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Backcountry Avalanche Course | Details - winter 2012
The 4-day Backcountry Course focuses on the assessment of, and safe travel in backcountry terrain - which may present an avalanche hazard.
Using Methven as your base, you will be immersed in an intensive backcountry avalanche experience under the tutelage of some of New Zealand’s leading mountain and heliski guides.
By taking you step-by-step through the avalanche hazard evaluation process you will learn how guides evaluate the terrain, weather, and snowpack.
Using local ski areas and Methven Heliskiing’s fantastic backcountry terrain we will:
- Introduce you to some of the latest equipment for safe backcountry touring
- Help to hone those mandatory rescue skills
- Show you the techniques we use to evaluate snow stability for safe backcountry travel.
At the end of the course you will have an understanding of snow safety and avalanche hazard. You will also receive certification ratified and accepted by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. This can be used as a prerequisite for possible future professional snow-industry training courses.
By linking in with our heliskiing operation you will enjoy a heliski run and helicopter access into the heart of the Arrowsmith Range, some of Methven Heliskiing’s premium terrain. You will complete a tour, staying overnight in the mountains tour before flying back out at the end of the course.
What You Will Learn
The topics covered on your course include:
- Equipment: what to take, the latest gear and its application
- Touring technique (skinning & cramponing)
- Trip planning and preparation
- Weather systems; mountain weather interpretation, observations
- Terrain interpretation; route finding to avoid avalanche hazard
- Snowpack interpretation; layers, stability tests, variation over time and area
- Search & Rescue; avalanche dynamics, survival strategies, transceivers, probing, recovery, case studies
Experience Required
Some backcountry skiing/riding experience is preferred, but not essential.
You must be be:
- Strong intermediate (or better) skier/snowboarder
- Prepared to ski/ride in alpine terrain with a small backpack
A working knowledge of weather systems and avalanche beacons is also useful, but not necessary. Our low instructor/participant ratio allows us to accommodate a range of experience levels.
Recommended Technical References
While not required, it is helpful if you have some theoretical backcountry travel and avalanche knowledge. See our referenced winter-specific texts ›
Price and Inclusions | Winter 2012
Backcountry Courses are available as:
- Scheduled 4-day courses - ideal for individuals
- Or as privately arranged courses for small groups
Course fees includes:
- 4 days tuition
- Local transport to ski areas and helipad
- Hut fees
- Helicopter transport (for any heliski/touring days)
- Food for your over-night in the mountains ›
- Free use of a range technical equipment ›
1. Scheduled Courses - Price: NZ$1795 per person
All scheduled courses are limited to a maximum of 4 participants. Courses are either for skiers, or snowboarders. See course availability ›
Minimum bookings
If there is only one person booked, rather than cancel a trip we run the same program for a slightly increased price of NZ$2,250. The course content is unaffected.
2. Private Courses
We will arrange the start date based on your schedule, and subject to guide availability. Please contact us to discuss your start dates ›
Private Course Pricing
| Group Size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | NZ$2250 |
| 3 people | NZ$1925 |
| 4 people | NZ$1650 |
Prices are per-person, based on 4 days, with a minimum of 2 participants.
Reporting details
All courses begin at 08:30 at Methven Heliski office on Main Street in Methven on the start date, and finish at 17:00 on the last day.
Public transport options to Methven from Christchurch ›
What you need to provide
- Your own accommodation and meals while in Methven, along with lunch for 2 days
- Lift passes at Mount Hutt or Mt Cheeseman (if required) - these can be purchased on the day
- Equipment and clothing as detailed ›
Course Organisation/Schedule
The day-to-day program will vary according to snow conditions and prevailing weather. By maintaining a flexible approach, the guides will make the best use of each day, working around the weather and snow conditions to provide the best teaching environment. This means the format for each course will be unique in terms of the number of nights based in the mountains, and at other training venues. One possible program is as follows:
Day 1: Meet in Methven at Alpine Guides Methven Heliskiing office at 08:30, review course outline, equipment briefing, and introductory workshop, travel to Mt Hutt for fieldwork (avalanche rescue techniques, introduction to terrain analysis). Return to Methven office for evening lecture.
Day 2: Morning lecture with introduction to heliski operations room; field day at local ski area terrain analysis and snowpack, introduction to stability tests.
Day 3 & 4: An overnight tour into the Arrowsmith Range that incorporates a heliski run and includes flights in and out of the mountains.
Backcountry Course Venue
In the mountains we use Cameron Hut - warm and comfortable with solar-powered lighting. Depending on weather conditions we will try to fly into the mountains as early as possible in the course to maximise time in the Arrowsmith Range. It is possible to access Cameron Hut in most weather conditions.
MSC Certification & the Backcountry Course
The Backcountry Course includes the syllabus for the NZ Mountain Safety Council Recreational Avalanche Course. On completion we will provide you with a basic MSC certificate of completion.
Whilst our course is aimed at the recreational back country traveler, it can be used as a prerequisite for possible future professional snow-industry training courses.
This certification can be gained elsewhere - but the Backcountry Course has serious advantages:
- Helicopter access to big mountain terrain
- Based from a remote hut
- Our staff are professional mountain and ski guides current in mountain knowledge, with year-round international experience
- The course venue includes mountain terrain, offering a diverse snow pack, allowing for greater learning opportunities
- We provide a relaxed learning environment without the pressures of formal assessment
Equipment and Clothing | Backcountry Course
Download the equipment checklist for the course (.pdf 200 Kb) ›
Please let us know what gear you need to rent - including any equipment supplied free of charge.
Choosing your clothing | Seasonal Variation
Our gear lists cater for all eventualities. Sometimes you may not require everything on the equipment list. Weather and conditions when your trip starts will help determine what is needed.
Always pack for cold conditions on the Backcountry course. A 4-season sleeping bag, down jacket, and heavy grade thermal layers are required.
Temperatures, weather, and snow conditions will vary. The program is designed to work around these changes. Read about Weather & Snow Conditions, Summer and Winter ›
