Avalanche Awareness Courses
Avalanche Awareness Courses are run in conjunction with the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) for skiers, snowboarders and climbers to help them gain an appreciation of the avalanche phenomenon and what is needed to make decisions about personal safety when travelling in avalanche terrain. It is a prerequisite to the Backcountry Avalanche Course offered later in the year.
The course focuses on avoiding the need for avalanche related rescue, but also dedicates time to learning the technical skills required for rescuing a companion or small party.
| Turoa | Whakapapa |
|---|---|
| Turoa Avalanche Awareness Course Application Form |
Whakapapa Avalanche Awareness Course Application Form |
Content
The Avalanche Awareness course involves both a lecture and a field day. The course covers:
- Mountain weather
- Identification of avalanche terrain
- Basic route finding and decision making
- Companion rescue
- Safety equipment (including use of transceivers).
Lecture
A lecture is held in the evening prior to the field day and lasts around two hours. Attendance is a prerequisite for the field day and attendees are encouraged to bring a notepad.
Field day
The field day focuses on practical aspects and lasts all day. A "Certificate of Attendance" is issued at the end of the day.
Instructors
All instructors are qualified avalanche professionals who have been vetted and registered by MSC. Most work in the mountain environment as guides or ski patrollers and have valuable and extensive experience to share with course participants.
Safety
MSC courses are operated under specific operational procedures and safety plans. All participants are required to follow instructions to ensure safe practices are maintained.
Price
$150 per person ( + $25 for Avalanche gear hire)
What to bring
- Warm waterproof clothing
- Transceiver (457 kHz only)*
- Shovel (metal preferred)*
- Collapsible probe (180cm minimum)*
Transceiver, shovel and probe can be hired for $25 for the duration of the course. Please indicate on booking form if you wish to hire this equipment.
2011 Course dates
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 6 - 7 August | Whakapapa |
| 3 - 4 August | Turoa |
| 15 - 16 August | Whakapapa |
| 19 - 20 August | Turoa |
| 5 - 6 September | Turoa |
*All pricing is in NZD and includes GST of 15%. Prices are accurate at the time of page update for the 2011 season. Products and/or prices may be subject to change without notice.
**Use of credit card will incur a 2% processing fee
