FEATURED HIGHLIGHT
When: December 16th from 1:00 – 4:30p
Where: Broken Compass Brewing OG
68 Continental Ct Unit B-12, Breckenridge, CO 80424
What: The average burial depth of an avalanche victim is around 1.3 meters, which equates to about 1-1.5 tons of snow that must be moved in order to extricate someone from the avalanche debris. That’s just on average, in reality, someone could be buried much deeper. How long can someone survive under the snow? On average, if you get someone out in the first 15 minutes, they have a 92% chance of survival (as long as they are not dealing with any major trauma). After that… the numbers are bleak. Survival rates drop to 37% after 35 minutes. Thus, YOU AND YOUR BACKCOUNTRY CRONIES SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY DIALED AT STRATEGIC SHOVELING FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE.
This early season event brought to you by Moto Mountain School and hosted at Broken Compass Brewing is an opportunity to practice your rescue digging, in a zero-consequence setting, with some of the most talented backcountry professionals in the area. Come practice your strategic digging with other local guide services, SAR groups, ski patrols, snowmobile clubs, Forest Service & BLM Snow Rangers, ski/board shops, and other backcountry enthusiasts.
Format:
The event will start with a free 30-minute lesson in strategic digging. Then teams of 3 rescuers will dig hard and fast to bring a mock burial victim that is 1.3 meters down in hard avalanche debris (provided by heavy snow removal equipment) to the surface. In the scenario, the victim will have already been located with a beacon and a positive probe strike, thus an avalanche transceiver is not needed for this event, but a kick-ass shovel and your “beast mode shoveling capabilities” are.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place provided by co-hosts Mammut & Weston and Moto Mountain School.
DIG HARD, DIG FAST, WIN
Other Fun Events…
CBAC Avalanche Awareness Night
When: December 01, 2023 Doors Open @ 5:00p
Where: The Crested Butte Center for the Arts in Crested Butte, CO
What: A fundraiser for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center with forecaster presentations, a raffle with TONS of prizes, CBAC swag, 20% off Moto Mountain School courses, and Season STOKE!
CAIC Benefit Bash
When: December 02, 2023 Doors Open @ 5:00p
Where: The Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, CO.
What: A fundraiser for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center with backcountry users gathering from around the state gather to celebrate the beginning of winter and raise money for avalanche forecasting and education that we all depend on. Live music.
Spring Fling!
When: First Weekend of May
Where: Rabbit Ears Pass, CO
What: The largest gathering of snowmobilers above 9000 feet will happen again. This annual charity event is free to attend and has live music, free food, free beer and all the good times you can stand. Capped off with a charity raffle with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Colorado Snowmobile Association and avalanche education.
Past Events
Sno Barons Hay Days
When: September 7 & 8, 2023
Where: North Branch, MN
What: The largest snowmobile event in the world and a premier powersports show held in a massive field near North Branch, Minnesota. Hay Days attracts snowmobilers from across the North American Snowbelt to see the sights, eat state-fair-like food, catch some racing, do some shopping and generally get ready for the winter that is ahead.
Rocky Mountain Powersports Expo
When: October 6-7, 2023
Where: National Western Complex, Denver CO
What: The Rocky Mountain Powersports Expo brings the world of adrenaline-fueled power straight to you. Experience the latest technology in snowmobiles, snowbikes, UTVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and powersports products—all from a wide range of vendors and industry experts. Adventure seekers unite over two days of immersive exhibits, informative seminars and great deals.
International Snow Science Workshop
When: October 8-13, 2023
Where: Bend, Or
What: A Merging of Theory & Practice. The world’s largest conference on snow and avalanches with over 1,000 snow geeks from all over the world. The thematic focus lies on current advances in snow and avalanche science, case studies and innovative technologies on an international level. Unlike any other symposium, the ISSW promotes an international and interdisciplinary exchange between experts in the snow community.
Colorado Snow & Avalanche Workshop
When: October 27, 2023
Where: Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge, CO
What: CSAW is a professional-level education event with content aimed at avalanche industry workers and advanced recreationalists. It is an annual program of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), Friends of CAIC and the National Avalanche Center.