Basic Avalanche Course

Photos: Ismaele Tortella
  • 2.5 days
  • 16+
  • Basic
  • Tromsø area
  • Up to 6 persons
  • 3 500

Time: Starts Friday, 5pm - Ends Sunday, 4pm

Learn the basics to avoid getting caught in an avalanche!

Join us this winter for a full weekend basic avalanche course. You will get an understanding of different types of avalanches and the underlying avalanche problem and learn how to identify them when out in the mountains. You will also learn how to read the terrain and the avalanche forecast to be able to plan a safe trip.

In addition to provide you with the necessary skills to avoid getting caught in an avalanche, we will also spend time on training with your avalanche safety equipment and how to use it efficiently in case of an avalanche accident.

For this course you don’t need any previous avalanche knowledge. However, you are expected to have some experience ski touring, and off-piste/ backcountry skiing.

The course consists of a theory session in the evening of the first day to get familiar with the group, basic terms and an introduction in theoretical aspects that will be connected to exercises in the field on the days outside. The two full course days are spent outside.

Topics we cover in the course:

  • Identification of avalanche terrain (both inside using maps and map-tools, as well as outside when navigating the ski tour)

  • Terrain management

  • Introduction in snowpack dynamics and stability

  • Training companion rescue and use of the avalanche safety equipment

  • Group dynamics and good practices when travelling in avalanche terrain

Booking

Booking and prices are per person. The course will be confirmed with a minimum amount of participants of 4 people.

Language

This course can be held in both Norwegian and English, depending on the bookings for the specific course.

What is included:

  • Course instruction from a certified avalanche course instructor.

  • Two days outside on skis in different types of terrain suitable to the course progression.

  • An introduction to avalanche safety

  • Perfect for you who have tried ski-touring already, but want to be more safe with your own assessments.

  • 2,5 day course in total, including theory session and two days on skis.

What is not included:

  • Ski touring equipment: Rental available from www.tromsooutdoor.com.

  • Driving: You need to organise your own transport to the meeting location you agree with the guide. If you want us to organise transport/driving for you, choose the "transport/driving included"-option when booking.

  • Avalanche equipment: Book with us or at www.tromsooutdoor.com.

  • Clothes for ski touring.

Included / Not included

Please ensure you bring the following items:

  • Ski-touring equipment (touring skis/splitboard, ski touring/snowboard boots, poles & skins)

  • Avalanche equipment (shovel, probe and avalanche beacon)

  • Ski crampons or splitboard crampons (mandatory)

  • Backpack 30-40 liter

  • Helmet & ski goggles

  • Windproof and waterproof shell jacket and pants

  • Down Jacket

  • Mid-layer fleece

  • Wool or synthetic fiber base layer

  • Wool socks

  • Two pairs of gloves/mittens

  • Beanie

  • Sunglasses, sun protection, and sports tape

  • Headtorch

  • 1.5 litres of hot or cold beverage

  • Snacks and adequate food for a full-day excursion

    IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, always pack an additional down jacket or vest, along with a beanie and two pairs of mittens / ski gloves in each group members backpack. A rescue situation caused by a troubled knee will last at least 3-4 hours.

    If you need rental gear, please reserve your touring package and avalanche safety package in advance at www.tromsooutdoor.com or www.tromsoskisykkel.no.

    Use the discount code "tromsoskiguides" (lowercase) to receive a 15% discount. You must also rent or bring a ski helmet and ski goggles.

Equipment & packing list

Responsibility:

As a guest, you have a co-responsibility for following the instructions and recommendations of the guide. In addition, you are obliged by Norwegian law to tell your instructor or Tromsø Ski Guides if you have any injuries or medical conditions that may affect the trip as a whole.

Insurance:

Tromsø Ski Guides has liability insurance for our instructors. We do not offer travel insurance, cancellation insurance or accident insurance to our guests. All guests must purchase their own travel and accident insurance through their own insurance agency.

Cancelation policy:

All prices includes a 5% administration fee, this is non-refundable. For the remaining course price, the following terms for refund applies in case of a cancellation:

  • More than 21 days before: Full refund of the course price to your account or as a TSG gift card (without the non-refundable 5% admin fee).

  • 21 to 7 days before: 50% refund of the course price to your account or 75% refund as a TSG gift card.

  • Less than 7 days before: No refund, or 25% refund of the course price as a TSG gift card.

If we cancel the course because of too few participants, TSG will try to reschedule. If rescheduling the course is not possible or if the new dates does not fit you, you will get a full refund of the course price to your account (without the non-refundable 5% admin fee). If you choose a refund as a TSG gift card, you will get both the course price and the administrative fee as value on this.

Terms & Conditions

Request private dates by sending us an email

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