High Sierra Register Now! _________________ Supporting Documents Equipment List Current Schedule High Sierras Travel Information Reading List       "I had a great experience   on our Backcountry Skiing   trip with Eli and Adam. They   were both extremely safety   conscious for the entire time.   Spectacular scenery, great   guides, friendly support staff,   good snow, fine weather, all   combined for a very   memorable experience. You   guys ROCK (and ICE)!"   Best Regards,Tim D. More Student Comments     -East face of Mt. Whitney High Sierras Ski & Snowboard Mountaineering; Leadership & Guide Training Course   (12 & 24 days)           The High Sierras   of California offer some of the highest quality backcountry skiing and boarding in the country. Known as the "Range of Light", the Sierras are famous for their sun filled winter days, deep snow pack, and steep couloirs.          Imagine skiing effortless powder under blue skies, climbing an exposed granite ridge, or digging a snow pit to assess the avalanche danger in the dramatic peaks of the High Sierras. The variety of terrain, substantial snow coverage, and plentiful sunshine make this course ideal for people looking to develop their backcountry skills.           This comprehensive ski and snowboard mountaineering course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and confident outdoor leaders in a winter mountain environment.     Course Location Taught in the High Sierras of California, this course starts on the dry slopes of the east side. The dramatic relief of the Sierras with its towering granite spires, steep snow filled couloirs, and ample sunshine is an inspiration to skiers around the world. With basecamps in high alpine valleys, we値l be in position to climb and ski numerous peaks above 13,000 feet.     Winter storms hit the Sierras with force; single storms often produce more than 5 feet of snow. Warmth and sunshine generally follow the substantial snowfall, solidifying the snowpack and making for perfect winter skiing and riding conditions. With a lifetime痴 supply of skiing objectives, a stable snowpack, and bluebird skies, it is no wonder that the Sierras are considered THE spring backcountry skiing and boarding destination in the lower 48.     The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are well trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skill and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.     The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world class.     The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on.     Leadership: Opportunities to lead the group will be abundant and you'll have the time to learn and practice multiple styles of leadership.     Navigation: Learn how to take a bearing, read a topographical map, triangulate your position, and navigate in a whiteout.     Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always the #1 consideration. As the course progresses, you'll develop an awareness to appropriately asses risk and make safe decisions.     Environmental Ethics:As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace ® principles. ____________________________________________________________________ photo: Ben Williams     IWLS Ski & Snowboard Curriculum is developed for riders at or above the advanced intermediate level. Here are some points that will be covered during your course     Site Selection: Learn how to choose the appropriate terrain and identify hazards to facilitate a safe, fun time in the mountains     Snow Conditions: Whether skiing deep powder, spring corn, or breakable crust, learn how to identify variable conditions and employ different techniques to enjoy them safely.     Glacier Travel on Skis: When to rope up? How to read crevasse danger? How to ski safely on a rope team? All of these questions will be answered as we travel, ski, and board across icefields.     Routefinding: Both descents and ascents demand good routefinding skills. You値l develop your hazard assessment and navigation skills to be able to find the safest, most efficient route. ____________________________________________________________________ Photo: Austin Peters     IWLS Mountaineering Curriculum is built from countless expeditions in Alaska and around the world. You値l learn how to be a competent and proficient mountaineer in a variety of different environments. Below are some topics we値l cover.     Belaying: Should we use a fixed belay or a running belay? Our team will learn and practice the finer points of different belay techniques such as the hip belay, running belay, boot axe belay, fixed belay, and more!     Ascending: Fixed lines are an important tool for large groups and guiding applications. We値l learn how to efficiently use, build and maintain them.     Rope Teams: Rope team travel is a complicated endeavor that requires skill, technique and teamwork. We値l cover everything from prussic arrangement to team management.     Objective Hazards: Rock fall, river crossings, and avalanches are examples of objective hazards. Learn how to identify such hazards and minimize group exposure. ____________________________________________________________________ Photo: Eli Fierer     IWLS Avalanche Curriculum is a nationally recognized progression of material that prepares students to be safe backcountry travelers.     Avalanche Characteristics: We値l examine loose snow, wet snow, soft slab, and hard slab avalanches along with some potential triggers. You値l learn the definition of terms such as stauchwall, alpha angle, and bed surface.     Snow Stability Evaluation: Is this snow capable of avalanching? Learn tests such as compression test and rutschblock test that will help you evaluate layers within the snowpack. Develop your documentation skills for accurate recording and analysis of information.     Safe Winter Travel: As a group, we will travel safely through avalanche terrain. Considerations will include cornices, equipment selection, route finding, campsite selection, and effective communication.     Avalanche Rescue: Someone buried in an avalanche has an 87% chance of survival if found within the first fifteen minutes. We値l practice using probes, beacons, and effective search patterns in order to quickly and efficiently find a buried person.    Experience Level: Students need to be advanced intermediate skiers or boarders to participate on this course.    Certifications upon completion of the 24-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:        Certified Outdoor Leader             Wilderness Education Association        Level 1 Avalanche Certification*             International Wilderness Leadership School        24 Day Guide Training Certificate of Completion             International Wilderness Leadership School                       *Dependent on weather and season University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses. Consider combining three 24-day courses for an IWLS semester!