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Group Size
6 Students
per Instructor
Dates
Jan - March
Up & Down
Varies on conditions
and group
Accommodation
Klængshóll or Karlsá Lodge
based on double occupancy

Whether you have taken an avalanche course before and are looking to refresh or this is your first step in avalanche education this course is designed to provide a deeper and more thorough understanding of traveling in avalanche terrain, avalanche forecasting, rescue and equipment use.

This avalanche course is based on both the Canadian Avalanche Association and the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Educations curriculum. Bergmenn Mountain Guides is a UIAGM certified guide, owned and operated company, and all the instructors are certified ski guides with CAA Level 2  (Canadian Avalanche Association)  certification and have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the ski industry.

Our goal is to give you as much valuable information as possible to feel more comfortable in your decision making while traveling in avalanche terrain and to give you an insight into the thought process of avalanche professionals. We teach you to understand the terrain you are traveling through and to recognize the hazards that exist.  We discuss how weather affects the layers in the snow and how to use simple methods to check the stability of the snowpack. You will learn what safety equipment you should always carry with you and how to use it most effectively.  

Guest to Guide Ratio: 6:1

Course Requirements:
Participants should be intermediate or advanced skiers/snowboarders. All of our field time will be spent on alpine touring / split-board equipment and skin´s are required. See equipment list below. We are unable to accommodate snowshoe´s as a mode of uphill transportation.  Participants will be required to sign a waiver at the start of the course.

Dates & Prices

Please contact us for dates and prices.

Contact us

Included 

  • All food from dinner the evening of arrival to lunch on the last day (Breakfast buffet, packed lunch, 2  course dinners)
  • Accommodation in a Classic Double room with en-suite bathroom  for 2 nights 
  • The services and instruction of a professional certified ski touring guide for course
  • Use of group first aid equipment and communications (this does not include transceiver, shovel or probe)
  • Students field book and manual

Not included 

  • Transportation 
  • Equipment Rental (including avalanche safety gear)
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Personal Accident Insurance

Itinerary

Each day will include an inside component comprised of lectures and discussions and then a large part of the day spent in the field. The itinerary below is subject to change based on weather and conditions and is up to the guide.  Course will begin promptly at 13:00 Friday.

FRIDAY (arrival day)

13:00 Arrival to Klængshóll Lodge followed by introductions then course goals and objectives.  Discussion of Case Studies, Avalanche types and characters and terrain analysis. We will then do some transceiver practice and review emergency equipment and rescue scenarios.

SATURDAY

Breakfast at approximately 07:30 followed by getting out in the field for snowpack evaluation. We will discuss decision making, travel techniques, and field observations and further snowpack tests. Back at the lodge we will go over human factors and trip planning for the following day.

SUNDAY 

After an early breakfast we will spend a full day in the field reviewing the topics discussed during the previous 2 days. We will also focus on terrain analysis, route selection and safe travel techniques.  We typically wrap up the course around 16:00 to allow participants enough time to return to their respective homes.

PACKING LIST

CLOTHING

  • Wind and waterproof shell jacket (Gore Tex or equivalent)
  • Wind and waterproof pants (Gore Tex or equivalent)
  • Soft Shell (or fleece) jacket and pants (optional)
  • Base layer (wool or synthetic)
  • Light down or fiber jacket
  • Hat
  • Gloves (2 pairs)
  • Ski socks (wool or synthetic, avoid cotton)
  • Comfortable, casual clothing for class time and dinner
  • Bathing suit (there is a hot tub at the lodge)

MISC.

  • Sun and lip cream
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Small first aid kit with personal medications, blister kit etc
  • Repair Kit - Bring any spare parts specific to your bindings. The guides will carry a full repair kit so keep yours light.
  • Snacks
  • Pocket knife or Leatherman  (optional)
  • Camera (optional)

SKIING AND RIDING GEAR

  • Boots - Alpine touring, plastic telemark or comfortable snowboard boots
  • Ski touring skis, telemark or split board (we recommend skis with a waist width in the 95 to 120 range. *We are unable to accommodate snowshoes as a mode of uphill transportation.)
  • Skins and ski crampons (Ski crampons are not optional)
  • Ski poles (adjustable recommended, snowboarders should have 3-section poles that fit nicely on your pack)
  • Ski Straps - used for holding your skis together on your pack or your shoulder.
  • Avalanche transceiver, shovel,  probe (240 cm or longer)
  • Backpack 30-40 liters (with ski/board attachments)
  • Thermos or water bottle (1-2 liters)
  • Ski Goggles
  • Helmet (optional)

Some of the equipment on the list is available for rent. Please visit our GEAR page for further information or contact us for any questions you might have.