7 days

This course provides the first level of professional training available, enabling participants to work in all sectors of the avalanche industry. 

During this course, you will firstly gain a sound understanding of underpinning theory in your own time. You will then move into solidifying these concepts in a supportive group setting during the on-snow/classroom sessions. 

The course is 12-weeks long. Ten modules will be delivered via online study for ten weeks. This will include 5, live online study sessions to answer questions and refine concepts. During this ten-week period, you will also be asked to practise on-snow skills. You will then undertake one week of practical and assessment and have one week of reflection, during which you will evaluate your next steps and complete any re-assessment as required. 

Graduates may be employed or work as volunteers under (direct or indirect) supervision, in a range of operations actively assisting in the management of avalanche hazard and risk including: ski areas, heli-ski operations, cat-skiing operations, snow-mobile operations, road contractors, alpine and other outdoor guiding and instruction operations, hunting, trekking, Department of Conservation, alpine search and rescue, and education providers.

 Please note: This qualification replaces the Avalanche Safety Stage 1 course.

 For more information see the links below: