Backcountry Navigation 1
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- Basic Route Planning
- Map Scales
- Grid System and Grid References
- Map Symbols
- Contour Lines and basic interpretation
- Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
- Walking on general compass bearings
- Identifying large features on a map and then finding them in the surrounding area
- Hand Railing large features
- Macro or large area navigation techniques
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
Here's the schedule for your course:
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
There are no prerequisites for this program!
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Guide Gratuities
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
Know Before you go
Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.
Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.
Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.
Here's the schedule for your course:
Field Day 1
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- Basic Route Planning
- Map Scales
- Grid System and Grid References
- Map Symbols
- Contour Lines and basic interpretation
- Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
- Walking on general compass bearings
- Identifying large features on a map and then finding them in the surrounding area
- Hand Railing large features
- Macro or large area navigation techniques
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
Here's the schedule for your course:
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
There are no prerequisites for this program!
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Guide Gratuities
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
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epic reviews from adventurers
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Awesome Experience
“Taking this course with Zeb was the best decision! He was extremely friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable and answered all our questions with great patience.
An Exceptional Course
“I took an AIARE 1 with Blackbird and couldn't recommend it more. The knowledge gained was well-worth every penny, and then some."
Too Good For Words
Just took the "lift-assisted" Avalanche Rescue course, and it was a fantastic opportunity to act out more realistic rescue scenarios. It was a great refresher and learning experience. Our instructor Evan was knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Highly recommended!
An Incredible Weekend!
Completed AIARE 1 w/ Blackbird. Instructors were very knowledgeable, experienced, patient, attentive, and down-to-earth in relating to clients across a wide spectrum of ability. Highly recommended. Great group of people!
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