Last week we conducted our first SWAG Ski Guide Training for all of our Backcountry Ski Guides here in the San Juans. We will conduct an additional training in the month of March, prior to the start of our spring skiing season.
Guide training and certification is something we take quite seriously at Southwest Adventure Guides, and it was inspiring to see everyone so invested in the scheduled training days. Topics covered included improvised sled rescue, companion rescue protocols, expectations for guides with respect to trip planning and leadership, track setting and route finding, as well as instructional techniques for powder snow and variable conditions skiing.
All in all it was a great couple of days, with just a little bit of fun mixed in. Hey, it doesn’t always have to be work to be work! The avalanche conditions in the backcountry have been steadily improving over the past week, and thought it’s been some time now since the last storm cycle, there is plenty of good powder (aka. cold smoke) to be had. Come and join us this winter on one of our Backcountry Skiing Courses or Trips and find out why the San Juans have the best backcountry skiing in Colorado!
ND
The SWAG ski guide team near Red Mountain Pass.
SWAG guide Gary Falk looking good in his RAB gear!