“Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Telemark Tips”

From the same authors who brought you the hilarious “Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book”, Telemark Tips blends whacko illustrations with sound telemark wisdom. You’ll enjoy over 100 clear, concise, and helpful hints on technique. Whether new to the sport or an old hand, there’s something here for everyone.

From Globe Pequot Press, 112 pages, paperback.

Avalanche First Response Training Program

At this past weekend’s meeting of Avalanche–MTR–Nordic instructors in Clifton Park (NY), we heard about the Canadian Avalanche Association’s online course in avalanche safety. The Avalanche First Response Training Program was developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association in cooperation with several organizations and under the sponsorship of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat Canada.

The online training consists of 7 modules, each with specific learning objectives. While the emphasis is on response during and after avalanche, the course also covers route-finding, snow stability, and trip preparation. While valuable in supplementing and preparing for an avalanche safety course or field exercises, it is not a substitute. Try the Pre-Course Exercises of ten questions and score your avalanche awareness.

The extensive graphics on this web site are best viewed with a high-speed, broadband connection.

“Wilderness Survival Guide”

Author Monty Alford is a veteran of 35 years of expeditions and first ascents in the Yukon, Alaska, and other cold regions. In “Wilderness Survival Guide” he summarizes much of his experience and knowledge. Chapters cover travel on rivers, ice, snow, and glaciers and kits, signalling, and shelters for cold weather survival. Alford provides helpful tables and plans and instructions for tools, including a gear sled.

Published by Alaska Northwest Publishing Company, Edmonds, Washington, 1987, 104 pages, paperback. It’s out of print, but copies may be had on the internet and in libraries.

Improvised Rescue Toboggans

Improvising an emergency toboggan in the field is a standard part of the Nordic program. The Faher Flyer is tried and true, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Couloir Magazine presents the whys and hows of three field expedients here.

Connecticut Nordic News published Chuck Boyd’s modifed Flyer in this nicely illustrated article. A similar field expedient sled has been described by New Jersey patrollers.