On December 7th and 8th the NJ Region held a Mountain Travel & Rescue Level 1 course at High Point State Park.  There were 16 students, 9 instructors and 9 instructors in training.  The students represented 9 ski areas, from 3 regions, with two students travelling from Virginia.  The instructors also represented 8 ski patrols from 3 regions.  The weather was cold at night but otherwise perfect.  The students, 
after completing their online assignments, participated in multiple skill sessions that included, navigation, shelter & sleep systems, fire building, low angle rescue, knots & anchors and improvised toboggan building.  There were also discussions on nutrition, weather, group dynamics and back country medical emergencies.  The course concluded on Sunday with a search and rescue exercise.  As you can see by the picture everyone was having a great time. 

Congratulations to the students for completing the course, and a special thanks to the instructors for all their hard work to create a successful course.