Backcountry Avalanche Course

The 4 day Backcountry Avalanche Course is New Zealand's best introduction to avalanche safety skills and back country travel. This course is for recreational snowboarders and skiers, who want to stay safe and tour in uncontrolled terrain.

Learn the Skills in Big Mountain Terrain

The course takes place in the Arrowsmith Range, the big mountain terrain of Methven Heliskiing. You cover theory and practical snow and avalanche safety technique before flying into the mountains.

Syllabus includes:

Snow study at a commercial ski area
A heliski run with Methven Heliskiing ›
An overnight back country tour based from Cameron Hut in the Arrowsmith Range ›

Certification for professional training

On completion you receive certification ratified by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. This can be used as a prerequisite for future professional snow industry training courses.

Private Courses - available on demand

Groups of 2 or more can book a private course. See the detailed information for more info ›

Checking snow profiles. Photo by Sam Bosshard.

Instruction topics include:

Terrain and snowpack interpretation
Search & Rescue: avalanche dynamics, survival strategies
Equipment: how to ascend with the latest in split boards or ski touring bindings
Weather systems: mountain weather interpretation