Avalanche Awareness Course
Avalanche Skill Course 1 - WINTER 2024Avalanche Skill Course - Level 1
The Summit Explorers Avalanche Skill Course Level 1 – previously known as Avalanche 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. The course covers topics such as snowpack assessment, avalanche terrain recognition, avalanche rescue techniques, and decision-making in avalanche-prone areas.
Participants learn how to use avalanche safety equipment like transcievers, probes, and shovels effectively. They also gain an understanding of snow science, including factors that contribute to avalanche formation such as weather conditions, terrain features, and snowpack stability.
The course often both classroom sessions and practical field exercises in the backcountry of Wanaka Ski Resorts. In the classroom, the instructor discuss avalanche theory, risk assessment, route planning, and emergency response procedures. The field session allow participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, practicing avalanche transceiver searches, and rescue simulations, as well as learning about travel safely in the backcountry in ski touring mode.
By completing the Avalanche Skill Course 1, 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 Skill Course 1 provided by Summit Explorers is based in Wanaka for the theory session and in the backcountry of Cardrona Ski Resort or Treble Cone Ski Resort for the field sessions.
AVALANCHE SKILL COURSE 1 - SYLLABUS
- Introduction to avalanche terrain characteristics. This includes how to recognise potentially dangerous areas using maps and observations in the field.
- Introduction to mountain weather and how current and previous weather conditions can affect the structure and stability of the snowpack and avalanche danger.
- Trip planning techniques, including sources of weather, avalanche, and terrain information.
- The latest avalanche companion rescue techniques, include using a transceiver, shovel, and probe. The field day will include instruction and coaching on the use of this equipment and a small-party rescue scenario.
Why Choose Summit Explorers ?
Years of guiding experience, safety focused, flexible and adaptative to your needs, fun, smiling…. The team of Summit Explorers mountain guides are always going above and beyond for you to have the best trip and an unforgettable mountain experience!
ASC 1
NZ$ 550
2 day trip
LOCATION
Wanaka / Backcountry Cardrona Ski Resort
DATES
6th – 7th July 2024
13th – 14th July 2024
20th – 21st July 2024
SKI DIFFICULTY
intermediate
GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO / GROUP SIZE
1 Guide for 6 people max
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 Cardrona for a full day in the Backcountry.
Dates & Pricing
Avalanche Skill Course - Level 1
NZ$ 550/pp
DATES
6th – 7th July 2024
13th – 14th July 2024
20th – 21st July 2024
PRICE INCLUDES
- 1 IFMGA/NZMGA Ski Guide
- Avalanche Rescue Gear
- Mountain Safety Council Booklet and Card
- GST
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Personal equipment
- Ski-touring gear
- Appropriate skiing clothes
- Personal Insurance
- Cancellation Insurance
- Lift Pass
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need
– Ski Touring Gear – Rental in Wanaka possible.
– You can bring along your Avalanche Safety Gear. If you don’t have, we will provide it – Transciever, shovel, probe.
– Ski Backpack + warm clothes
A full equipment list will be send to you prior the course.
DO I need a lift pass
Our ASC 1 is based in Cardrona Backcountry and its access doesn’t require a lift pass.
However If the weather doesn’t allow the course to be run in Cardrona and we need to relocate at Treble Cone Ski Resort, you will need a lift pass. A backcountry lift pass there is NZ$75.
What If the weather is bad for the course ?
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 course from happenning as originally planned, ( ie access to Cardrona Ski Resort closed ) you will be offered a different location ( most likely Treble Cone Ski Resort ). There will be no refund for bad weather and conditions.
Terms and Conditions
Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page
