AVALANCHE AWARENESS & SELF-RESCUE TRAINING COURSE
A training program designed for those who practice winter mountain activities and want to truly understand snow, recognize hazardous situations, and respond effectively in the event of an avalanche.
The course combines clear theoretical instruction and realistic field practice, with rescue simulations that closely replicate real-life scenarios.
What You Will Learn
How to read and correctly interpret the Avalanche Bulletin
Understanding snow metamorphism and its role in snowpack stability
Recognizing the conditions that favor avalanche release
Analyzing the surface and internal layers of the snowpack through snow profiles and stability tests
Organizing and managing an effective avalanche self-rescue
Improving speed, method, and team coordination during an ARTVA (avalanche transceiver) search
Theoretical Content
Through PowerPoint presentations and educational videos, the following topics will be covered:
Evolution and metamorphism of the snowpack
Relationship between snowpack structure and avalanche hazard
Types of avalanches
Practical interpretation of the Avalanche Bulletin
Fundamentals of snow science (nivology) and snowpack stability
Roles, timing, and priorities in avalanche self-rescue
Available Programs
Program A – 1 Day
Classroom-based theory
An intensive one-day course focused on understanding snow science and avalanche risk.
Ideal for participants seeking solid theoretical foundations in nivology and self-rescue.
✔ PowerPoint presentations and videos
✔ Snow metamorphism and avalanche hazard
✔ Avalanche Bulletin interpretation
✔ Organization of avalanche self-rescue
Program B – 1.5 Days
Theory + field practice
Day 1 – Evening session
Theoretical introduction with PowerPoint and videos
Nivology, snowpack stability, and avalanche self-rescue
Day 2 – Field day
Practical study of the snowpack through snow profiles and stability tests
Analysis of snow layers and metamorphism
Avalanche self-rescue training
The practical session takes place in a four-antenna ARTVA training field, with realistic rescue simulations involving multiple buried victims at varying depths.
Rescue exercise phases:
Simulated emergency call to 112
ARTVA search
Probing
Marking and memorizing victim locations
Strategic shoveling
Goal: to improve effectiveness and speed while reducing response time and errors.
Program C – 2.5 Days
Complete and advanced training
The most comprehensive program, designed for those who want to develop autonomy, decision-making skills, and risk awareness.
Theory
Theoretical content common to the previous programs
Field Practice – 2 Days
Ski touring and snowshoeing trips
Snowpack study along the route using snow profiles and stability tests
Trip planning based on snow and weather conditions
Route selection and avalanche risk assessment
Changing locations to compare different snowpack conditions
Advanced avalanche self-rescue exercises
Why Join This Course
✔ Clear, practical, and progressive approach
✔ Realistic and targeted field exercises
✔ Increased risk awareness
✔ Greater safety for you and your mountain partners