Authentic mountain experiences
Team transformation through avalanche safety and risk management
Learning to manage risk and communicate as a team through risk management in avalanche situations
Modern avalanche risk and safety management frameworks can help teams develop their communication and collaboration skills. Learn how to realistically assess and manage risk, moving safely through exposed terrain and learning to use avalanche safety equipment as a team.
You will follow the "Winter 1: Safety & Avalanches" module of the Swiss Mountain Training certification, with an introduction to the fundamentals of winter mountain risk management. This is a 1 day course for beginners in avalanche safety.
Objectives of the SMT 1 Module
Know your equipment
Understand the avalanche bulletin
Understand how to wear and operate your avalanche transceiver
Be aware of the main winter hazards (avalanches, cold, weather hazards, ledges, disorientation, falls...)
Have been introduced to the 3x3
Understand the 4 typical avalanche situations and be able to answer the question: "What is the main danger today?
Have understood the general risk reduction measures
Be able to perform a simple rescue
Programme
Start as indicated at the meeting point
Checking of equipment and introduction to the avalanche transceiver
Theoretical introduction, 3x3, bulletin reading
Observation of the conditions on site
Choice of route and departure for a hike with orientation exercises, search and rescue in the terrain
End around 16.30 hrs
Gear list
Rucksack (possibly Airbag) min 25 litres, charged telephone
Warm and breathable hiking clothes to handle the physical effort in winter weather; at least :
1st technical layer, e.g. wool (avoid cotton), also for legs
2nd warm layer such as a fleece jacket, plus a down jacket Gore-tex hiking trousers and jacket
Sunglasses / mask, sun cream, hat, one pair of gloves + one spare
Complete equipment for snowshoeing, with mountain hiking boots (high)
Avalanche transceiver (3 antennas + marking function), probe, shovel
Paper - pencil
Depending on the day's programme, small snack and hot drink (thermos).
Min 1 litre, max 2 litres of water
Personal belongings and medication
Services included
Coffee prepared on site with Moka, or welcome tea at the meeting point
SMT 1 course and supervision by a mountain leader with federal diploma / SMT expert
Safety equipment, snowshoes, sledges (if necessary) and poles according to available stock, contact us
Not included
Transport or lifts (if necessary)
Rental of equipment not in stock (sledges, avalanche transceivers, snowshoes etc.)
Picnic and drinks to take with you
