ANENA training : understand snowshoeing tracks (Savoie)

Duration : 2 days

France, Northern Alps

Level : intermediate

from 210 € / p. from 3 to 6 persons

Infos & Booking

Description

This 2-day field course in partnership with ANENA (National Association for the Study of Snow and Avalanches) is designed for those who want to understand risk management and group leadership in snowy mountains. During this course, which takes place in the form of a mini snowshoe raid, you will learn how to recognize typical avalanche situations, as well as the tools for preparing an outing and making decisions. You will also learn simple strategies for progressing and leading a group.

At the end of the course, you will be able to

  • Move around in the snowy mountains, within a group, by understanding the meaning of the leader's instructions and by applying them.
  • Ask the right questions during an outing,
  • Participate efficiently in an avalanche rescue.

This day takes place in Savoie, in the Beaufortain massif, at the Près, Nant du Beurre or Alpage hut depending on the snow conditions.

After the course, you will have acquired the knowledge and know-how to:

  • observe and interpret snow and terrain conditions,
  • understand the mechanisms of a slab avalanche,
  • recognize characteristic avalanche situations,
  • read and interpret a topographic map (scale, distances, relief),
  • decipher and interpret an avalanche risk assessment bulletin,
  • understand the choice of a route,
  • plan a outing in its broad outline,
  • understand and apply the leader's instructions,
  • participate effectively in a group avalanche rescue.

Pre-requisites:

To take full advantage of this course, you must:

  • be able to practice snowshoeing independently,
  • have knowledge of rescue equipment (avalanche beacon, probe, shovel),
  • be able to at least :
    • use the basic functions of the avalanche beacon,
    • carry and assemble your equipment.

For this course you can bring the following items:

  • Equipment:
    • safety equipment (avalanche beacon, metal shovel, probe),
    • snowshoes and hiking poles.
  • Clothing and accessories:
    • waterproof jacket,
    • thermal layer (down jacket or fleece),
    • adapted pants (type of ski touring, cross-country skiing, mountaineering),
    • leggings if necessary,
    • a pair of warm gloves and a pair of light gloves,
    • hat (and / or neck warmer),
    • sunglasses,
    • sun cream,
    • notebook and pen for taking notes.
  • Drink / food :
    • 1 liter water bottle and / or thermos,
    • picnic to take out of the bag.
  • For the refuge:
    • bed sheet,
    • change of clothes,
    • money.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information (button "INFOS & BOOKING").

This learning day is a good complement to the ANENA avalanche rescue training that I also offer.

Program

A detailed email of the program and schedule will be sent to you upon registration.

D1: Study of typical avalanche situations.

  • Welcome at 8am.
  • Presentation of the objectives and the program.
  • Ascent to the refuge: topographic analysis and avalanche situation.
  • Mechanism of slab release.
  • Progression strategy - key passages.
  • At the refuge: detailed analysis of an avalanche risk assessment bulletin and planning of an outing in the broad lines.

D2: Choice of itinerary and group leadership.

  • Understand decision making and apply the leader's instructions.
  • Interpret and measure slope inclinations on the ground.
  • Read terrain traps and participate in a local danger assessment.
  • Participate effectively in a group avalanche rescue.
  • Debriefing.
  • Training ends at 5pm.

The price includes

  • Supervision by the mountain leader.
  • The educational materials developed by ANENA.

The price does not include

  • Transport to the meeting point.
  • Half board at the refuge
  • Picnic and snacks.
  • Personal drinks.
  • The "hiker" skipass (10€).
  • Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

Half-board in a guarded refuge:

  • Refuge des Près.
  • Refuge of the Nant du Beurre.
  • Refuge de l'Alpage
Next departures :

No scheduled departure, but you can contact me to book your dates.

Infos & Booking