Photos: Michael Ackerman
With interest in the backcountry at an all time high, promoting snow safety and avalanche awareness is a top priority for Venture. We've partnered with Silverton Avalanche School the past two seasons on splitboard specific avalanche education courses that give participants the opportunity to sharpen their backcountry skills in a splitboard-friendly environment.
In operation since 1962, Silverton Avalanche School is dedicated to educating the public on how to play safe in avalanche terrain. Their instructors are steeped in real-world backcountry experience and include avalanche forecasters, snow scientists, ski patrol, heli guides, mountain rescue specialists and IFMGA mountain guides.
The Splitboard Avy 1 course includes the full AIARE Recreational Level 1 curriculum, which teaches the key elements of making sound decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain. As a bonus, it also includes instruction on splitboard technique, how to understand and use your gear, a happy hour at the Venture factory, and the opportunity to demo the latest greatest Venture splitboards.
Participants in this year's classes ranged from never-evers to experienced splitboarders, but all benefitted from the amazing outdoor classroom that is the San Juan Mountains, as well as a positive group experience led by splitboarders for splitboarders.
We will be teaming up with Silverton Avalanche School for more unique splitboard offerings in the future, so be on the lookout for next year's dates. In the meantime, check out some photos from this year's courses!
Students getting hot tips on how to set up and use their splitties.
Gotta get up to get down.
Fresh Venture demos.
Classroom time in the Kendall Mountain lodge.
The fine art of digging.
Clouds rolling in quick!
Woo hoo!