Avalanche Education
The Avalanche Skills Course for Mountaineers 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 in Wānaka.
On the morning of the field day, the group will meet at 8:00 to travel up to Cardrona for a morning briefing and gear check before heading up into the backcountry. After a full day of practical exercise, we aim to return to the ski field base by 16:00.
The day with an experienced mountain guide, with real experience on managing avalanche hazard on mountaineering objectives, alpine climbs, and snow treks. It focuses on avalanche awareness and avoidance for mountaineers and trampers.
We recommend completing the MSC Online Avalanche Course prior to attending this course. We also have our article Avalanche Exposure for Mountaineers that details some of the specific considerations for foot-based mountain travellers.
All participants must be equipped for backcountry travel with suitable clothing and eyewear. Crampons or snowshoes may be required for access and can be provided. Avalanche safety gear including a transceiver, shovel, and probe are also required and can be provided.
$390 per person.
Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, avalanche equipment, ice axe and crampons or snowshoes (if required) and transport from W?naka.
Excludes: Lunch and snacks
‘[Our instructor] was excellent at communicating and explaining the content. He did it in a way that was easy to learn and not too much all at once. Super nice guy.’
— — Kayden, Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Course
