Avalanche Course

Avalanche Course – 2-day Avalanche Safety Course

Learn Avalanche Safety in the Majestic Norwegian Mountains

Are you passionate about backcountry skiing, snowboarding, or mountaineering? Our 2-day Avalanche Course is designed to equip you with the essential skills to navigate avalanche terrain, ensuring your adventures remain both thrilling and safe.

Course Overview

This comprehensive 2-day avalanche safety course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and hands-on training you need to recognize avalanche risks and respond effectively. Guided by certified instructors with years of field experience, you will master the use of essential safety equipment, terrain assessment, effective rescue techniques, and most importantly.

Why Choose Our Avalanche Course?

• Small Group Sizes: Maximum 6 participants per group, ensuring personalized instruction.

• Highly Experienced Instructors: All instructors are certified by either Norsk Fjellsportforum (NF) or Nortind or CAA and have extensive field experience in Norwegian and international mountain ranges.

• Unique Terrain Training: Our courses take place in the stunning Oppdal or Sunndal regions, offering varied avalanche terrain for real-world experience.

What You'll Learn

Over the two days, you’ll learn to find good snow for skiing, enjoy the winter terrain and learn valuable skills that could save your life and the lives of others. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Day 1: Avalanche Theory & Equipment Mastery

• Morning Session:

  • Introduction to avalanche dynamics: Understanding how avalanches form and the conditions that trigger them.

  • Terrain evaluation: Identifying safe versus dangerous areas and how slope angles affect avalanche risk.

  • Equipment Training: Hands-on practice with avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels.

  • Group Dynamics: Learn how to travel safely as a group, recognizing and managing risks effectively.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Beacon Practice: Simulate real rescue scenarios using transceivers and practice pinpoint searches.

  • Snowpack Analysis: Learn how to dig a snow pit and analyze layers to evaluate avalanche risks.

  • Rescue Simulation: Full hands-on practice of a companion rescue scenario.

Day 2: On-Mountain Practice & Real-Life Scenarios

• Morning Session:

  • Terrain Travel Techniques: Learn safe travel techniques in avalanche-prone areas, focusing on decision-making in challenging terrain.

  • Route Planning: Practice choosing the safest route based on real-time conditions.

  • Observation Skills: Identify natural signs of avalanche activity and use decision-making frameworks.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Companion Rescue Training: Participate in full rescue scenarios with multiple participants, learning how to work efficiently as a team.

  • Advanced Snowpack Analysis: More in-depth analysis of snow layers to solidify your understanding of snow stability testing.

Course Details

• Dates: Available throughout the winter season from week 1-15.

• Duration: 2 Full Days (08:30 – 15:30).

• Location: Oppdal or Sunndal, Norway (Varied terrains including forested areas and alpine slopes).

• Course Fee: NOK 3,500

Meet Your Instructors

Our lead instructors have over 10 years of guiding experience in Norway and abroad, with multiple certifications including:

• NF or CAA Certified Avalanche Instructor or Nortind professional Guide

• First aid qualifications

• Extensive fieldwork Norway and abroad

Lead instructor: Andreas Wenk is a professional year round guide with certifications from Norsk Fjellsportforum, Nortind, CAA and is a member of the local alpine rescue team. He is known for his engaging teaching style and a deep passion for safety in the mountains.

FAQs

What should I bring? 

Personal equipment:

• Randonée/touring skis and bindings with walk mode. Alternatively. You can use Telemark skis, splitboard and/or snowshoes.

• climbing skins adapted for your skis/splitboard

•  poles

•  clothing/equipment for skiing in the winter mountains. Remember extra gloves/mittens and a well-insulated jacket

•  map of the relevant area and compass. A printed and/or digital map is ok. 

•  “Varsom” app downloaded on your mobile phone

•  small first aid kit

•  inclinometer (recommended). An app, ski pole inclinometer or compass works fine.

•  food and drink for a full day outside

•  backpack with enough space for everything (we recommend 30-45 litres)

Avalanche safety equipment*

• transceiver

• shovel

• probe

• avalanche airbag (optional)

* If you need to rent any of the above avalanche safety equipment, let us know and we can help you get what you need for the course.

Is this course suitable for beginners? Yes! Our course is designed for those with little or no previous experience. However, some skiing or snowboarding ability is required.

Are accommodations included? Accommodation is not included, but we can recommend local lodges with special rates for our participants.

How to Register

Ready to embark on your avalanche safety journey? Register Now to secure your spot in our next course.

Why This Course Matters

Learn to find the best snow and understand the risks associated with travelling in avalanche terrain. With our training, you'll learn how to avoid these dangers and make informed decisions to protect yourself and your group. The skills you gain here could mean the difference between a fun day in the mountains and a dangerous situation.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Learning Experience

Whether you're an avid skier, snowboarder, or mountaineer, mastering avalanche safety is essential for your winter adventures. Book your spot today and gain the skills and confidence you need to explore safely.

Contact Us

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us:

• Phone: +47 7240 4180

• Email: post@opplevoppdal.no

• Follow Us: Facebook, Instagram

Course dates ´24/´25 season:

Dec 14- 15

Open registration every weekend during weeks 1-15 during the 2025 winter season. 
*Minimum 3 participants must be registered for a weekend course to take place