This course replaces the Avalanche Awareness Course. If you have already done this or a similar course, the next step would be the 4-day Avalanche Skills Course 2 or a single-day Avalanche Skills Refresher.
Avalanche Education
Avalanche Skills Course 1
Overview
The Avalanche Skills Course 1 (ASC1, previously known as the Avalanche Awareness Course) is the first step in a lifelong journey of understanding and staying safe from avalanches. The course introduces an awareness of how the terrain and weather can affect the stability of the snowpack and how backcountry travellers can gather and interpret information about the weather and snowpack to plan and safely carry out a journey beyond the ski field boundary. In addition, it also provides instruction and practice of the latest companion rescue techniques.
All Avalanche Skills Courses
Itinerary
The Avalanche Skills Course 1 includes a field day and a theory session. The theory session takes place the evening before the field day from 18:00 to 21:00 at the WMG Base in Albert Town, Wanaka. Transport is available from a central Wanaka location.
On the morning of the field day, the group will meet at 8:00 to travel up to Treble Cone for a morning briefing before heading up the lifts. After a full day of practical exercise, we aim to return to the ski field base by 16:00.
Consider combining the Avalanche Skills Course 1 with an Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course. We have an Introduction to Ski and Touring Course scheduled the day after every ASC1 for a comprehensive weekend of backcountry instruction. This combination provides more opportunities to develop the skills of identifying avalanche terrain, applying safe travel techniques, and applying the weather and avalanche forecasts to trip planning.
Alternatively, we offer the more comprehensive 3-day Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring course that includes the Avalanche Skills Course 1.
We also run an Avalanche Skills Course for Mountaineers and Trampers focusing on terrain analysis, equipment, and travel considerations for backcountry travel on foot.
Avalanche Skills Course 1 Syllabus
The Avalanche Skills Course 1 syllabus includes the following topics:
- Introduction to avalanche terrain characteristics. This includes recognising 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 provides instruction and coaching to use this equipment and a small-party rescue scenario.
Equipment
All participants must be equipped for a day out skiing in a ski field . This means appropriate clothing, eyewear, downhill or touring ski or snowboard equipment, and avalanche safety equipment including a shovel, transceiver, and probe. Avalanche safety equipment can be provided.
The focus of the ASC1 is avalanche skills and not backcountry travel. It can be done on touring or downhill equipment.
To get the most out of this course, we recommend participants to have previously completed the MSC Online Avalanche Course.
Difficulty & Fitness
Online Avalanche Course
To get the most out of this course, you must complete the free MSC Online Avalanche Course beforehand.
Ski or Snowboard Ability
Intermediate ski or riding ability. Blue runs on the ski field.
No touring experience is necessary to get the most out of the course.
No touring experience is necessary to get the most out of the course.
ASC1 Dates & Pricing
Availability
| 3rd / 4th July | Places available |
| 10th / 11th July | Places available |
| 17th / 18th July | Places available |
| 24th / 25th July | Places available |
| 31st July / 1st August | Places available |
| 7th / 8th August | Places available |
| 14th / 15th August | Places available |
| 20th / 21st August | Places available |
| 27th / 28th August | Places available |
| 3rd / 4th September | Places available |
| 10th / 11th September | Places available |
Avalanche Skills Course and Introduction to Touring Combo dates:
| 10th – 12th July | Places available |
| 17th – 19th July | Places available |
| 24th – 26th July | Places available |
| 7th – 9th August | Places available |
| 14th – 16th August | Places available |
| 20th – 22nd August | Places available |
| 27th – 29th August | Places available |
| 3rd – 5th September | Places available |
Pricing
Group price: NZ$390.
Book Now or Register Interest below and a member of our team will be in touch with more information.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions: applicable taxes, NZMGA certified guide, Mountain Safety Council resources, avalanche safety gear (if required), transport from Wanaka.
Exclusions: food, lift passes, touring equipment hire (if required), and accommodation.
Participants require a Treble Cone lift pass. For those without a season pass, a day touring lift ticket can be purchased on the morning of the field day for $75.
Booking Conditions
Introduction to Ski and Splitboard Touring Course Combo (2.5 days of avalanche and touring instruction): $840 per person (minimum numbers required).
Adverse weather or lift closure may prevent the scheduled field day from going ahead. In this instance, it will be rescheduled to an alternative day.
Testimonials
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
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