Skip to main content

Avalanche rescue course

This course is dedicated to the avalanche rescue techniques and principles. You will in great detail about the avalanche safety equipment, companion rescue processes and avalanche victim basic patient care.

ESSENTIAL LIFE SAVING SKILLS

Learn the most important safety skills for travelling in the winter mountains.

A3 RECOGNISED

This course is recognised and certified by the American Avalanche Association (A3).

CERTIFICATION

This course has an evaluation component. We provide a completion certificate at the end of the course.

AVALANCHE COMPANION RESCUE COURSE THOUGHT BY UIAGM AND A3 CERTIFIED GUIDES

This A3 certified avalanche rescue course is essential to anyone considering venturing off-piste. It is recommended that you re-take it at the beginning of every winter season to refresh life-saving rescue skills that you may one day depend upon.

Our courses are unique as you will benefit from instruction by fully qualified UIAGM guides with years of professional experience in managing avalanche terrain and who are also following the curriculum approved by the A3.

The objective of the course is to prepare you for what to do in the case of an avalanche if either yourself or another person is swept away. You will be coached on how to assess a situation under pressure, lead and manage your rescue team, use avalanche rescue equipment to locate a lost person and provide the avalanche victim basic medical care. Your instructor will create realistic scenarios that you will find practical and applicable.

Each participant will receive a certificate acknowledging completion date at the end of the course.

This course is obligatory for those who wish to take the A3 Recreational L2 or PRO 1 courses, as it will provide you with the groundwork that you need to proceed to more advanced techniques. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn best practices in avalanche rescue techniques and equipment.

From: 190 €

Beginner

  • Dates on demand
  • Groups of 6 maximum
  • 1 day course
  • Available December – April
Clothing
Warm hat
Clothing
Thermal underwear
Clothing
Fleece or woollen layers
Clothing
Light puffer jacket
Clothing
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Clothing
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Clothing
Warm gloves
Clothing
Thin gloves
Technical gear
Splitboard
Technical gear
Snowboard boots
Technical gear
Ski goggles
Technical gear
Ski touring skis
Technical gear
Ski touring boots
Technical gear
Ski / splitboard skins
Technical gear
Ski poles
Technical gear
25 – 30 litres rucksack
Safety Equipment
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Other essentials
Sunglasses
Other essentials
Water bottle – Ideally two 1L bottles
Other essentials
Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)
Included in price

Guiding & Tuition

1 full day of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide and an AIARE qualified course leader.

Certificate

American Avalanche Association course certificate of completion.

Not included in price

Accommodation in Chamonix

Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.

Personal Equipment

Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course.  For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.

Food & Drink

The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.

Lift Passes

We will advise you on which lift passes you will need prior to your trip. If lift passes are required we can preorder them for you on request.

Travel to Chamonix

The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.