AAI Ski Guide Training 2009 - A Photo Essay

AAI guides and staff, Richard Riquelme, Ben Traxler, Andy Bourne, Nick Webb, Justin Wood, and Forest McBrian, participated in a ski guides training course the second week of January. The group led by AMGA Ski Instructor Peter Leh found excellent weather conditions and challenging snow (note: there is no bad snow!) for the course located near the Mt. Baker ski resort. Guides were able to further develop their skills during the 2-day outing which included many useful ski-oriented workshops. Members practiced rescue drills, ski instruction, and terrain selection among many other topics within a peer critiqued course format.

This type of experience has been used within the profession to help facilitate a format in which guides can freely share ideas to come up with safe and creative ways to deal with a variety of situations one might encounter in the backcountry. All were thoroughly pleased with the outcome and made some great turns while they were at it! Thanks to Peter for such a great learning experience!

AAI Staff Nick Webb demonstrates a jump turn!

AMGA guide trainer Peter Leh explains ski anchors.

Mt. Shuksan shows her true colors at the end of the day.

Guide Justin Wood and Guide/victim Forest McBrian practice rescue sled construction

Guides contemplate hazard management in the Mt. Baker backcountry

Andy Bourne lays the tracks on the descent from the Herman saddle

Nick Webb demonstrates a kick turn on the way up Mt. Herman

-- Ben Traxler, AAI Guide