Friends of Berthoud Pass to host free avalanche awareness class in Winter Park
Community members are invited to attend a free avalanche awareness class from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Headwaters Center in Winter Park.
No registration is required to attend the class. Topics that will be covered include:
- Identifying hazards
- Examining weather, terrain and snowfall
- Self-rescue
The class offers an introduction for novices but can also serve as an early season refresher for experienced backcountry travelers.
So far this season, avalanche danger has remained elevated, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center has been urging recreationists to be cautious when venturing out.
Since December, two solo backcountry skiers triggered avalanches near Berthoud Pass and were partially buried in separate incidents. Both were able to self-extricate at the bottom of the slides, but Grand County Search and Rescue encouraged backcountry recreationists to prioritize safety and preparedness.

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