Course Outline
Over the 6-day course we will integrate a Level 1 avalanche course into every aspect of our learning environment. Every day will begin and end with a group planning session where we review relevant information and data related to snow stabilty on our chosen objectives, learn easy-to-use methods for making responsible decisions as a group in avalanche terrain.
This is a fun course, with a heavy emphasis on learning outcomes. We start most days at 7:30 AM and generally finish around 4-5 PM. In every course we organize a final 2-day overnight itinerary using either a hut or a bivouac shelter. Some course we have been able to bring on guest instructors such as Glen Plake for portions of the week.
The Avalanche Level 1 curriculum and decision-making process will be interwoven into the other course goals which include:
-Crevasse rescue specific to skiers and snowboarders
-Basic snow and ice mountaineering skills (crampon and ice axe use, principles of belaying and rapelling, snow, ice and rock anchors)
-Uphill skinning techniques
-Downhill skiing techniques, including steep skiing technique and coaching
-Navigation using analog and digital tools
-Tracking and analyzing daily, weekly, and seasonal trends in snow stability
-Choosing objectives based on stability and quality
-Learning to systematically manage the human factors which commonly lead to accidents
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Morning meeting, course overview, discussion of participant goals and experience. Risk management plan. Review avalanche types and characteristics, introduce the AIARE fieldbook and daily plan process. Create short tour plan on non-glaciated terrain. Example: Le Tour back bowls, Brevent, Le Flegere. Debrief in town.
Day 2: Morning meeting and group-led daily tour plan. Review layers in the snowpack and their formation. Identify location for crevasse rescue training in the context of a tour. Crevasse rescue training. Example: Grand Montets, Argentiere Glacier. Debrief in town.
Day 3: Morning meeting and group-led daily tour plan. Review the human factors of group decision making in avalanche terrain. Choose a tour where the use of crampons and ice axe can me used in ascent, rappeling, and or belaying techniques. Examples: Col d’Encrenez, Col du Belvedere, Glacier du Mort. Debrief in town.
Day 4: Morning meeting and group-led daily tour plan. Explore navigation techniques and trip planning options. Plan a glaciated 1-day itinerary using high mountain lifts to access steeper terrain. Practice safe travel skills and group management. Examples: Grand Envers, Aiguille d’Entreves (shoulder), Col du Passon.
Day 5-6: Overnight tour. Morning meeting and group-led daily tour plan. Review emergency preparedness and procedures, emergency communication protocols, basic medical protocols. Execute awesome 2-day itinerary. Example: Col du Chardonnet to Refuge Albert 1ere,
Chamonix Freeride School dates 2024/25:
December 2024, 13th-15th and 20th-22nd
January 11-16, 2025
Febrary 15-20, 2025
Course Cost:
1225 Euros (maximum 4:1 ratio)
Includes: Instruction for IFMGA mountain guide. Group technical equipment. Transport during skiing days.
Excludes: Personal skiing and snowboarding equipment, lift passes, lodging in Chamonix.
