http://www.avalanche.org

http://www.mountainweather.com

http://www.americanavalancheassociation.org

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov

http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa

http://www.telemarktips.com

http://www.nols.edu/store

National Outdoor Leadership School - Index

National Outdoor Leadership School - brochure - Index

Photo of Chris Davenport: Neal Beidleman • Photo of Kit Deslauriers: Heather Erson
FIELD NOTES
Backcountry Winter Safety Tips
With winter upon us, it’s good to know the safety basics before heading out. Whether it is what to pack, how to use
your gear, or where to go or not to go, knowing how to be safe in the backcountry can mean the difference between
a great story or a truly bad day. We asked the pros, Chris Davenport, Kit Deslauriers and Barry Leff (all NOLS grads
featured is this issue!), for their best backcountry safety advice for this cold and snowy season. So read on and refresh
your memory on what you already know or pick up some new advice. Either way, it’s a great place to start!
Tips from Chris Davenport,
professional ski mountaineer;
skied all 54 of Colorado’s
Fourteeners last season
• Familiarize yourself with weather and avalanche
websites in order to be aware of current conditions
and how they may change during a trip.
• Learn about the characteristics of the specific mountain
areas you’re going to be in—such as aspect,
weather patterns and slope angles—in order to
avoid unsafe conditions.
• Aspiring ski mountaineers should start with easier peaks
to hone their skills and practice proper techniques.
• Know how to use, adjust and repair the equipment
you plan to bring into the field.
Tips from Kit Deslauriers,
professional ski mountaineer;
first woman to ski all of the
Seven Summits
• Start small, stay humble and keep working your
way up.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Surround yourself with, and pay attention to, those
people more experienced than yourself.
• Take avalanche courses and then practice, practice,
practice.
• Always bring a headlamp.
Tips from Barry Leff,
six-year volunteer with
Vail Mountain Rescue
• Know the basics. Carry a shovel, avalanche beacon
and probe when you go into the backcountry. And
don’t just carry your safety gear—train with it and
know how to use it.
• Always tell a friend where you’re going before you
head out.
• The new GPS locators are nice and they can usually
tell you where you are, but the batteries could run
out. There’s no substitute for a good map and compass.
Carrying and knowing how to use them are
essential to backcountry travel.
• Snowmobiling? Go with a friend and always carry
snowshoes or skis just in case your snowmobile
breaks down.
• Beware of avalanche dangers and check weather
conditions before you head out.
• Wool socks and long underwear are great base layers
that can keep you dry and warm.
• Always carry a whistle and wear bright colors to signal
others for help.
• Bring your cell phone and leave it charged up and
turned off so it’s ready when you need it.
Know before you go! The following websites are tried and true sources for winter weather
and general backcountry travel information:
Avalanche:
www.avalanche.org
www.americanavalancheassociation.org
Skiing:
www.telemarktips.com
Weather:
www.mountainweather.com
www.wrh.noaa.gov
www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa
Brad Christensen
FALL 2007
NOLS ON TV
15
On August 16 and 17, the Travel Channel aired a
multi-hour program called Backcountry Bootcamp,
recounting in dramatic “reality TV” fashion a NOLS
Wind River Mountain expedition. Originally shot in
the summer of 2004, the show followed a 35-day
NOLS wilderness course from its start in Lander
through the challenges of backcountry travel and
group dynamics.
The show featured great outdoor footage and
plenty of personal vignettes of the 12 students adjusting
to group expectations, new adventures and
tough physical activities. The production came together
through a partnership of alumni filmmakers,
generous philanthropic support, and Herculean effort
by NOLS Rocky Mountain.
Visually, Backcountry Bootcamp was often
stunning. Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains make
an indelible mark on the viewer and the photographers
captured excellent, innovative footage of students
in action crossing rivers, top-roping, and
hiking. The overall tone and format reflected the popular
reality TV format, with breathy, voice-over narration
and selective editing trying for maximum
dramatic effect about even the most prosaic parts of
a NOLS field experience.
Staff and alumni who viewed the video quickly
recognized that the show’s outcome was very different
from the true tone and educational nature of a
NOLS expedition. Even the show’s name, Backcountry
Bootcamp, isn’t quite in sync with the messaging
the school would have highlighted had it been solely
a NOLS production.
Hats off to featured instructors Wendy Davis, Albert
Mitugo and Steve Whitney. Their patient competence
came through on what was surely a challenging
course. Ultimately, Backcountry Bootcamp’s dramatically
oft-repeated subtitle rings true: It was surely
“an adventure of a lifetime” for everyone involved.
Bring the
Holiday Cheer
With New
NOLS Gear!
Check out the online store
and find the perfect gift for the
NOLS grad or soon-to-be-student
in your family. From gear to books
to cool NOLS merchandise,
shopping on the online store is fast,
easy and sure to make you the
favorite gift-giver this year!
Go to www.nols.edu/store
and start shopping!