Avalanche Awareness
Methven-Based Introduction to Avalanche Skills
Difficulty
Duration
1.5 Days
Season
Winter
Gearlist
PRICE FROM $425 NZD
Avalanche Awareness Training
Alpine Guides' 1.5-day Mountain Safety Council-accredited Avalanche Awareness program introduces skiers and snowboarders to the skills needed for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Join us this winter to get started on a lifetime of snowy adventures.
This course is based out of Methven, close to Christchurch and Mount Hutt.
Topics include:
Identifying avalanche terrain
Learning safe travel techniques
Gathering snowpack and weather information
Responding if a member of your group is caught in an avalanche
Course Structure
The course begins with a 3-hour classroom session on Saturday evening at the Methven Heliski office.
We will introduce you to the basic concepts of avalanche formation and prepare for our day in the field.
The next morning we meet at the ski area car park and gear up for a day on the snow.
Our guides teach using the Mountain Safety Council Avalanche Skills Course Level 1 syllabus.
To prepare, you will need to complete this Mountain Safety Council Online Avalanche Course.
Format
Day One - Meet at 5 pm at the Methven Heliski Office for an evening of theory and preparation for the field day.
Day Two - Field day at a local ski area; normally at Mount Hutt. This is a great location as it provides us with plenty of examples of different types of terrain and avalanche paths. Minimises travel time, and maximises learning time.
Ski touring equipment is not required as this course is based primarily inside the ski area boundary.
Topics
Safe travel in the mountains requires some specialised knowledge. Our Avalanche Awareness Training provides a good base for future learning and allows you to be an active member of a ski touring party.
Topics include:
Trip planning
Gathering and interpreting snow and weather information - what is going on in the snowpack
Knowledge of the different types of avalanches
Identification of avalanche terrain
Techniques for moving through avalanche terrain
Avalanche rescue techniques and use of equipment
Communication and safe travel techniques
Alternative Options (in case of bad weather)
We do our best to work around the weather conditions at the time of the course. We have the option to travel to one of several ski areas, giving us a really good chance of spending a day in the snow. The likelihood of a course being cancelled is very low.
In the unlikely event that we cannot access any snow due to poor conditions, you will have the option of
Completing the theory component at a reduced rate - 30% refund.
Or abandoning the theory day entirely for a 60% refund of fees.
Schedule and Specifics
2024 Course Dates
| Course | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | 06 - 07 Jul | Open |
| Course 2 | 20 -21 Jul | Open |
| Course 3 | 03 -04 Aug | Open |
| Course 4 | 17 - 18 Aug | Open |
| Course 5 | 31 Aug - 01 Sept | Open |
| Course 6 | 14 - 15 Sept | Open |
All courses start at 5:00 PM on day one and finish at 5:00 PM on day 2.
Check-in at Methven Heliski Office, Main Street, Methven.
Please read our booking Terms and Conditions.
Prices
Up to 3 people = $575 per person
4-6 people = $425 per person
We will adjust prices once 4 participants are reached.
Maximum and Minimum Bookings
The maximum number of participants per guide is 6.
We need at least 3 participants to run the course. We will advise you of your options if your preferred dates have insufficient bookings.
Courses which have reached minimum numbers and are confirmed to run will be marked with a 'Confirmed' on the schedule above.
NZAC Discount
New Zealand Alpine Club Members can receive a 5% discount on this course.
Use the promo code NZAC2324 when making your booking. Proof of membership will be required when you check in.
Experience and Inclusions
Experience Needed
This program is run primarily inside the ski area boundary. We may need to access terrain off the main ski runs.
This could involve skiing off-piste, traversing, or a short hike with your skis or snowboard.
Confidence skiing or riding off-piste in all snow conditions is required.
You will need:
To be able to ski off-piste in a range of conditions
To be a strong intermediate skier/snowboarder, able to comfortably ski most black runs
What’s Included in the Price
1.5 days of instruction with a professional Ski Guide
Use of avalanche rescue equipment
Avalanche Awareness Rescue Card
Course Certificate
Waterproof notebook
Not Included
Lift passes (one full day pass)
Meals and accommodation
Transport to the ski area - ask us about options if you require transport
Topics
Safe travel in the mountains requires some specialised knowledge. Our Avalanche Awareness Training provides a good base for future learning and allows you to be an active member of a ski touring party.
Topics include:
Trip planning
Gathering and interpreting snow and weather information
Knowledge of the different types of avalanches
Identification of avalanche terrain
Avalanche rescue techniques and use of equipment
Communication and safe travel techniques
A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking
