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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Silver Mountain back-country bonanza this weekend

WINTERSPORTS – Silver Mountain will host a bevy of back-country skiing skill instruction next weekend.

On Saturday, there will be an avalanche class. Participants will learn how to assess risk and make decisions. No prior classes are required, but participants must be able to comfortably ride black diamond terrain in trees.

The class is free. Meet at the flag poles in front of the Mountain House at 9:30 a.m.

Later that day, participants will practice beacon location skills. Single- and multiple-burial scenarios will be offered. Meet at the Mountain House flag poles at noon. Participants must be able to comfortably ride blue square terrain. The event is free. Participants are encouraged to bring their own beacons, but there will be a limited number of loaner beacons available.

There will also be a deep burial race hosted by North Idaho College’s outdoors program. Beacons will be buried in 5-6 feet of packed snow. Singles and pairs are welcome. Meet at the Mountain House flagpoles at 3 p.m.

Saturday will end with a social and a transition race. Participants will gather at the Radio Brewing Company anytime after skiing. The race starts at 6 p.m. and the raffle at 6:30.

The Wardner Peak Uphill Downhill race is scheduled on Sunday. Climb 675 feet doing one, two or three laps. Preregistration costs $20 and day-of registration is $25. If preregistered, lift tickets are reduced to $35.