Stay Safe 101

Leave it to Mountain Chalet to make us smarter. The downtown outdoor shop is starting up its series of free classes again. Up first: "Avalanche Awareness 101," at 7 p.m. Thursday at the shop, 226 N. Tejon St., in Colorado Springs. SFC Shawn Connor, a master trainer with the 10th Special Forces at Fort Carson, will offer advice on gear and equipment for the backcountry, along with tips on recognizing terrain traps and wind loading, and safe route selection. Watch The Gazette's Out There section (www.gazette.com) for previews.