in Sandpoint) would be an excellent start. There are a number of people that get out in that area, a good start is meeting some of the people who feet into Schweitzer backcountry. Also, use the link "Know Before You Go" on our Homepage. A lot of really good tutorials there.
As always, the tools that you must have to tour with anyone: Transceiver, Probe and Shovel.. these are bare minimums. Many of us have first aid training as well.. Because accidents do happen.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top