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Is there a difference between Level 1 avalanche courses?

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Capernicus
Posts: 382 - Karma: 218
Which is better or are these the same:

the National Ski Patrol (NSP) level 1 avalanche course

or

the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) level 1 avalanche course?
Jan 21 2011 11:37AM
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derpina
Posts: 2186 - Karma: 55
They will be about the same... the only time they will change is when you go to Canada, Europe, New Zealand. Their Level I classes are equivalent to our Level II classes because they have different back country laws and their mountain terrain is a lot bigger/ different.
Jan 21 2011 1:56PM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
I was always under the opinion that Europe was a lot more liberal with their BC laws ESPECIALLY with the resorts.
Jan 21 2011 2:05PM
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Session
Posts: 5372 - Karma: 22,047
They are, but if you get in to trouble you are on your own.
Jan 21 2011 3:32PM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5975 - Karma: 3,530
americans and canadians use an entirely different rating and classification system. Something to consider. It is arguable if one is better or worse. The american one is quite convoluted but if you don't get swamped by the info and you put it all together in your head, you can get a lot of info from it.

CAA level 1 is rad. I recommend it.
Jan 21 2011 3:43PM
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kingskier
Posts: 1045 - Karma: 11
yeh no where is really out of bounds in europe. which is real good. but obviously they cant keep watch on all the areas.
Jan 21 2011 3:55PM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
I know but the 2nd poster made it sound like their laws were more stringent than ours which I find highly doubtful.
Jan 21 2011 4:42PM
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derpina
Posts: 2186 - Karma: 55
I said the laws were different. Their level I is equivalent to our level II mostly because there mountains are so much more dangerous. I'm just telling you what my avalanche instructors told our class when I got Level I certified...
Jan 21 2011 5:59PM
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