FAQ

QUESTION 1:

Avalanche Science and AIARE courses

"I am looking at Avalanche Science Guides' courses, and I am curious if there is anything you do not teach compared to an AIARE Level 1 course offered by other AAA providers. Just curious what the real difference is, I guess."

ANSWER:

The biggest difference between an ASG and AAA or AIARE course is the amount of time spent in classroom, touring and skiing! ASG believes students are served best from having a progressive trainning progression, from ASG1 through ASG4.

There are other impactful differences;

Avalanche Sciences are based on the Situational Awareness framework used by commercial airline industry. The situational Awareness framework requires understading of snow and avalanche science, otherwise it is not possible to understand the environment and its dynamic behaviour. In other words, Avalanche Science courses we prioritize learning about the SCIENCE of snow and avalanches!

Avalanche Science believes in testing and meeting performance metrics to drive competence in skills and understanding. This is the reason ASG is  certifies course participants.

Avalanche Science courses exceed the content required by the AAA and AIARE courses guidelines. We belive some of the guidelines are unethical due to the nature of they low level of expectation.

QUESTION 2:

Required Avalanche Rescue Equipment for Avalanche Science Courses

"What rescue equipment is required for Avalanche Science Guides' courses?"

ANSWER:

Avalanche Science strongly suggests that course participants use the best equipment available on the market, such as Mammut or PIEPS transceivers, Black Diamond Evac Shovels, and carbon fiber probes ranging from 300 cm to 320 cm.

BD Evac shovels are sturdy, flat-bottomed for excellent snow-pit craftsmanship, with an extendable handle, and a hoe configuration for fast snow removal.

We recommend backpacks designed for ski touring with a separate rescue pocket and a minimum volume of 32 liters (ideally 40 liters or more!).

 

QUESTION 3:

Recommended snow tools for Avalanche Science Courses:

"What snow tools are required for Avalanche Science Guides' courses?"

ANSWER:

Avalanche Science recommends the following gear for snow-pit work:
1. Black Diamonds Snow Saw PRO.
2. Clinometer App or mechanical sight-through clinometer -> buy at Amazon
3. Exec Needle Digital Thermometer-> Buy at Thermoworks
4. Portable 30x Magnifier -> Buy at Amazon

Avalanche Science provides students with crystal cards.

QUESTION 4:

Drive to Idaho City and Mores Creek Summit

"How long does it take to drive to Idaho City from Boise? How long does it take from Idaho City to Mores Creek Summit trailheads?"

ANSWER:

With dry conditions it takes up to 45 minutes from downtown Boise to Idaho City, and another 15 minutes to Mores Creek Summit at 6100 feet.

When Idaho 21 is covered in snow, it can take up to 60 minutes from downtown Boise to Idaho City, and another 20 minutes to Mores Creek Summit at 6100 feet. 

QUESTION 5:

Parking at Mores Creek Summit Winter Trailheads

 
"Where can I park when ski touring at Mores Creek Summit?"

ANSWER:

There are multiple winter trailheads or access points to USFS Public lands along Idaho State Route 21. It is legal to park at the "Pull-Outs" as long as the vehicle is beyond the road's white line. The pull-outs are considered winter trailheads to access the public land.

The parking area at the top of Mores Creek Summit Pass at 6100 feet is a very popular with Motorized users. A fraction of the proceeds from the sled's license, as well as funds from the Boise Snowmobile Club, are used in the upkeep of the Mores Creek Summit parking area. Avalanche Science recommends that the non-motorized public minimize use of this parking area on days of high use, such as holidays and some busy weekends. We encourage the non-motorized users to explore one of the alternate winter trailheads to the north or south of Mores Creek Summit.

Avalanche Science encourages users to park perpendicular to the road to maximize the available parking space.

The multiplicity of Winter Trailheads facilitate the access to many travel locations at Freeman, Sunset, and Pilot Peak areas. We suggest reviewing the Idaho 21 - Mores Creek Summit Parking and Trailhead Atlas produced by Avalanche Science.

QUESTION 6:

Lodging in Idaho City

"What are the lodging options at Idaho City?"

ANSWER:

There are AMAZING lodging options in Idaho City, from frugal to cozy. Check the loading options here: Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - Lodging Listing.

QUESTION 7:

Gas Station in Idaho City

 
"Can I get gas at Idaho City?"

ANSWER:

Across from the Idaho City Visitor Center, there is a Sinclair Gas Station.

 

QUESTION 8:


Time when Avalanche Since excursions are over

"At what time do courses, guided trips, or tours organized by Avalanche Science end? At what time can I plan to be back at Boise?"

ANSWER:

For Avalanche Science excursions, plan to arrive at the trailheads by 9:00 AM.
Most Avalanche Science clients are back at the trailhead by 4 PM, and driving back by 4:30 PM. Arrival back in Boise is likely after 6:30 PM.