Field Experience: Silverton, Colorado - Course Synopsis
What: A four credit
hour, seven day field course in Silverton, Colorado, taught by Dr. Skop, a cultural geographer, and Dr. Vogt, a physical
geographer. The course is offered for undergraduate or
graduate credit.
When: Winter Interim (normally the week prior to spring semester)
Where: Silverton, Colorado, population ~500, elevation 9,318 ft.
Transportation: On a Sunday morning in
mid-January, the group
departs Colorado Springs. After stopping in Gunnison for
lunch, the group continues towards Silverton via Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, and
Highway 550's notorious Red Mountain Pass. The group departs Silverton the following Sunday morning
before
breakfast for an afternoon return to Colorado Springs.
Meals: Breakfasts and dinners are included in the trip cost. Lunches can be
prepared in the hotel or purchased from one of a handful of restaurants.
Lodging: Lodging, also included in course fees, is provided by Teller House Hotel.
Costs: In addition to UCCS tuition fees, the trip
costs
approximately $570. This estimate includes accommodations, breakfast/dinner,
gas,
rental vehicles, lodging and catering tips, and course materials.
Physical Requirements: The trip
involves extensive walking in/around town, snowshoeing in steep terrain, and shoveling snow for extended periods. Participants must be
able to exert themselves at high altitudes (11,000 to 12,000 ft.) in windy, snowy, cold to very cold winter conditions. For example, a -29F morning low was recorded during UCCS' 2011 visit.
Learning Objectives:
1) To instill fundamental understanding of snow and ice forms and processes as they are related to snow stability (hazards), snow stratigraphy, climate, and microclimate;
2) to introduce a deeper appreciation of mountain culture, sustainable development, and San Juan geology; and
3) to develop field observation, data collection, and data interpretation skills.
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