Basic avalanche safety course
December — April
Almaty (Shymbulak/Ak-Bulak ski resorts) and Ridder (Stardust ski resort)
Safety while ascending and descending is the first and most important requirement for skiing in the mountains.
Very few people are unmoved by bright and colorful pictures of mountains, fluffy snow, forests of fir trees, steep rocky steeps and.. yes! A skier riding deftly and beautifully, cutting the soft slopes with perfect technique. Snowflakes flying in all directions, a feeling of flight, a sense of freedom, a sensation of a real happiness. The kind of euphoria that you can only get through being connected with the breathtaking greatness of nature. But not everyone who sees all this beauty pauses to think about all the threats that the mountains carry along with them.
An avalanche, even a small one, can cause injuries or death; the main goal of our course is therefore to teach you to ride safely, to assess avalanche danger on any given slope, and to analyze the stability of the snowpack in order to minimize your risk of triggering an avalanche.
The programme:
1. Understanding the basic rules of skiing off piste: how to work as a group, rules for moving on the hill, analysis of typical rider errors, etc.
2. Practical lessons on the use of avalanche equipment in the field. Training in search skills to rescue avalanche victims.
3. Navigating on avalanche-prone slopes. Mastering the theoretical principles of avalanche formation. Conducting analysis of the snow cover (snowfall types, snowpack structure and behavior of different types of snow layer).
4. Developing a system for riding safely: tracking changes in weather conditions, establishing general tactics, route planning, understanding the avalanche forecast, assessing slopes, developing plans and strategies, etc.
5. Developing practical skills to help you choose the safest line of descent on backcountry slopes. Learning to make logical, well-informed decisions.
Safety is paramount when riding in the mountains – both on the way up and the way down.
Course duration: 2 days
Number of participants: up to 6 per one instructor
Course cost: from €120 per person
Cost includes: 2 full days of theory and practice with a mountain guide and avalanche instructor, room rental for theory session (day 1).
Avalanche equipment rental (beeper, shovel, probe) is available on request.
Participants will need to purchase their own lift tickets.
Location of the course: Almaty: Shymbulak or Ak-bulak Mountain Resort depending on snow conditions and timing.
Ridder: Stardust ski resort.
Customization: Our team is flexible and always ready to create a special program upon your request, choosing the most convenient conditions and dates for you.
Day 1. Off the mountain:
Lecture topics: avalanches, types of avalanches, the most likely trigger points. Identifying avalanche terrain. The rules of riding in a group. Basics of risk management. Lecture on how to avoid dangerous situations when riding off piste and how to behave when an emergency occurs. The use of avalanche safety equipment.
Day 2. On the mountain:
Practical training in the use of avalanche equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe). Assessing the condition of the snowpack. Determining which slopes have the potential for avalanches. Learning to predict possible avalanche paths and choosing the safest lines down the mountain. Mastering the skill of choosing the safest lines down the mountain.
Avalanche Training Instructor – Dmitriy Rybalchenko
Mountain guide and avalanche safety expert with over 10 years of experience in Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and internationally.
He's a mountain rescue specialist (rescue team badge) with avalanche safety CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 certification.
You will need:
– Avalanche kit (transceiver, shovel, probe);
– Snowboard/ skis (suitable for freeride);
– Backpack;
– Helmet;
– Warm clothes (waterproof outer shell, fleece, down jacket in case of cold weather);
– Goggles and/or sunglasses;
– Sunscreen;
– Thermos and individual snacks;
– Notebook with a pencil.
