i took the one at baker. 3 days 9:00-4:00, $150. i learned a lot of new stuff about snow science, how to chech avalanche safety in a pit, and warnign signs.. Each day had the morning in the classroom and afternoons in the field. I think it was a good class. on the last day we got to run through 3 separate avalanche situations in a group, which really helped me. i would reccomend you to do it. its definetly worth the money. i havent dug any snow pits or used snow science yet, but propbably the number 1 thing i pulled away from the course is how to evaluate a backcountry run to see if it will slide - asking questions like are there other avalanches nearby? whats the nwac forecast? is it warming up? is it in the sun? whats the steepness? are there safety zones/are they easily accesible? how well do i know the line? wind loading? etc. i have probably taken about 6 serious backcountry runs (hiking) so far this year and i havent felt bad about a situation yet. i would say is knowing when to ski what line in what conditions with which people will keep you alive. the course is desinged to equal the american avalance association level 1 training.
