FAQ

QUESTION 1:

Avalanche Science and AIARE courses

"I am looking at Avalanche Science Guides' courses and I am curious if there is anything you do not teach compared to an AIARE Level 1 course offered by others. Just curious what the real difference is I guess."

ANSWER:

Avalanche Science Guides (ASG) is an avalanche education provider endorsed by the American Avalanche Association. Similarly AIARE is too. You see the list of providers endorsed by  the AAA at https://avalanche.org/avalanche-courses/#course-providers

 

 

The biggest difference between an ASG and AIARE course is the amount of time spend touring and skiing! ASG believes students learn best from being in the field for 3 full days. We do have short breaks where we stand in the field and talk about concepts but we also move and teach you how to avoid avalanches. We believe this approach, this immersive education, is key to beginning to understand how to manage risk in avalanche terrain.

 

QUESTION 2:

Required Avalanche Rescue Equipment for Avalanche Science REC Courses

 

"What rescue equipment is required for Avalanche Science Guides' courses?"

ANSWER:

Avalanche Science recommends that course participants get the best equipment available in the market, such as Mammut transceivers,  Black Diamond's Evac Shovels, and lightweight QuickDraw Probes from 300 cm to 320 cm.

Mammut are the only avalanche rescue transceiver brand that during the 2021-2022 period has not experienced a recall notice.

BD Evan shovels are sturdy, flat-bottom profile for excellent snow-pit craftsmanship, with extendable handle, and a hoe configuration for fast snow removal.

 

QUESTION 3:

Required Avalanche Rescue Equipment for Avalanche Science REC Courses

 

"What snow tools are required for Avalanche Science Guides' courses?"

ANSWER:

Avalanche Science recommends the following gear for snow-pit work:
1. Black Diamonds Snow Saw PRO.
2. Loupe Magnifier 30x -> Buy at Amazon
3. Exec Needle Digital Thermometer-> Buy at Thermoworks

 

Avalanche Science provides students with crystal cards.

 

QUESTION 4:

Meeting Place for Avalanche Science functions (Guiding and Courses)

"When and where do I meet with Avalanche Science Guides?"

ANSWER:

Unless otherwise indicated, Avalanche Science meet at 8:00 AM for Guided Tours, Skills Refreshers, Introductory Backcountry courses, and all ASG courses.

 

Most often we meet at Idaho City's Visitor Center. For some groups interested in breakfast, Avalanche Science arranges to meet at the Gold Mine Restaurant in Idaho City.

 

QUESTION 5:

Drive to Idaho City and Mores Creek Summit

"How long it takes to drive to Idaho City from Boise? How long it takes from Idaho City to Mores Creek Summit trailheads?"

ANSWER:

With dry conditions it takes up to 45 minutes from downtown Boise to Idaho City, and another 15 minutes to Mores Creek Summit at 6100 feet. When Idaho 21 is covered in snow it can takes up to 60 minutes from downtown Boise to Idaho City, and another 20 minutes to Mores Creek Summit at 6100 feet. 


QUESTION 6:

Parking at Mores Creek Summit Winter Trailheads

 
"Where can I park when ski touring at Mores Creek Summit?"

ANSWER:
There are multiple winter trailheads or access points to the USFS Public lands along Idaho 21 state road. It is legal to park at the "Pull-Outs" as long as the vehicle is beyond the road's white line. The pull-outs are considered winter trailheads to access Public Land.

The parking area at the top of Mores Creek Summit Pass at 6100 feet is a very popular with Motorized users. A fraction of the proceeds from the sleds license as well as funds from the Boise Snowmobile Club are used in the upkeep of the Mores Creek Summit parking area. Avalanche Science recommends to the non-motorized public to minimize the use of this parking area during days of high usage, such as holidays and some busy weekends. We encourage the non-motorized users to explore one of the alternate winter trailheads to the north or south of Mores Creek Summit.

Avalanche Science encourages users to park perpendicular to the road to maximize the available parking space.
The multiplicity of Winter Trailheads facilitate the access to many travel locations at Freeman, Sunset, and Pilot Peak areas. We suggest to review the Idaho 21 - Mores Creek Summit Parking and Trailhead Atlas produced by Avalanche Science.

QUESTION 7:

Lodging at Idaho City
 

"What are the lodging options at Idaho City?"

ANSWER:

There are AMAZING lodging options at Idaho City, from the frugal to the cozy. Check the loading options here: Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - Lodging Listing.

 

QUESTION 8:

Gas Station at Idaho City

 
"Can I get gas at Idaho City?"

ANSWER:

Across from Idaho City Visitor Center, there is a Sinclair Gas Station.

 

QUESTION 9:


Time when Avalanche Since excursions are over

"At what time do courses, guided trips, or tours organized by Avalanche Science end? At what time can I plan to be back at Boise?"

ANSWER:

All Avalanche Science functions plan to be arriving at the trailheads by 4:00 PM. Most Avalanche Science clients are driving back by 4:30 PM. Arrival back in Boise is likely after 6:30 PM.