PowderPanda
Staff member
So True IdahoSnow!! And if you wanted to just drive a bit further... huge amount of classes offered!
Now to get a Pro II qualifier course here.
North Idaho Avalanche Course List 2022
- Thread starter idsnowghost
- Start date
Now to get a Pro II qualifier course here.
idsnowghost
Staff member
Apparently American Avalanche Assoc isn’t recognizing AIARE’s Pro or Bridge courses this winter. Keep that in mind if you’re interested in AAA’s Pro certifications.
idsnowghost
Staff member
Added three AAA Level 1 courses from Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.. they will be offering classes directly this season. Course fee is essentially a donation to the avy center!
Here is the flyer for the three courses being put on by IPAC.
idsnowghost
Staff member
Course list updated for Winter 2018/19 with everything known to be available in our area as of today. Please let me know if there's any left off.
if anyone is still wondering about this, I would strongly recommend taking a class through SOLE or the Avalanche center because the money you spend will go to supporting one of these great nonprofits. I know the instructors who teach both of those classes and they are great people. The avalanche center has some people that are legends in the industry and extremely knowledgeable about all things snow related. Stay safe out there![/quote]
Just wondering if anyone on the forum knows if the IPAC courses are still scheduled to occur with the government shutdown in full swing? I'm signed up for the course out of Troy, MT this weekend (1/11/19 - 1/13/19) but haven't heard or seen any info other than what's on the website. I haven't been able to get a hold of anyone at the ranger office either (due to the shutdown I presume).
idsnowghost
Staff member
Courses are still on as far as I know. They are put on by the Friends of IPAC which is a non-governmental non-profit.
I emailed to confirm but you could try the IPAC Office number: http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/contact-us
Thanks a bunch!
Just an FYI for others who might be in the same situation - I don't think the phone number for the IPAC office they have listed on the contact page is correct. When I left a message I got a phone call back from a random dude who gave me an ear full about all the people who have been filling his voicemail with messages about avalanche classes. He was kind of bewildered as to why it was happening.
The class in Libby has been canceled, Jeff sent out an email today that you should have received. If you haven't, DM me and I'll get you in contact with him. Sorry for the late change but unfortunately we didn't have enough people signed up. We will still be holding the Sandpoint and the Spokane/Lookout classes, shutdown or not. The Sandpoint class is full, but if you can make the REI/Lookout one, Jeff can switch you over.
And thanks for the heads up about the phone number. Which page was it on? I'll see what we can do to get it changed.
Bummer about the Libby class. I was looking forward to exploring out that way. I'll get in touch with Jeff and see what options there are for a class switch.
The number was on the "contact us" page (http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/contact-us). It was the one for the ipac office.
The number was on the "contact us" page (http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/contact-us). It was the one for the ipac office.
Just signed up for Level 1 Feb 7-10! Anyone else taking this course?
I just took my third course, another level 1, took my first in 2008 through Shep Snow. This last one I took up at Whitewater in Nelson, British Columbia. Figured I could use a refresher before I take the level 2 in February.
I highly recommend going up to Nelson and taking the level 1 with Summit Mountain guides. They were phenomenal. You are learning from very experienced Mountain guides, who share lots of knowledge, and really take the time to help you learn and understand the info they are providing.
Day one: Classroom, and a little outdoors work. About 8 hours.
Day two: Head up to Whitewater and skin out into Hummingbird pass where you get to see what you are up against, do some Beacon and rescue work. And learn about backcountry travel. Finished by about 3:30-4:00pm.
http://summitmountainguides.com/courses/C26/
The price is very good, and the people and area are out of this world. If you have never been to Whitewater/Nelson... you really need to check it out.
Nelson is not a far drive at all, getting there from Spokane is a breeze. Lot's of Air BnB's and a Hostel as well.
I highly recommend going up to Nelson and taking the level 1 with Summit Mountain guides. They were phenomenal. You are learning from very experienced Mountain guides, who share lots of knowledge, and really take the time to help you learn and understand the info they are providing.
Day one: Classroom, and a little outdoors work. About 8 hours.
Day two: Head up to Whitewater and skin out into Hummingbird pass where you get to see what you are up against, do some Beacon and rescue work. And learn about backcountry travel. Finished by about 3:30-4:00pm.
http://summitmountainguides.com/courses/C26/
The price is very good, and the people and area are out of this world. If you have never been to Whitewater/Nelson... you really need to check it out.
Nelson is not a far drive at all, getting there from Spokane is a breeze. Lot's of Air BnB's and a Hostel as well.
PowderPanda
Staff member
Thanks for the review @JasonB
idsnowghost
Staff member
Updated today. Send me a message if you know of any courses that are missing! 
If there are any ladies out there looking to take a women's specific class this winter, join me in March. Gentlemen, if you want to get that special lady an awesome Christmas present, the details can be found on our website's education tab. https://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/education
Nice, I'll be at that class as well!
idsnowghost
Staff member
Updated with this year's courses. Left the AST courses off -- since for the foreseeable future the Northern border seems closed.
Calendar also updated for easier browsing: https://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/calendar/
Calendar also updated for easier browsing: https://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/calendar/
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Thank you so much for putting this together.
I'll be registering shortly.
I'll be registering shortly.