Winter Training
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it..."
Isaiah 55:10-11
Course Description
God ordained the seasons, and He creates stunning winter landscapes in the Rocky Mountains. It is a special time in a beautiful place that few people are able to experience. Imagine peaks and evergreen forests draped with thick pillows of snow backed by a deep blue sky. Winter also provides unique challenges, and opportunities for learning, transformation, and encounters with the Divine.
This course is designed for people seeking to learn the skills needed to travel and live safely in mountain environments during the winter. Whether you simply want to learn to winter camp or safely recreate in the backcountry, or your future goals include high altitude peaks or winter mountaineering, this course is your prerequisite. After a half-day classroom session and orientation, the remainder of this course is held high in the mountains.
Learn about snow shelters, such as snow caves and quinzhees. Have fun as you design and construct a snow shelter using a snow shovel and snow saw. Then sleep in the snow shelter you made. Learn winter route finding and safe travel techniques. Receive comprehensive avalanche training, including terrain factors, effects of weather, and techniques for evaluating the stability of snowpack in the backcountry. Practice with avalanche beacons in mock rescue scenarios. Experience group dynamics and discern the importance of biblical leadership. Gain experience pulling an expedition sled and implementing Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Learn how to recognize and treat cold injuries, tips for food planning and cooking, how your body loses heat and tips for keeping warm, and much more.
Like all SROM courses, you will also experience devotionals and prayer time as you draw near to God within a Christian community.
No previous winter experience is required. SROM provides all needed gear, including snowshoes. Your SROM instructor team will include a Professional Member of the American Avalanche Association (AAA) and an LNT Master Educator. Each participant will receive Level 1 avalanche training as defined by the AAA, and also be recognized as an LNT Trainer by the Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Course Details
- Age: 18+
- Dates: Mar 14 - Mar 19
- Fly in/out: Mar 13/20
- Fly in/out location: Laramie, WY
- Tution: $600
- Includes: personal and group equipment
Skills Taught
- Winter camping
- Winter LNT ethics
- Winter backcountry travel techniques
- Snow shelter construction
- Avalanche 1 certification
- Avalanche beacon use
- Back Country Cooking
- Characteristics of a Godly Leader and Team Member
- Personal Spiritual Growth through Challenge
