Avalanche training level 1 for beginners | day course with mountain guide

Why do avalanches occur and how can you consciously keep the risk low when ski touring and freeriding?

Technics
Endurance
To the dates and registration

We show you how to assess and judge the avalanche danger in deep snow. We also practise how to use an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Searching for and rescuing buried victims is one of the basics and must be practised. We look at the various topics on a leisurely ski tour and can thus enjoy a nice ski tour on the one hand and train practically on the other.

It is advisable to attend an avalanche awareness evening (Zurich, Bern, Churonline). This makes it easier to combine theory and practice.

The following courses are available:

  • Avalanche training day for users and refreshers
  • Training weekends
  • Ski touring coaching courses

  • Venue & meeting point

    We adapt the venue to the prevailing conditions and weather. The aim is to hold the course at a location that is easily accessible by public transport. Possible locations are Central Switzerland (Engelbergertal / Andermatt) and Eastern Switzerland (Glarus or Nordbünden). We may go to the Oberalp Pass at the beginning of the season or use the infrastructure of a ski resort (possibly Engelberg).

  • Course content

    During this training day, we will learn the basics of avalanche rescue and avalanche risk assessment. This lays the foundation for guided tours and independent tours. We organise applied training. It is important to us to train practically and in the terrain and to experience a cool ski tour at the same time.

    • Handling safety equipment
      • Searching with LVS
      • Sounding
      • Shovels in group
    • Avalanche basics
      • Formation of avalanches (5 factors)
      • Typical avalanche patterns and their characteristics
    • Decision-making tools in the field
      • Understanding the avalanche bulletin
      • 3×3 Planning
      • Graphical reduction method

  • Requirements

    • No previous ski touring experience required.
    • Experience in skiing on the slopes.
    • Condition for short ski tours with around 600 m ascent at a comfortable pace (~250 m/h).
    • Splitboarders are welcome.

  • Group size

    • Takes place with 5 - 8 guests per mountain guide.

  • Price and services

    • CHF 195.-
    • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
    • Excluding travel expenses, possible train tickets, personal consumption.
    • In cooperation with Ski Rental Zueri, we also offer a great set price for ski touring hire equipment. Everything - skis, boots, safety set, rucksack, poles - is available for a flat rate of CHF 100. You can add this to your shopping basket and collect it from Ski Rental.
    • We also offer great deals on ski tour hire equipment:
      • Ski Rental Zueri
        • Complete equipment, i.e. skis, boots, safety set, rucksack and poles
          Flat rate for CHF 100.
        • You can add this to your shopping basket and collect it from Ski Rental.
      • Sport Trend Shop Hinwil
        • Touring ski package (touring skis incl. skins and crampons, touring boots, touring poles)
          CHF 60 for one-day courses and CHF 80 for two-day courses
        • Package Safety (avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and probe):
          CHF 20 for one-day courses and CHF 25 for two-day courses
        • You can collect this from the Sport Trend Shop with our booking confirmation and pay there. Please contact STS in advance to reserve the equipment. Collection on Friday and return by Tuesday.

  • Material and equipment

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably directly at Jonas or via the Contact form. 

That's what our guests say:

  • Matthias Baumgardt

    Good practical course. Very competent management, consideration for weaker participants, good mix of theory and practice

  • cléo perrin

    Second time on touring skis, and I loved every part of the day. It was not about going far, but about avalanche knowledge. From identifying the dangers and dealing with the consequences of an avalanche (security kit usage), I definitely learnt a lot. Kevin was for sure an amazing instructor!

  • Claudius Hinterhäuser

    Perfect introduction to touring, whether with splitboard or skis. Highly recommended!

  • Dominik Hetzer

    Very good basic training with a great mix of theory, training and realistic exercises - there is enough time for questions and a bit of fun :-) - actually also perfect for a refresher.

Impressions: Avalanche training day level 1 for beginners

How to get to the basics of avalanche management with us:

As Private Tour on your desired date with your group:

Book as a private tour

As Voucher give your favourite as a gift:

Give as a gift voucher

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Information on endurance and technique

Here you will find an explanation of the levels of our courses and tours. If you are not sure whether the tour or course is suitable for you, then contact us!

Technics

Technique 1 - For beginners

An easy tour and suitable for beginners. The terrain is moderate.

Technique 2 - Normal tour

A "normal" tour and easily doable with some previous knowledge. Only short sections are a little steeper or more technical. This tour can be taken after a basic course.

Technique 3 - More demanding tour

A more challenging tour that requires some practice. There are some steep and technical passages. If you have a bit of experience and want to embark on an adventure, this is the right place for you!

Technique 4 - Difficult

Demanding tour that requires a good level of experience and skill. There are always longer steep and technical passages. For the experienced and adventurous!

Endurance

Stamina 1 - Cosy

Leisurely tour at a slow pace with 500 - 800 metres of altitude difference per day, ~250 - 300 hm / h.

Stamina 2 - Normal

"Normal" tour at a leisurely pace with 800 - 1000 vertical metres per day, ~300 hm / h.

Endurance 3 - Sporty

Longer tour at a normal pace with around 1200 metres in altitude per day, ~350 m / h.

Endurance 4 - Very enduring

Long tours at a normal, flowing pace from 1500 metres in altitude per day, ~350 - 400 hm / h.

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