Course Outline

The Foundation-level avalanche course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, and rescue. This is an ideal first course for those new to travel in avalanche terrain and a great review or upgrade for anyone who has some experience or prior training but feels they need a skills "tune-up." The foundation course is designed as a stand-alone course for back-country travellers; it also serves as an introduction to avalanches and is a lead in to the advanced-level course for those who wish to progress. The training is structured with time spent in the field and in the classroom. There are well-defined objectives so that you can be clear on what you will come away with from the course.

Topics covered

Participants on the foundation-level course can expect a minimum of 4 hours of classroom instruction and about 10 to 12 hours of field instruction in the following subjects:
• Types of avalanches
• Characteristics of avalanches
• An introduction to how avalanches form and release
• Avalanche terrain
• Trip planning and preparation
• Travel techniques
• Decision making
• Avalanche rescue

Venues

For our 2008-09 courses we propose to use Chamonix as the venue for our scheduled Avalanche Awareness courses.
Bespoke courses can be run in Chamonix or any other resort on request.

 Timetable
The courses start at about 4:30pm on Day 1 with a 2-3 hour classroom sesssion.
Day 2 and Day 3 are full days on the mountain starting at about 8.30am and finishing at about 4pm. Both days finish with a review and wrap up session.

Course dates
In addition to the scheduled course dates we can run bespoke courses on request for private groups and individuals of all levels. Contact Mountain Tracks to discuss your requirements and check availability.

Price
The price includes all course fees, all training materials and the certification of training.

 Dates & Venues
All courses will take place in Chamonix
5-7 December
19-21 December
2-4 January
16-18 January
30 January-1 February
Other dates & venues available for private groups on request.

Course Duration
2½ days, the majority of which will be spent out on the mountain.

Our Instructors
The training will be provided by fully-qualified IFMGA Mountain Guides who are approved to teach the Foundation and Advanced-level awareness courses.
Our team includes Nick Parks, Julie-Ann Clyma, Roger Payne, Olly Allen and Annie Donovan.

Skill Level
The course is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers or boarders. Off-piste skiing experience is not required.

Group Numbers
The maximum number per instructor is 8. A minimum of 4 is required for a course to run.

Equipment
Participants will need to bring their own skis/boards, transceiver, shovel and probe and a day pack. On request the transceiver, shovel and probe can be hired from the instructor for £15 per set. For the classroom activities, you should bring a notebook and pen. Participants must also have a valid lift pass (for days 2 and 3 of the course)

Getting to Chamonix
The easiest way to get to Chamonix from the UK is to fly. The nearest airport is Geneva and the transfer time from the airport is about 75 minutes.
Our friends at Easyjet tend to have the most affordable flights and a comprehensive service that serves many UK regional airports including Bristol, Belfast, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Gatwick, Liverpool and Nottingham/East Midlands.
Check www.easyjet.com for more details.

Recommended accommodation in Chamonix
Accommodation is not included in the price of the courses. For anyone requiring accommodation there are lots of hotels in Chamonix starting at about £35 per night for B&B. Contact our office for more information.

What previous participants say
“The course was great - really interesting & informative. Great instructors & we all got a lot out of the course - will definitely recommend it!”

“Good balance of theory and practice. Excellent opportunity to learn how to use the search equipment. Raised all the questions I should be asking myself”

“Our instructor was excellent. I feel very lucky to have done the course with
someone of his caliber and experience. He was a great teacher for all of us who were at different levels and experience.”

"The course was excellent. Both Bill and I found it interesting and informative and again brought it back to us how difficult these situations are to operate in. Julie-Anne, was an excellent instructor and please pass on again, our thanks - especially when she organised the snow fall just before hand!!!!"

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured for off-piste skiing covering personal accident, rescue and third party risks. You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.
If you are looking to purchase insurance for your trip we recommend SNOWCARD. They specialise in travel insurance for adventure sports particularly skiing and snowboarding. Their rates for both single trip and annual policies are very competitive.

For details on their policies and to get a quote click here or contact our office for further details.