Avalanche Skills Courses
Avalanche courses provide the skills and knowledge that ski and splitboard tourers need to keep themselves safe on their backcountry adventures. Getting away from the crowds and enjoying the quality snow that often lies untouched beyond the ski field boundary. Our team of qualified mountain and ski guides are committed to avalanche awareness and education in Wanaka and sharing our knowledge of safe and enjoyable backcountry travel. See our Course Calendar for an overview of scheduled courses to join.
Avalanche Courses
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Avalanche Courses](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Mzk4OjU5OQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzQ1NiA0NjEzIiB3aWR0aD0iMzQ1NiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0NjEzIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "Avalanche Courses 1")
Avalanche Skills Course 1
1.5 days, $350 per person
Previously known as Avalanche Awareness, this Mountain Safety Council endorsed short course is the first step in backcountry travelers’ avalanche education. It provides a framework to plan trips, recognise the potential avalanche hazard and safely manage a group through the backcountry. The course also provides instruction in the latest companion rescue techniques. Combine with an Introduction to Ski Touring for the complete beginners’ backcountry package.
Avalanche Skills Course 2
4 days, $1290 per person
Previously known as the Backcountry Avalanche Course, this Mountain Safety Council endorsed longer course will continue to build your knowledge of avalanche risk management. Participants should have completed the Avalanche Skills Course 1 and consolidated their experience with some self-led tours. The course will develop the techniques for making good decisions about safe travel in more challenging terrain and snow packs.
Avalanche Skills Refresher
1-4 days, price from $350 per person
Avalanche Skills Refresher days can be tailored to the aspirations of the group. Revising concepts and exercises from a previously attended ASC1 or ASC2. The day can include coaching on trip planning or terrain analysis through to practising and fine-tuning skills on companion rescue scenarios.
Avalanche Skills for Mountaineers
1.5 days, $350 per person
Avalanche Skills for Mountaineers focuses on avalanche risk management for mountain activities on foot. It provides a framework to plan trips, recognise potential avalanche hazards, and manage risk whilst undertaking alpine climbs and tramps. The course also provides instruction in the latest companion rescue techniques.
Ski and Splitboard Touring Courses
![Ski and SplitboardTouring [] Wanaka Mountain Guides](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTA1OjU1NQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNDYwOCAzNDU2IiB3aWR0aD0iNDYwOCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzNDU2IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "Avalanche Courses 5")
We offer group or private touring courses for skiers and splitboarders. Beginners could start with a one-day Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course, which can also be combined with an Avalanche Skills Course 1 for a weekend program to set you up to start heading out on your own trips. Alternatively, there is the more comprehensive three-day Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring Course. For the next step, we have a number of specialist courses focusing on advanced Avalanche Skills Course 2, Glacier Ski Touring, or Ski Mountaineering.
Our team of certified mountain and ski guides are committed to mountain education and sharing our knowledge of safe and enjoyable backcountry travel. Their experience demonstrates significant industry experience and practical knowledge in fields including instruction, guiding, ski patrol, and avalanche forecasting. This ensures that participants receive industry-leading instruction covering the latest techniques.
Group Course Calendar
‘Myself and two friends (who’d never done any back-country touring before) skied/boarded with Wanaka Mountain Guides at Treble Cone a couple of days ago. He did a great job with finding some fresh powder and managing the day in a way that meant we all had fun and ended the day with some great memories.’
— Mark, Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course
‘Really good no1 fun day. Perfect conditions, great guide, got everything out of the trip that we wanted and more: fresh tracks, beautiful scenery, stunning weather, great company, and very safe and knowledgeable guide.’
— Wayne, Treble Cone Backcountry Tour
’10/10. Extremely Knowledgeable. Fantastic Group Facilitation Skills. Great Teacher. Passionate about Skiing, Mountains/ Weather/ Snow Pack. Incredibly Patient. Cool, Calm, and Collected.’
— Fiona, Avalanche Skills Course