Because it’s never too soon to start thinking about avalanches in the Colorado backcountry, REI Boulder is hosting its first free avalanche awareness clinic of the season Thursday night. Colorado consistently leads the nation in annual avalanche fatalities, making this 45-minute clinic conducted by Colorado Mountain School guides a good idea for anyone who intends to spend time in the high country with snow on the ground. Trained instructors from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) will use slides and video clips to provide an introduction into types of avalanches, avalanche terrain, snowpack analysis, weather considerations, decision-making, trip planning and preparation and safe travel techniques. No registration is necessary.
Get there: REI Boulder Community Room, 1789 28th St., Boulder. 303-583-9970.
