Avalanche Rescue Course
Mountain snow sports are more fun when they are safe. Our Avalanche Rescue course emphasises the importance of being proficient using your avalanche transceiver and mastering the proper search techniques. In the event of an avalanche, the first three minutes are crucial for a buried person, and at the Avalanche Training Centre (ATC) in the First ski area, you will have the opportunity to perform practice searches for multiple victims. This course is not only aimed at first timers; it is also a valuable refresher for experienced backcountry skiers, free riders, and anyone who is exploring off-piste. Prepare for a fun and safe season- keep up your avalanche rescue skills!
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Basic
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
Prior experience is not needed, though a little experience skiing off-piste might be helpful. This course is suitable for first timers, or also serves as a refresher course.
- Gear talk
- Partner rescue
- Snow properties/ snow pack
- Avalanche prevention
After this course you will understand the basics of partner rescue and be familiar with the use of avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels. You will know search methods for multiple burial scenarios and be familiar with the different types of transceivers that are available. This course will lay the foundation for further practice of life-saving skills.
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 215 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 790 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 215 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Theory and practice at First
In an emergency nothing is more important than efficient partner rescue. For a buried person, the first 3 minutes are vital and it is important that rescuers understand how to quickly and properly use their avalanche safety equipment. In the morning you will learn about different types of transceivers, and practice using your transceivers, shovels, and probes. At the computer-controlled ATC at First, you will practice searching for a multiple burial scenario and learn different search methods. In the afternoon you will head out into the terrain and try to interpret the current avalanche bulletin. This course is appropriate for first timers, and also acts as a refresher for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
| Season | December - April |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 8:45am Outdoor Shop and Café - Dorfstrasse 103, 3818 Grindelwald |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Use of the ATC set up at the ski area
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for cable cars, ski lifts
Backpack
- 20-25l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Ski pants
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Ski boots or snowboard boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Ski or snowboard equipment
- Ski poles
- LVS (avalanche transceiver)
- Avalanche probe
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche airbag (optional)
- Ski helmet (optional but recommended)
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.