Avalanche and risk management workshop with mountain guide | Avalanche theory evening

Prepare yourself properly for winter and learn from the experts. We teach you the basics of avalanche awareness and decision-making using case studies.

Venues:

Zurich
Lucerne
Bern

To the dates and registration

On this evening, we will teach you the basics of avalanche awareness. How does an avalanche develop and what factors play a role in avalanche formation? You will gain an insight into avalanche science with illustrative graphics and interactive exercises. Building on this, we will show you the tools you need to assess the avalanche risk and make decisions in planning and in the terrain. This way you can refresh your knowledge or learn the basics and be more aware on your next ski tours and freeride days. We work with the documents of the avalanche training core team and you will receive a compact teaching aid for repetition and consolidation at home. We look forward to diving into avalanche awareness with you.

After the avalanche awareness theory evening, it is advisable to take part in the subsequent programmes:

Day courses:

Weekend courses:

Four-day courses:

  • Course content

    Avalanche awareness

    • Avalanche types & basics of development
      • Dust avalanche
      • Snow slab avalanche
      • Wet snow avalanche
    •  Avalanche problems
      • Drifting snow
      • Fresh snow
      • Old snow
      • Wet snow
      • Gliding snow
    •  Snow cover structure
      • Weak layers
      • Crystal shapes
    • Decision-making aids and planning tools
      • 3×3 & Graphical reduction method
      • Ski touring guru
    • Case studies
  • Venue Zurich

    • Locality:
      Schütze neighbourhood centre
      Heinrichstrasse 238
      Zurich 8005
    • Time: 18:30
    • Duration: approx. 2 hours
    • For those who need a short after-work and "post-theory workout": there is a simple bouldering wall on the school grounds next to the Schütz neighbourhood centre.

  • Venue Bern

    • Locality:
      Transa Bern
      Bubenbergpl. 9
      Bern
    • Time: 6:00 pm
    • Duration: approx. 2 hours

  • Venue Lucerne

      • Locality:
        Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Business
        Room 4.08, 4th floor
        Zentralstrasse 9
        6002 Lucerne
      • Time: 18:30
      • Duration: approx. 2 hours

  • Requirements

    • You do not need any previous knowledge of avalanche awareness
    • The course is held in German.
  • Group size

    • Up to 20 participants in a quiet theory room
  • Price and services

    • Practice-oriented avalanche instruction according to "Swiss Mountain Training".
    • Teaching material of the Avalanche Training Core Team (KAT)
    • Theory material
      • Leaflet "Attention avalanches"
      • Introduction to the online features of the "Beware of avalanches" app

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably via the Contact form

That's what our guests say:

  • Michel Fries

    florian knows a lot about snow/avalanches and brought the complex topic across clearly
  • Inga Kersting

    Very impressive, entertaining evening with lots of important information and a useful flyer

Impressions: Avalanche Theory Evening

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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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