Basic Avalanche Training Course for Skiing
This 2-day training course for experienced skiers focuses on avalanche theory, terrain assessment. safety equipment, and search techniques. You will learn and practice methods for safe trip preparation and execution, and work on the life-saving skills needed in the event of an avalanche. Real-life practice in the mountains of the Jungfrau Region will prepare you for safe and smart winter tours.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
You are a very experienced skier; black slopes are no problem. You have skied off-piste for at least 3 days and you have completed your first ski tour. A hiking duration of 3 hours with a backpack is not a problem for you.
- Tour planning with the 3x3 formula
- Interpretation of the avalanche bulletin
- Weather science
- Applying the 3x3 formula out in the terrain
- Snow properties/ snow pack
- Track setting
- Safety measures ascent/ descent
- Partner rescue
You will learn the basics of avalanche theory, safety equipment, terrain assessment and partner rescue. This course will help you reduce your risk through best practices and prepare you for a multiple-burial rescue situation.
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 490 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 1890 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 490 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Day 1: Theory and avalanche training
You will meet your mountain guide in Grindelwald and begin by discussing important aspects of avalanche theory such as the 3x3 formula, avalanche bulletin interpretation and the influence of weather. Afterwards you will take the cable car to First and begin putting your theory to practice on the mountain. You will examine the snowpack and learn that not all snow is the same; looks can be deceiving. The evening will be spent preparing for the following day’s excursion which will put the 3x3 formula into practice. You will spend the night at the Waldspitz mountain hut and enjoy some of the best views of Grindelwald.
Day 2: Partner rescue with transceiver, shovel and probe
On a tour to the Reeti you will consider your planning from the previous evening and see if your expectations match reality. You will evaluate the snowpack, slope angles, and make decisions regarding your track-setting and descent. The afternoon will be dedicated to partner rescue. You will discuss the different types of avalanche transceivers and the importance of carrying a shovel and probe. You will learn how to react in the event of a multiple-burial scenario. The course will end in the late afternoon in Grindelwald.
| 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
- 1 night in bunk room with half-board
- Tea for the next day
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for cable cars, ski lifts
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Ski touring boots or snowboard boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
- Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
- 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.