Snowbird, UT – Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort and the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) are once again partnering to offer the second annual Freeride Avalanche Summit, Dec. 16-17. The two-day clinic is targeted towards advanced and expert skiers and riders who want practical and professional instruction on avalanche awareness, safety and rescue.nThe Freeride Avalanche Summit will include a unique blend of instruction that combines the expertise of industry leading avalanche forecasters with the experience and influence of local, professional athletes. Expected participants include: Members of the UAC; Snowbird Ski Patrol; Gordy Pfeiffer, professional skier; Jenn Berg, professional skier; Ben Wheeler, professional skier; Chris Coulter, professional snowboarder; Wasatch Powderbird Guides; and more to be announced.
“Last year’s Avalanche Summit proved that there’s a tremendous demand for affordable, high-end backcountry training for advanced local skiers and riders,” said UAC Forecaster and Freeride Avalanche Summit founder Craig Gordon. “We’re excited to once again bring together leading forecasters with some of the best winter athletes in Utah for what is sure to be a premier event.”
The Freeride Avalanche Summit offers more than 20 hours of classroom and on-mountain instruction during the two day session. Topics include snowpack analysis, terrain assessment, first aid techniques, emergency notification procedures and more along with ski patrol briefings and real life line selection sessions with professional athletes. A tentative schedule can be found at www.snowbird.com/freerideavalanchesummit.html.
The Summit costs $150 and is limited to 40 participants. Advanced and expert skiers and riders can register by visiting the Snowbird Activity Center or calling (801) 933-2147 Thursdays-Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Interested parties can leave a message with contact information during non-business hours.
Since 1980, the Utah Avalanche has been providing the public with avalanche and mountain weather forecasts and training to backcountry users of all kinds in an effort to help them understand avalanche conditions, avoid avalanches and perform avalanche rescues.