Well, to be honest: I didn’t and probably never will be. If there is one thing I learned over the course of the experiences I’m about to describe, it’s that avalanches cannot be ninja-ed; no amount of skillful sword-wielding is going to get you out of that terrible force of nature.
What could potentially save you is training in avalanche prevention and emergency response. This is precisely what I did this past month, an educational experience that felt long overdue given my years in the field. The lovely people at Black Diamond Tours in Niseko certainly made sure to cram in a maximum amount of information in our two day Avalanche Safety Training I (AST) course.
The AST I is designed for recreational back-country enthusiasts as a means to travel safer in avalanche prone terrain. Day one focuses on the basics of terminology, trip planning and beacon use while day two is a field excursion. Though I soaked in a ton of information on day one, our field excursion was definitely the highlight of the experience.
Lunches and gear packed, we drove up the scenic route to our training grounds: Iwaonupuri, in the backcountry of Niseko. The trip had been planned as though we were heading on a venture into avalanche terrain, though in fact we steered clear of any such danger; topography, weather and recent snow fall were taken into consideration by the group before deciding on a location. With skiers on touring gear and snowboarders on snow shoes, we climbed up a short way to perform a snow pack analysis.
Our expert guides took us through a number of snow pack tests to identify any weak layers in the snow. Having just had an avalanche incident near where we were the week previous, we found what was expected: a rather weak layer that in the wrong conditions could very well give way. Needless to say, it was a dose of reality, one that makes you think twice about venturing into the back-country.
Despite the serious nature of the course, our trainers succeeded in making the experience a fun one. A real avalanche is no laughing matter, but a simulation involving a victim and his “three girlfriends” can make for some pretty hilarious results. We tried our best to save his favorite.
I may not have achieved avalanche ninja status, but I certainly learned to harbor a healthy fear of the dangers of back-country skiing. Up next, the flip side: taking on an avalanche control area. Watch this space!
Want to better understand this formidable force of nature? Check out this article about the avalanche danger at Tunnel Creek from the New York Times; a truly gripping read for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Winter is coming,