If you answered yes to any of these questions then our 1-day Backcountry Safety course - being run as part of your university ski trip this winter - is for you!
This course has been specifically tailored for students who are keen, competent skiers or boarders who want to learn some essential skills and tips to improve their confidence when riding off-piste. The focus is on trip planning, navigation and understanding the risks and hazards, especially avalanches, associated with backcountry travel.
Itinerary
Topics covered
Session 1
The Avalanche hazard; how to recognise the danger and how to avoid it, followed by practical avalanche search and rescue scenarios
Session 2
Discussion and demonstrations of the safety equipment that all skiers and boarders should carry at all times when skiing off-piste.
Session 3
The Falling hazard; security on steep ground, dealing with ice, what to do if you do fall
Session 4
Dealing with incidents, near misses and accidents
Session 5
Getting safely off the mountain; tips for coping with difficult snow conditions
Session 6
Trip and route planning and navigation, where you can and cannot (must not) go
Additional Information
Price
Special student price £50 per person
Trainers
The training will be provided by Mountain Tracks’ team of IFGMA Mountain Guides
Our lead guides are Nick Parks, Olly Allen and Matt Dickinson. They will be supported by other guides as required.
Check out the About Us page for details on our team of Guides and Instructors.
Course Duration
1 full day, the majority of which will be spent out on the mountain
Skill Level
The course is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers or boarders. Off-piste skiing experience is not required.
Group Numbers
The standard group size is 12. A minimum of 10 is required for a course to run.
Equipment
Participants will need to bring their own skis/boards, a day pack and valid lift pass.
Everyone must also have essential safety gear: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
If you don't have this gear no problem, but if you would like to purchase your own set (ideal Christmas pressie!!), check out the exclusive offer from Facewest - available only as part of this initiative. Click here for details
Insurance
All participants must be insured for off-piste skiing, proof of which must be provided before commencement of the course.
I want to participate - what's the next step?
You need to book yourself onto the course now so that we know how many participants there will be. This means going to the Payment page and paying the course fee of £50. Further information about what happens once you've paid is shown on the Payment Page. Go there now.
