Chamex avalanche safety course L1

Planning & Preparation
Using local information, avalanche bulletins, weather forecasts, maps, and technology to plan and prepare; route selection;

Reading the Terrain
Where and why do avalanches occur? Reading terrain features, identifying avalanche start zones, key observations for snowpack and weather, carrying out snowpack tests.

Avalanche Basics & Characteristics
Avalanche types and size classification; terminology of avalanches, terrain, and snow.

Snowpack & Weather
Understanding mountain snowpack development and the weather events that lead to formation of strong and weak layers. Use of avalanche & snow pit tools: inclinometer, compass, probe, saw, shovel, and thermometer.

Communication & Decision Making
Discussing terrain, snowpack, and weather discussion for trip planning; consideration of human factors and managing risk; use of decision tools, checklists, contingencies, emergency plans; trailhead check of beacons and equipment; managing group in terrain, travel protocols & group communication; end of day review, observations and reflections with group.

Basic Avalanche Companion Rescue
Correct use of beacon, shovel, and probe; simple one and two person burial techniques; incident response, leadership, safety, checklists; developing a plan based upon terrain, avalanche size, and resources; response as an avalanche victim and as a rescuer; special problems / common mistakes; role of first aid and emergency response in real avalanche rescues.

The only pre-requisites for this course are that you can ski or snowboard well on the piste and are comfortable skiing gentle off-piste terrain. You will use ski touring equipment during the course, but previous ski touring experience is not required.

Snowboarders – you don’t need previous touring experience if you are using snowshoes. If you are using a split board you will have to know how to set the board up quickly and efficiently by yourself. Split boards are tricky to use and you will have no time to learn how to set up the board during the course.