Avalanche Skills Course 2 (ASC2)

Who is this course for?

This Avalanche Skills Course 2 (Formerly Backcountry Avalanche course), designed by the Mountain Safety Council, is for climbers and mountaineers to further develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of avalanches and how to avoid them. It is the perfect course for those regularly traveling in snow-covered alpine terrain.

This course is designed to build upon the knowledge learned through an Avalanche Awareness course or similar.

Participants should be competent in all of the course outcomes from the NZAC's Basic Snowcraft Course (INSERT LINK) and have attended an Avalanche Awareness or similar course in the last 5 years.

Please do not apply if you are not competent in the course outcomes from the NZAC Avalanche Awareness Course and the course outcomes from the NZAC Basic Snowcraft Course.

Course Syllabus

Avalanche Basics

• Avalanche characteristics
• Identification of avalanche terrain
• Types of avalanche
• Snowpack
• What is an avalanche path
• Avalanche size
• Transceiver checks
• Equipment for traveling in the alpine environment

Pre-trip Planning

• Avalanche Advisory
• Systems and checklists for trip planning
• Weather forecasts
• Snow stability checklists
• Intentions (safety code)

Avalanche Assessment

• Weather
• Snowpack factors
• Recognising Avalanche Terrain
• Human Factors
• Decision making tools

Movement in Avalanche Terrain

• Safe travel techniques and etiquette
• Route selection
• Track setting

Companion Rescue

• What to pack
• Skilful transceiver use

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is provided. Accommodation is also provided the night before the course starts.

INSTRUCTION

the course will be run in a minimum 1:6 instructor to participant ratio, headed by fully qualified and experienced Avalanche Risk Management Level 6 instructors. All participants must agree to follow the course tutors instructions and directions. Six participants maximum per group. The course has a capacity of 12 participants.

FOOD

Food for all participants is provided. It is the participants responsibility to arrange the cooking of the food and the cleaning up after in groups. Participants should bring their own snacks for the course and a bag/container to put a packed lunch in. Please note food prefereces and dietary requirments when registering for the course to assist with meal planning.

Dinner is provided on Monday night followed by breakfast, lunch and dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday breakfast and lunch is provided.

PRE COURSE LEARNING

Participants are required to complete a short E-Learning course ahead of the ASC2. A link to this will be sent upon registering. Additionally, participants will be sent a copy of the Avalanche Awareness in Aotearoa book.

Participants should read and be familiar with this book before the course starts.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

The course includes a formal assessment of avalanche rescue skills. On successful completion, a Certificate of Competence is issued. Participants also receive a Certificate of Attendance. Participation in the assessment is optional.

GETTING THERE AND COURSE START

Travel details and course start will be included in the Course Registrations as they differ for North Island and South Island courses.

COURSE FEES

The course fees include all instruction, course resources, accommodation and food. Accommodation on the night prior to the course is also included.

Course fees are released at the start of each course registration period.

No refunds will be available should you cancel within 60 days of the course start. Any refunds are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the NZAC National Office and may depend on whether a replacement can be found.

No refunds are due for courses voluntarily reduced in length. If weather and/or conditions require the course objectives/itinerary to be modified no refund is due. Some course costs may be returned if they have not been incurred.

No refunds are due for leaving the course for medical or fitness reasons. Exceptional circumstances may be considered and are at the discretion of the NZAC.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND RISK DISCLOSURE

The Course Instructor will have Emergency Management Procedures in place and a satellite phone to immediately contact rescue services in the case of an accident or emergency. It is encouraged to take your own personal beacon if you own one.

The natural environment and climbing activities can involve risks. While recognising that the course organisers and instructors are doing their best to manage these risks, and agreeing to accept their direction whenever required, you must accept personal responsibility for your own actions and safety. You must also accept to follow the instructions of the Course Leader and other instructors at all times.

All participants on the course are expected to be as honest and transparent as possible about their experience and fitness as part of their application. If a participant's lack of fitness/ability severely affects the running of the course the participant(s) may be asked to not participate in certain activities. Arrangements may be made to evacuate the participant(s) at their own cost. The instructor is the final arbiter in these decisions.

GEAR LIST

Some NZAC Sections hire mountaineering equipment. It is the individual participants responsibility to hire and return the kit.

Please be careful purchasing any climbing or mountaineering equipment online. The NZAC recommends kit is purchased from a reputable outdoor retailer. This ensures your kit meets international standards and is not fraudulent. See https://www.theuiaa.org/uiaa/is-your-equipment-really-certified/ for more information.

OPTIONAL EXTRA ITEMS

Altimeter, Inclinometer, Snow saw, GPS, Poles, PLB, Gaiters