Mountain Awareness

If you are working in the Alps this winter*, or just want to get yourselves ready for the future, or are just interested in improving your mountain skills, then this is the place to be... We have teamed up with Mountain Tracks to offer you this great Mountain Awareness Ski Hosting Course and Mountain Awareness Mountaincraft Course; put NBV in the subject of your email to get a discount:

COURSE 1 – MOUNTAIN AWARENESS/SKI HOSTING

On this 1-day course participants will learn the requisite skills that will give them more confidence when skiing and boarding with clients on and off-piste.  During the morning sessions the focus will be on the roles and responsibilities of the ski host - what the job entails on a day-to-day basis; how to do it properly and so that it is fun, safe and memorable for the clients.

In the afternoon, the training will concentrate on the risks & hazards, dealing with incidents and exercising ‘due diligence – i.e. determining the level of judgement, prudence and care that the ranger/escort must maintain in order that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent injuries or accidents.

* If you are working this winter, check with your employer that you can get time off to do the course, before you book up.

Topics covered

1. Session 1 - The role of the ski host: resort awareness, off-mountain activities, on-mountain activities
2. Session 2 – Preparation, planning, ski host briefing, ski-way code
3. Session 3 – Leading groups, dealing with mixed ability groups, knowing where you can/must not go
4. Session 4 - Dealing with incidents, understanding risks and hazards, exercising due diligence
5. Session 5 – Emergency Care – basic first aid & life support

Trainer

The training will be provided by Mountain Tracks' team of IFGMA Mountain Guides

Course Locations

Chamonix, Courchevel, Morzine, Tignes/Val d'Isere, Val Thorens and Verbier

Course Duration

1 full day, the majority of which will be spent out on the mountain

Group Numbers

The maximum number per group is 12. A minimum of 6 is required for a course to run

Skill Level

This course is suitable for skiers of all standards except complete novices. It is particularly recommended for anyone who will be ‘ski-hosting' or planning to spend a lot of time on the slopes.

Cost

Check directly with Mountain Tracks for costs and dates.

COURSE 2 – MOUNTAIN AWARENESS/MOUNTAINCRAFT

This course is aimed at keen, competent skiers who want to learn some essential skills and tips to improve their confidence when skiing off-piste. The focus is on trip planning, navigation and understanding the risks and hazards associated with backcountry skiing. It is particularly recommended for skiers/boarders who are planning to spend the season in the Alps and are looking forward to enjoying as much time as possible riding off-piste.

Topics covered

1. Session 1 - The Avalanche hazard; how to recognise the danger and how to avoid it, followed by practical avalanche search and rescue scenarios
2. Session 2 - Discussion and demonstrations of the safety equipment that all skiers and boarders should carry at all times when skiing off-piste.
3. Session 3 - The Falling hazard; security on steep ground, dealing with ice, what to do if you do fall
4. Session 4 - Dealing with incidents, near misses and accidents
5. Session 5 - Getting safely off the mountain; tips for coping with difficult snow conditions
6. Session 6 - Trip and route planning and navigation, where you can and cannot (must not) go

Trainers

The training will be provided by Mountain Tracks' team of IFGMA Mountain Guides

Course Locations

Chamonix, Courchevel, Morzine, Tignes/Val d'Isere, Val Thorens and Verbier

Course Duration

1 full day, the majority of which will be spent out on the mountain.

Skill Level

The course is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers or boarders. Off-piste skiing experience is not required.

Group Numbers

The maximum number per group is 12. A minimum of 6 is required for a course to run.

Cost

Check directly with Mountain Tracks for costs and dates.

Other dates throughout the season available on request subject to availability and numbers. Contact Mountain Tracks to discuss your requirements and check availability.

Contact Mountain Tracks to discuss your requirements.

Equipment

Participants will need to bring their own skis/boards, a day pack and valid lift pass.

Mountain Tracks can provide the safety equipment: transceiver, shovel and probe.

Whilst on the mountain, participants will be active most of the time though there will be some time spent standing on the snow.

Insurance

All participants must have winter sports insurance, proof of which must be provided before commencement of the course.

Booking

Applications for the courses must be made in the following manner:

• Contact Mountain Tracks to check availability for your preferred date and location.
• Complete a Mountain Tracks booking form. Send the booking form together with full payment to 

Mountain Tracks · 3 Broomhill Road · London· SW18 4JQ

Payment may be made by cheque, debit card or credit card. There is a 2% charge for CC payments.

Once your booking form and payment has been received, Mountain Tracks will issue a confirmation of booking and full course details and instructions.