Avalanche Skills Course - Level 2
NZ Mountain Safety Council accredited ASC2 - Winter 2025Avalanche Skills Course - Level 2
The Summit Explorers Avalanche Skills Course Level 2 – previously known as Backcountry Awareness Course – is a NZ Mountain Safety Council accredited course designed to educate participants about the risks and safety measures associated with avalanches in the New Zealand mountainous terrain. It’s the highest level of recreational avalanche course available in New Zealand. The course covers topics such as snowpack assessment, avalanche terrain recognition, latest avalanche rescue techniques, and decision-making in avalanche-prone areas.
Participants should have attended the Avalanche Skills Course 1 or an equivalent avalanche awerness course. During this course we push further the learning on snow science, including factors that contribute to avalanche formation such as weather conditions, terrain features, and snowpack stability.
The course is taking place over the 4 days with theory and practice sessions. A couple fo days in the backcountry of Wanaka Local Ski Resorts and an overnight night trip in a Hut in the Pisa Range is the perfect combo to cover a great variety of terrain and have enough time in the field to learn and practice a maximum!
By completing the Avalanche Skills Course 2, participants develop essential skills to assess avalanche hazards, make informed decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain, and respond effectively in the event of an avalanche emergency. This knowledge is crucial for anyone venturing into snowy mountain environments, including backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, mountaineers, and winter recreation enthusiasts.
LOCATION
The Avalanche Skills Course 2 provided by Summit Explorers is based in Wanaka in the backcountry of Cardrona Ski Resort, Treble Cone Ski Resort and in the Pisa Range.
AVALANCHE SKILLS COURSE 2 - SYLLABUS
- Better understanding and identification of avalanche terrain and its effect on avalanche danger.
- Understanding of how the weather changes the snowpack and how it’s related to the avalanche danger.
- Information gathering from observations in the field and using this to adjust the decision making.
- Trip planning
- Snow Science and Stalibilty test ( CT, ECT… )
- Route finding and navigation, Safe travel techniques
- Avalanche companion rescue including more complex scenarios.
Trip Info
LOCATION
Wanaka / Cardrona Backcountry / Treble Cone Backcountry / Pisa Range
DATES
14th – 17th July 2025
21st – 24th July 2025
28th – 31st July 2025
DURATION
4 day trip
SKI TOURING DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO / GROUP SIZE
1 Guide for 6 people max
PRICE
From NZ$1,490/person
Itinerary
The itineray will vary, depending on the weather and snow conditions at the time of the trip. Here is a quick snip at what it would be:
Day 1. Meet in Wanaka at 8am, gear check and travel to Cardona Ski Resort for a morning outdoor session.
After Lunch, we will drive back to Wanaka for late afternoon/early eveningindoor theorie session.
Day 2. Meet in Wanaka at 8am, Travel to Treble Cone Ski Area for a full day in the Backcountry.
Day 3 & 4. Meet in Wanaka at 8am, travel to the Snow Farm and access the Pisa Conservation area for couple of days of ski touring. Night at the Kirtle Burn hut.
We will be back in Wanaka on day 4 around 4pm.
Dates & Pricing
PRICE - ASC2
NZ$1,490/person
DATES - ASC2
14th – 17th July 2025
21st – 24th July 2025
28th – 31st July 2025
TRIP INCLUSION
- 1 IFMGA/NZMGA Ski Guide
- Avalanche Rescue Gear
- Mountain Safety Council Booklet and Card
- Hut Fees
- Food for the night and moring in the Hut
- GST
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
- Personal equipment
- Ski-touring gear
- Appropriate skiing clothes
- Personal Insurance
- Cancellation Insurance
- Lift Pass
- Lunches & Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
What If the weather is bad for my trip ?
The Southern Alps in New Zealand is a worldwide desired climbing and skiing destination due to its remoteness and wilderness beauty. Windows of nice settled weather between fronts are oftern in place. But as for all mountain ranges in the world, the Southern Alps also has challenging weather. After all, it’s a long, high mountain range located on a tiny island surounded by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Pacific Ocean…
Summit Explorers Mountain Guides are well experienced in judging the weather and conditions to provide you the best possible trip. They will go above and beyond to make the trip happen. But sometimes, it’s out of our control, so if the weather remains terrible and prevents the trip from happenning as originally planned, you will be offered a different location and/or climb. There will be no refund for bad weather and conditions. However, depending of the agreement and avaibility of the guide, an arrangment could be discussed to postpone the trip at a different date.
Should I get a trip insurance
We strongly advice that all clients purchase travel and cancellation insurance that specifically covers cancellation due to injury or illness as well as weather cancellation. This is highly recommended for all trips with Summit Explorers due to the nature of the trips we provide. We have a relationship with the provider Global Rescue which has an option which includes a “Cancel for any Reason” policy. Rescue and Extraction is covered by ACC in New Zealand, however ACC does not cover for any trip cancellation. Insurance policy costs will vary based on age, duration of trip and coverage selected. . You can learn more and get a free quote here: Global Rescue by Summit Explorers
How do I get to Wanaka
Queenstown airport is the closest to Wanaka. There are regular shuttles which service Wanaka.
For shuttle and taxi information:
Summit explorers Terms and Conditions
Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page
Why Choose Summit Explorers
YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL GUIDING EXPERIENCE
Our Company and our incredible team of mountain guides are passionate, talented climbers and skiers who have a extremely valuable guiding experience in the New Zeland mountains and Internationally.
SAFETY FOCUSED
Our number one priority is insuring that every body that join us on a trip, will enjoy a safe one! Certified Mountain Guides are trained to perform at the highest international standards of skills and safety.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
Adaptative to your needs and dreams, always on the search to make your mountain journey a memorable one, that’s what we do and how we guide.
Book Your Avalanche Skills Course Level 2
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