Headline News
Squaw Puts on Free Avalanche Awareness Clinic, Highlights Backcountry Safety
As part of National Safety Awareness Week, Jan. 13–19, 2007, Squaw Valley USA has scheduled events that include the annual "‘Steep & Deep" avalanche awareness clinic, daily introductions to the Recco avalanche rescue system, photo sessions with the Squaw avalanche rescue dogs, and the chance to meet and talk about safety with members of Squaw Valley Ski Patrol.
Public service announcements related to slope safety will air on the Resort Sports Network, as well as daily postings of the "Skier's Responsibility Code" will be placed on the resort’s website and snow report to heighten awareness.
Squaw Valley Ski Patrol hosts the annual "Steep & Deep" Avalanche Awareness Clinic at the Plaza Bar on Friday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. This free avalanche awareness clinic for all ages includes multi-media presentations by the lead forecaster for the Sierra Avalanche Center, Brandon Schwartz, as well as other avalanche experts, weather forecasters and terrain analysts.
“Steep & Deep is not just for the hard core. It’s for anyone who spends time on the snow,” says Lel Tone, 12-year veteran of Squaw Valley Ski Patrol. “You’ll walk away from this avalanche awareness clinic with a heightened sense of awareness and knowledge that could save your life.”
Ongoing safety programs in place at Squaw Valley USA include safety education talks with local area schools, weekly avalanche beacon classes hosted by the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol, Responsibility Code postings throughout the resort, an active and constantly training avalanche rescue dog program, periodic helmet demo days and an active and always visible presence of patrollers on the mountain whose primary goal is to help educate and assist guests in order to ensure everyone has a safe mountain experience.
For more information on Squaw Valley's National Safety Week events and the "Steep & Deep" avalanche clinic, call (530) 583-6985. You can also visit the resort's website, www.squaw.com, and the Squaw Valley Avalanche Dogs site, squawdogs.com.