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 2012 - 2013 season.

OCTOBER 14 (Sun) -- POWDERHORN CREEK

  • Where: Barker Pass
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Bernie Mellor (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Bernie for a fall hike in the beautiful Powderhorn Creek drainage.

OCTOBER 20 (Sat) -- MT. ROSE TERRAIN FAMILIARIZATION

  • Where: Mt. Rose Wilderness
  • When: 7:30am Team Garage; 8:00am KB Safeway
  • Contact: Paul Kitano (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Paul for a beautiful hike in the majestic Mt. Rose Wilderness

OCTOBER 24 (Wed) -- GPS AND RADIOS

  • Where: Ward Canyon/Twin Peaks
  • When: 1:30pm Team Garage; 2pm Ward Canyon
  • Contact: Jeb Mirczak (use current callout list for phone #)

Meet at Ward Creek (Sherwood chair) for training in the Stanford Rock / Twin Peaks area. Jeb will be going over GPS and Team radio use with lots of practice in the field. Plan to finish in the dark, bring your normal search pack.

NOVEMBER 3 (Sat) -- MAP AND COMPASS

  • Where: Tahoe Meadows, Mt. Rose
  • When: 8:30am Team Garage; 9am Tahoe Meadows TR, Mt. Rose
  • Contact: Randall Osterhuber (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Randall for a fun day of map and compass work in the Mt. Rose Meadows. He will be covering all the basics of navigation with hands on techniques and practice.

NOVEMBER 7 (Wed) -- GPS AND RADIOS

  • Where: Ward Canyon
  • When: 1:30pm Team Garage; 2pm Ward Canyon TR
  • Contact: Jeb Mirczak (use current callout list for phone #)

Rescheduled training: Meet at Ward Creek (Sherwood chair) for training in the Stanford Rock / Twin Peaks area. Jeb will be going over GPS and Team radio use with lots of practice in the field. Plan to finish in the dark, bring your normal search pack.

NOVEMBER 18 (Sun) -- CASTLE VALLEY SKI TOUR

  • Where: Castle Peak
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Mike LeFrancois (use current callout list for phone #)

Come join Mike for a ski tour around Castle Peak and Donner Summit. We will be going over mountain skills and terrain familiarization-come join the fun.

DECEMBER 1 (Sat) -- TERRAIN FAMILIARIZATION-DEEP CREEK

  • Where: Deep Creek Drainage
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Jeff DeVries (use current callout list for phone #)

Jeff 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 verify the mode of transportation and pray for snow!

DECEMBER 3 (Mon) -- WINTER SPORTS INJURY SYMPOSIUM

  • Where: Resort at Squaw Creek
  • When: 3:00pm Resort at Squaw Creek
  • Contact: Jeff DeVries (use current callout list for phone #)

Registration is now open for the annual Winter Sports Injury Symposium brought to you by Tahoe Forest Health System. Preregister by November 25 at: http://www.tfhd.com/wsis2012/ The team will reimburse you the $25 registration fee that night.

DECEMBER 4 (Tue) -- TAHOE MOUNTAIN SPORTS PRO NIGHT

  • Where: Tahoe Mountain Sports, KB
  • When: 5:30pm Tahoe Mountain Sports, KB
  • Contact: Dave Polivy /dave@tahoemountainsports.com(use current callout list for phone #)

Tuesday night December 4th, 5:30-8pm for the annual Tahoe Mountain Sports Pro Night. All team members are eligible (This is not for your friends or family, it is only for you so don’t abuse it) Pro form pricing and deep discounts on the newest 12-13 winter gear. This includes skis, bindings, boots, avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, clothing and more….

DECEMBER 12 (Wed) -- SNOWCAT LOADING AND UNLOADING/EQUIPMENT CHECK

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 5:30pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Jimmy Smith (use current callout list for phone #)

Team Garage 5:30 to 9:00 PM

Snowcat loading and unloading/Equipment Check

We will be refining the loading/unloading procedure and going through the equipment on the cat. This training is for all current and would be cat operators.

DECEMBER 19 (Wed) -- SNOWCAT TRAINING-POSTPONED TBA

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 5:30pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Jimmy Smith (use current callout list for phone #)

Snowcat Training - POSTPONED

This will be snow dependent and will involve basic snowcat operations. Call Jimmy for more information if interested.

DECEMBER 19 (Wed) -- SNOWCAT TRAINING OUTFIT CAT 2

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 5:00pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Jimmy Smith (use current callout list for phone #)

Existing Cat Team Members Only.

DECEMBER 22 (Sat) -- SILVER PEAK SKI TOUR

  • Where: Silver Peak/Pole Creek
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Scott Shane (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Scott for winter fun and mountain skills development!

JANUARY 5 (Sat) -- SNOW PATIENT PACKAGING AND LITTER WORK ON STEEPER TERRAIN

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

Russ will be leading a training on snow patient packaging and litter work on steeper terrain. These are very valuable skills that need constant training every year so that we are prepared for the next search. Come and practice.

JANUARY 12 (Sat) -- TERRAIN FAMILIARIZATION-DEEP CREEK

  • Where: Deep Creek Drainage
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Jeff DeVries (use current callout list for phone #)

Jeff will lead a tour of the Deep Creek Peak area to explore an area of increasing popularity and work on winter travel skills in avalanche terrain.

JANUARY 17 (Thu) -- NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 6:00pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Jimmy Smith & Russ Viehma (use current callout list for phone #)

A training geared towards new members as well as older members with foggy memories. Come to the Team Garage and get an overview of all the equipment stored there as well as personal insight from two longtime members as to how you can get even more involved with the team.

JANUARY 27 (Sun) -- SQUAW VALLEY TOBOGGAN TRAINING

  • Where: Squaw Valley USA
  • When: 7:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Peter York (use current callout list for phone #)

Come get familiar with or improve your skills in the use and control of rescue toboggans on the slopes of Squaw with patrol's own Peter York. Riding up the Funitel at 8:00am sharp. Pease RSVP by Wednesday 1/23 to assure yourself a lift ticket.

JANUARY 27 (Sun) -- SNOWMOBILE TRAINING

  • Where: Squaw Valley USA
  • When: 3:30pm Team Garage; 4:00pm Squaw Valley
  • Contact: Peter York (use current callout list for phone #)

Snowmobile training with Squaw Valley's own Peter York. Come familiarize yourself with Squaw Valley as it pertains to snowmobiles and searches. Will be revieweing access routes & safety concerns. Leaving Red Dog complex between Far East lift and vehicle shop by 4:00pm. Contact Peter by Sunday 1/23 if you will be participating.

JANUARY 31 (Thu) -- NIGHT NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION

  • Where: Paige Meadows
  • When: 5:00pm Team Garage; 5:30pm Paige Meadows-End of Silver Tip
  • Contact: Geoff Quine (use current callout list for phone #)

Integrated GPS, compass, radio training. Improve and refine your nighttime communication and navigation skills in the often searched locale of Paige Meadows.

FEBRUARY 3 (Sun) -- ALPINE MEADOWS

  • Where: Alpine Meadows
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Doug Carbonari (use current callout list for phone #)

Familiarize yourself with a frequent search location for our team. Starting inbounds and working our way out along the usual exit zones. Join New Member Liason Doug Carbonari! Please contact ahead of time to give Doug numbers for securing lift tickets. Thanks!

FEBRUARY 10 (Sun) -- WEST SHORE AND BEYOND

  • Where: West Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Paul Cushing (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Paul for an all day tour deep into the terrain along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Terrain familiarization and safe travel skills will be emphasized.

FEBRUARY 20 (Wed) -- MYSTERY TOUR

  • Where: TBD
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Joe Pace (use current callout list for phone #)

Watch this space as the third week of February approaches. Date is tentative for now. Join Joe for an all day adventure working on safe travel, navigation and beacon skills in the Sierra Nevada.

FEBRUARY 21 (Thu) -- SNOWCAT MAINTENANCE

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 2:00pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Dave Gleske (use current callout list for phone #)

Repair of damaged grousers from Pole Creek Search as well as addressing battery issues.

FEBRUARY 22 (Fri) -- SNOWCAT MAINTENANCE

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 2:00pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Dave Gleske (use current callout list for phone #)

Repair of damaged grousers from Pole Creek Search as well as addressing battery issues.

FEBRUARY 23 (Sat) -- RESORT AND SIDECOUNTRY SKIING AND SKILLS DAY

  • Where: Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
  • When: 8am Team Garage; 8:30am SB-Judah Day Lodge
  • Contact: Devin Hiemstra (use current callout list for phone #)

This training will mainly focus on ski and movement skills at the resort and sidecountry, mainly with downhill techniques but also with uphill skills as well. While in the sidecountry we will also cover other backcountry skills like avalanche rescue and beacon practice. This training is perfect for the new member, first time backcountry skier, or someone looking to brush up on their ski techniques. MUST RESPOND TO DEVIN BY THURSDAY TO ATTEND TRAINING FOR LIFT TICKET!!!

MARCH 2 (Sat) -- SNOWCAT OPERATIONS

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 8am Team Garage
  • Contact: Chris McConnell (use current callout list for phone #)

General operations, loading, unloading and gear transportation will be covered.

Contact Chris McConnell for more info: 916-996-8500

MARCH 3 (Sun) -- SNOWCAT OPERATIONS

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 7am Team Garage
  • Contact: Chris McConnell (use current callout list for phone #)

General operations, loading, unloading and gear transportation will be covered.

Contact Chris McConnell for more info: 916-996-8500

MARCH 10 (Sun) -- RESCHEDULED - ALPINE MEADOWS

  • Where: Alpine Meadows
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Doug Carbonari (use current callout list for phone #)

Familiarize yourself with a frequent search location for our team. Starting inbounds and working our way out along the usual exit zones. Join New Member Liason Doug Carbonari! Please contact ahead of time to give Doug numbers for securing lift tickets. Thanks! Navigation and safe travel in avi terrain will be emphasized.

MARCH 12 (Tue) -- NIGHTTIME BIVY OPTIONS

  • Where: In the Mountains
  • When: 7pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Jeb Mirczak (use current callout list for phone #)

Jeb will be leading a training on different bivy techniques and keeping warm on an overnight search. This will be an overnight training with a short hike into a location. Perfect for the first timer or new member with new backcountry skiing skills.

MARCH 16 (Sat) -- BENSON HUT EVAC

  • Where: Benson Hut
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Scott Meyer (use current callout list for phone #)

Join Scott for an all encompassing team effort to simulate a situation where a critically injured individual requires evacuation from The Benson Hut and helicopters are not an option. Skiers, snowmobiles and the snowcat will combine in a multi-disciplinary scenario involving route finding, first aid, patient packaging, gps use, radio use and avi awareness. Plan for a full day!

MARCH 17 (Sun) -- SNOWCAT MAINTENANCE

  • Where: Team Garage
  • When: 12:00pm Team Garage
  • Contact: Ray Obrien (use current callout list for phone #)

Grouser repair.

MARCH 23 (Sat) -- RESORT AND SIDECOUNTRY SKIING AND SKILLS DAY

  • Where: Sugar Bowl or Northstar
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Devin Hiemstra (use current callout list for phone #)

This training will mainly focus on ski and movement skills at the resort and sidecountry, mainly with downhill techniques but also with uphill skills as well. While in the sidecountry we will also cover other backcountry skills like avalanche rescue and beacon practice. This training is perfect for the new member, first time backcountry skier, or someone looking to brush up on their ski techniques. MUST RESPOND TO DEVIN BY THURSDAY BEFORE TO ATTEND TRAINING FOR LIFT TICKET!!!

JUNE 8 (Sat) -- OHV TRAINING

  • Where: Boreal Resort
  • When: 8:00am Team Garage
  • Contact: Dick Hilly (use current callout list for phone #)

Come out and work on GPS usage, Map & Compass, Mobile Repeater Deployment, Rider-to-rider comm system, ELT Equipment training and search and potentially helicopter skills in an OHV setting.

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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