Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue, Inc. Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue, Inc.
Training

The Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team holds several training sessions every month throughout the autumn, winter, and spring. Training exercises vary from the ubiquitous terrain familiarization to first aid, avalanche safety or backcountry navigation. The Team trainings are designed to be fun and informative and all Team members are encouraged to attend.

Wondering what to bring? Check out a suggested Gear List.

If you provide a training, or otherwise require a reimbursement from TNSAR (for lunch subsidy, equipment purchase, etc), please use this form for reimbursement.

The following were the TNSAR trainings for the 2010 - 2011 season.

OCTOBER 10 (Sun) -- SQUAW VALLEY TRAINING

  • Where: Squaw Valley USA
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:05am Squaw Valley 7-11
  • Contact: Dirk Schoonmaker (use current callout list for phone #)

Come enjoy the fall colors as we explore the boundary of Squaw Valley. The focus will be on the terrain between the top tram and Shirley Canyon where we have had searches in the past. Come out and enjoy a fun day in the mountains.

OCTOBER 16 (Sat) -- COLDSTEAM (TRUCKEE) OHV TRAINING RIDE

  • Where: Coldstream (West end of Truckee)
  • When: 12:00pm Team Garage, or across from the Tac
  • Contact: Chris McConnell /mcspeed@gmail.com(use current callout list for phone #)

Terrain familiarization of the Coldstream area. We had several searches in this area last year and it will be good to see it without snow and evaluate the terrain during the daytime. The riding is generally very easy and double track. There is one short section of single track that leads to a very scenic lookout and the single track is 95% easy with 5% moderate. We have received quite a bit of rain recently and the ground is pretty much dust free.

OCTOBER 17 (Sun) -- INTERNATIONAL SNOW SCIENCE WORKSHOP

  • Where: Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley
  • When: 9am Squaw Valley
  • Contact: http://www.issw2010.com/ (use current callout list for phone #)

" A Merging of Theory and Practice" ISSW is October 17-22 at the Resort at Squaw Creek. Go to website to register:http://www.issw2010.com/.

OCTOBER 17 (Sun) -- POWDERHORN CREEK

  • Where: Barker Pass
  • When: 8am Team Garage
  • Contact: Bernie Mellor (use current callout list for phone #)

Bernie will lead us on a fall hike of the Powderhorn Creek area. Come for the fun, come for the fall colors.

OCTOBER 28 (Thu) -- MAP AND COMPASS TRAINING

  • Where: KB Fire Department
  • When: 6:30pm KB Fire Department
  • Contact: Randall Osterhuber (use current callout list for phone #)

Map and Compass training at the KB Fire Department, 6:30-8pm. Important skills to brush up on every year, Randall will take us through the basics and teach us skills to use in the backcountry. His presentation is here.

OCTOBER 30 (Sat) -- BILLY'S PEAK HIKE

  • Where: Deep Creek Drainage
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:20am Deep Creek Trailhead
  • Contact: Geoff Quine (use current callout list for phone #)

Come hang out with Geoff as we explore the Deep Creek Drainage. Expect a full day of hiking with a accent of Billy's Peak on the Sierra Crest. Call Geoff with questions and to let him know you are coming.

NOVEMBER 7 (Sun) -- ROCK ANCHORS AND THE ANATOMY OF A SAFE BELAY

  • Where: School Rock-Donner Summit
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 9am School Rock Parking Area
  • Contact: Troy Corliss (use current callout list for phone #)

This is a great opportunity to hone rock craft skills that translate into climbing, mountaineering and rescue scenarios. We will examine a wide variety of gear placements and methods for crafting secure and reliable anchors. Working and playing in small groups, the day will be filled with a mix of technical skill building and recreational climbing. Most gear will be supplied. Bring your harness and climbing shoes (and rope if you have one).

NOVEMBER 20 (Sat) -- SNOW VALLEY PEAK HIKE

  • Where: EAST SHORE LAKE TAHOE
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Kings Beach Safeway
  • Contact: Doug Carbonari (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Doug for an adventure on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe exploring the Snow Valley Peak area. Contact Doug beforehand to see if we will be in hiking boots or skis or a combination of both.

DECEMBER 5 (Sun) -- DEEP CREEK PEAK

  • Where: Deep Creek
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Deep Creek Trailhead
  • Contact: Sara Carbonari (use current callout list for phone #)

If the Snow Gods produce what is promised we will be skiing by Thanksgiving. Sara will lead a tour of the Deep Creek Peak area hopefully accessing some good early season powder. Make sure to call ahead of time to make sure the Snow Gods make good on their offerings.

DECEMBER 6 (Mon) -- WINTER SPORTS INJURY SYMPOSIUM

  • Where: Olympic Village Inn
  • When: 3:00pm OVI, Squaw Valley
  • Contact: Tahoe Center for Health a (use current callout list for phone #)

Register online. 3-9pm. Sign up by November 27, 2010 or you may call the Tahoe Center for Health & Sports Performance at (530) 587-3769 for more information regarding this course. The $20 reg fee will be refunded by the Team when you show up for the conference.

DECEMBER 11 (Sat) -- MT. ROSE BACKCOUNTRY

  • Where: Mt. Rose area
  • When: 8am Kings Beach Safeway
  • Contact: Mike Lefrancois (use current callout list for phone #)

Explore the complex terrain of the Mt. Rose backcountry. This will be primarily ski touring for intermediate/advanced abilities. Always call ahead for meet up and trailhead information.

DECEMBER 18 (Sat) -- CROSS COUNTRY/BACKCOUNTRY/SNOMOBILES

  • Where: Tahoe XC
  • When: 8am Tahoe XC
  • Contact: Doug Read (use current callout list for phone #)

Joint training with all team members and abilities welcome. HOT LUNCH will be served! In case you are not aware Snowmo's need to stage elsewhere.

DECEMBER 28 (Tue) -- COLDSTREAM SEARCH REENACTMENT

  • Where: Coldstream Canyon
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Coldstream Canyon Trailhead
  • Contact: Dirk Schoonmaker (use current callout list for phone #)

Looking for skiers and snowmobilers to reenact the search for the lost snowshoers on X-Mas. This will be great terrain familiarization and search practice. Open to all team skiers and snowmobiliers. Call Dirk for details.

JANUARY 8 (Sat) -- GROUSE RIDGE TRAINING

  • Where: Grouse Ridge
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Grouse Ridge Trailhead
  • Contact: Russ Viehmann (use current callout list for phone #)

Come one come all. We will be training the first weekend of January. Stay tuned for all the details, Russ promises powder, views and great memories.

JANUARY 16 (Sun) -- NORTHSTAR TRAINING POSTPONED UNTIL FEB 13

  • Where: Northstar Ski Resort
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Northstar Parking Lot
  • Contact: Paul Cushing (use current callout list for phone #)

Paul will be leading a tour of the Northstar Ski Resort boundary and then into the sidecountry of Northstar. This terrain is the site of many of our trainings, come out and have fun. PLEASE CONTACT PAUL BY THURSDAY SO HE CAN MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS WITH NORTHSTAR

JANUARY 18 (Tue) -- JOINT AGENCY AVALANCHE TRAINING

  • Where: Tahoe Meadows (Mt. Rose)
  • When: 9am Call ahead
  • Contact: Devin Hiemstra /dhiemstr@gmail.com(use current callout list for phone #)

Integrated avalanche training with hosted by Mt rose ski patrol and northlake tahoe fire. Sessions will be on the 18th, 20th, and 21st at 10 am and 1 pm however Devin will be available only at select times.

JANUARY 20 (Thu) -- HO HO HOMEWOOD

  • Where: Homewood
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Homewood South Lot
  • Contact: Sara Carbonari (use current callout list for phone #)

We will be skiing at Homewood and enjoying the sidecountry out of the resort. Ellis Peak is always a favorite. Smile your at Homewood.

JANUARY 22 (Sat) -- WINTER MOUNTAIN SKILLS

  • Where: Placer County, PCSAR
  • When: 7am Team Garage
  • Contact: Brendan Compton (use current callout list for phone #)

PCSAR, Jan. 22-23. Winter mountain travel/snowshoeing

Avalanche safety

Winter backcountry navigation and route-finding, snow shelter construction and occupation overnight. Snow camping techniques.

FEBRUARY 11 (Fri) -- SNOWMO, SNOWCAT, SKIER TRAINING

  • Where: Martis Peak
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Martis Peak Trailhead/267
  • Contact: Sara Carbonari (use current callout list for phone #)

Come join Sara for a great day utilizing all the toys. We will be working on towing skiers, skiing powder and some joint rescue coordination. Make sure to call Sara to confirm before training.

FEBRUARY 14 (Mon) -- NORTHSTAR TRAINING

  • Where: Northstar Ski Resort
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 9:00am Northstar Gondola
  • Contact: Paul Cushing (use current callout list for phone #)

Northstar training day, be there or be square. We will be exploring the Northstar boundary and beyond and checking out the normal exit points that have led to past searches. Make sure to RSVP with Paul so he can arrange for your lift ticket-advanced notice is required if you plan on attending.

FEBRUARY 24 (Thu) -- AVALANCHE LEVEL 2 COURSE

  • Where: Truckee
  • When: 8am ASI
  • Contact: Steve Reynaud or Sara Car (use current callout list for phone #)

The team will be hosting a private L2 avy course 2/24-2/27. Plan on 4 straight days, 8-5pm. You must reserve your spot to take part on this training. More details on the team forum.

MARCH 12 (Sat) -- AVALANCHE RESCUE TRAINING

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 8:30am Team Garage
  • Contact: Russ Viehmann (use current callout list for phone #)

Come learn the new up to date techniques for avalanche rescue. We will be training at and near the team garage. Bring all your normal search gear.

MARCH 16 (Wed) -- NIGHT SEARCH TRAINING

  • Where: Sugar Bowl Sidecountry
  • When: 6:30pm Team Garage; 7pm Sugar Bowl Judah Lodge
  • Contact: Bob Wright (use current callout list for phone #)

Bob will be leading us on a night search training outside of Sugar Bowl. This will be great practice for aspiring A team or current A team members. We will be going over normal search techniques and protocols.

MARCH 20 (Sun) -- HELICOPTER PROTOCOLS AND RESCUE SLED TRAINING

  • Where: Diamond Crossing
  • When: 8am Team Garage
  • Contact: Geoff Quine (use current callout list for phone #)

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER!!!! WILL BE RESCHEDULED.This training will take us up Grouse Ridge and down to Diamond Crossing. On the way we'll familiarize ourselves with our new Brooks Range Eskimo sleds and then rendevous with Careflight, at which point we will cover helicopter protocols and how to manage a helicopter LZ. Pack an extra bologna sandwich. This will be a big day.

MARCH 28 (Mon) -- SQUAW VALLEY USA

  • Where: Squaw Valley
  • When: 7:30am Team Garage; 8am Squaw Valley Tram
  • Contact: Peter York (use current callout list for phone #)

POSTPONED FOR A LATER DATE. We will be exploring Squaw's terrain and out of bounds terrain, a training not to be missed. Must call Peter and confirm your spot ahead of time if you are going to attend.

APRIL 11 (Mon) -- SQUAW VALLEY USA

  • Where: Squaw Valley
  • When: 7:30am Team Garage; 8am Squaw Valley Tram
  • Contact: Peter York (use current callout list for phone #)

We will be exploring Squaw's terrain and out of bounds terrain, a training not to be missed. Must call Peter and confirm your spot ahead of time if you are going to attend. Rescheduled from March

APRIL 17 (Sun) -- HIGH ANGLE, ICE/SNOW, ANCHORS

  • Where: Donner Summit Area
  • When: 8:30am Wild Cherries; 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Troy Corliss (use current callout list for phone #)

This is a great opportunity to hone skills that translate into climbing, mountaineering and rescue scenarios. We will examine a variety of gear placements and methods for crafting secure and reliable anchors. Most gear will be supplied. Bring your harness and rope if you have one.

APRIL 22 (Fri) -- NIGHT SEARCH TRAINING

  • Where: Sugar Bowl Sidecountry
  • When: 5pm Judah Lodge; 4pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Bob Wright (use current callout list for phone #)

Bob will be leading us on a night search training outside of Sugar Bowl. This will be great practice for aspiring A team or current A team members. We will be going over normal search techniques and protocols.

APRIL 30 (Sat) -- HELICOPTER PROTOCOLS AND RESCUE SLED TRAINING

  • Where: Diamond Crossing
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am Subway Parking Lot
  • Contact: Geoff Quine (use current callout list for phone #)

This training will take us up Summit Chair and down to Diamond Crossing. On the way we'll familiarize ourselves with our new Brooks Range Eskimo sleds and then rendevous with Careflight, at which point we will cover helicopter protocols and how to manage a helicopter LZ. Pack an extra roast beef sandwich. This will be a big day.

AUGUST 6 (Sat) -- TNSAR OHV TEAM TRAINING

  • Where: TDB
  • When: 4pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Chris McConnell (use current callout list for phone #)

GPS refresher, 3x Waypoint ride.

SEPTEMBER 24 (Sat) -- OHV DONNER SUMMIT/COLDSTREAM SKILLS TRAINING

  • Where: Coldstream Staging Area/Trailhead
  • When: 9:00am Coldstream Staging Area/Trailhead
  • Contact: Chris McConnell /mcspeed@gmail.com(use current callout list for phone #)

What to Bring: Search Ready Bike/OHV (including functioning headlight, not a flashlight taped to your helmet), SAR Pack/Gear, Radio Etc. Pack a lunch and enough water for the entire day. What to Expect: Water crossings, single track, RxR tunnels, skill development sections, SAR scenarios, GPS skill development, team work, epic scenery, views, fun and adventure.

The goal of TNSAR is to conduct fast and safe rescues, and to help educate the public on winter safety. If you would like to help TNSAR in this cause, please use the following PayPal donate link. Thanks!

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