Avalanche – Level 1 – Basic

This weekend course will teach the basics in a friendly informal manner.  It will cover planning your tour, understanding avalanche bulletins, weather forecasts, understanding terrain, especially terrain traps and basic rescue techniques.

The course will focus heavily on what is called “the human factor”  and “self reflection” both these area are turning out to be vital in avoiding being caught in an avalanche.

The course runs from Friday evening to Sunday.  Both Saturday and Sunday will be spent out on tour in real terrain.  The main focus is on gaining knowledge and learning therefore the tours are not technical or demanding and will suit all abilities of Nordic ski competence.

We keep our groups small with the focus on good communication and learning environment.

Course objectives:

  • Basic understanding of Avalanches.
  • Decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain.
  • Give instruction and exercises that are practical and useful in group travel within avalanche terrain.

Combine it with other courses

This course can be combined with ski-touring and winter skills to make a package.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available on our farm from 250 NOK per person per night. Find it out more here.

Flights, train and getting there

bus station.

From the Airport, you can take the “flytoget”  which is an express train to Oslo central station.  From there it is a short walk to the bus station.  You can take the Valdres Express bus  From Oslo central to Fagernes Skysstasjon which is about 20min from my house.  The bus is comfortable, has free wifi and takes about 3 hours.  I like taking the bus to Oslo as I can look out the window and see all the waterfalls and dream about ice climbing 🙂
 
Nearly all participants on previous courses have travelled by the above method, and they have described it as straightforward and easy.

Equipment hire

If you need to rent equipment, that is no problem, just let us known in advance. You will receive a list of required items upon booking.

Skills level

Difficulty

Endurance

    

No previous avalanche skills necessary. Must be able to travel on skis or snowshoes.

Difficulty



Endurance

No previous avalanche skills necessary. Must be able to travel on skis or snowshoes.

Course Itinerary

We use first evening inside with theory, the rest of the course is practical instruction outside, traveling in avalanche terrain.

Dates

G = Guaranteed to run
F = Full
W = Women only
D = Extra good deal, have a look!

Other dates available upon request. 

Equipment

Upon registration we will send you a complete equipment list. There should not be any surprises on the equipment list. We will be using standard ski touring equipment and we have a good amount of rental gear available.

Prices

3600,- NOK pr person
Minimum 4 participants

Included

Included in Price:
– all guide/instructor fees and expenses.
– all instructional material and location rental.

Not Included in Price:
– personal ski/avalanche rescue equipment and clothing.
– transportation to/from course location.
– lodging.
– travel insurance