Backcountry Avalanche Course
The 4 day Backcountry Avalanche Course is New Zealand's best introduction to avalanche safety skills and backcountry travel. This course is for both recreational snowboarders and skiers, who want to stay safe and enjoy travel in the backcountry.
Train in Big Mountain Terrain
The course is based out of our winter heliski base in Methven. You will cover theory and practical snow and avalanche safety technique before flying into Methven Heliski's terrain - the Arrowsmith Range. The course syllabus includes:
- Snow study at a commercial ski area
- A heliski run with Methven Heliskiing
- An overnight backcountry tour based from Cameron Hut in the Arrowsmith Range
Certification for professional training
On completion you will receive certification ratified and accepted by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. This can be used as a prerequisite for future professional snow-industry training courses.
Private and Scheduled Courses Available
You can join one our the scheduled Backcountry Courses for skiers or snowboarders. Groups of 2 or more have the option to book a private course.Download the detailed notes for more details - 440 Kb pdf.
Instruction topics include:
- Terrain and snowpack interpretation
- Search & Rescue: avalanche dynamics, survival strategies
- Equipment: how to ascend with the latest in split boards or ski touring bindings
- Weather systems: mountain weather interpretation
Experience required:
- Good level of fitness
- Strong-intermediate (or better) skier/snowboarders
- Some knowledge of weather systems and avalanche beacons is useful, but not necessary
| Course | Dates |
|---|---|
| BC1 Skiers | July 24-27 |
| BC2 Snowboarders | July/Aug 31-03 |
| BC3 Skiers | Sept 11-14 |
| BC4 Snowboarders | Sept 18-21 |
Courses run Saturday - Tuesday
Check for available spaces ››
2010 Details
Price = NZ$1595 per person
Price includes:
Helicopter flights, food, hut accommodation, use of technical equipment, 1 day weather contingency.
Download Full Details Here (Adobe.pdf format)
Backcountry Avalanche Course (440 Kb)
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Winter Course Options
Backcountry Avalanche Course | Ice Climbing Experience | Ski Mountaineering Course | Winter Mountain Skills Course
Winter Mountain Guiding Options
Alpine Ski Touring | Arrowsmith Range Ski Touring | Private Instruction & Guiding | Ascents Program
Winter Guiding & Courses ››
From ice climbing and ski mountaineering to avalanche courses and ski touring.
Summer Courses and Guiding ››
Introductory to advanced climbing courses, guided ascents and expeditions on NZ's highest peaks.
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