The avalanche awareness programme provides essential introductory information for skiers and snowboarders who need the basic knowledge required to help them make decisions about their personal safety when in avalanche terrain.

The course provides foundation knowledge only and MSC recommends that course participants travel in the backcountry with experienced leaders until they have gained sufficient understanding of avalanche phenomena to make sound judgements for themselves.

The course covers a wide range of topics on avalanche safety including:

• Mountain weather
• Decision making 
• Avalanche terrain 
• Route selection 
• Companion rescue 
• Safety equipment

Lectures are held in the evening, lasting around two hours. Lecture attendance is a prerequisite for attendance at the field-days.

Field days are focused on practical work and last a full day.
Description: The course is aimed at those with little avalanche knowledge. This course will suit those who intend to travel on alpine terrain and are looking for entry-level instruction.

Pre-requisites: Solid movement skills on snow.

Learning outcomes: Participants are expected to complete this programme with a general awareness of:

• The avalanche phenomenon
• Issues related to decision making
• Terrain factors
• Practical techniques for companion rescue

Assessment: The course does not have a formal assessment but participants will receive a ‘certificate of attendance'.

Instructor qualifications: Registered Avalanche Awareness Instructor.

Terrain: The course is to be taught on non-technical terrain (rope protection not required for safety) at any time of year above the bushline, but does not include any glaciated slopes. Factors to be considered include slope angle (< 30 degrees) and avalanche danger. This includes exposure from above as well as on the specific terrain feature. These factors must be documented on the MSC Snow Stability Form.

Enrol Online

You can check out when and where this course is running on the Mountain Safety Council website:

Mountain Safety Council website training area