Avalanche Skills Course 1 (ASC1)
The introductory course for those looking to travel backcountry in winter. Learn essential decision-making skills for avalanche terrain!
Home » Courses and Programmes » Outdoorskills » Avalanche Skills Course 1 (ASC1)
Introduction
2 days
Locations:
Mackenzie Community Centre, Fairlie
Fox Peak Ski Area – Two Thumbs Range, Canterbury
Times:
Day 1: 10am-4pm at Mackenzie Community Centre
Day 2: 8am-3pm at Fox Peak Ski Area
Ratio:
1 instructor to 6 participants
Participant requirements:
Appropriate for ages 16 and up
Must have completed an Intro to Mountaineering course or have the equivalent experience and competence (see course info PDF for more details)
Programme Overview
Avalanche Skills Course 1 (ASC 1) is an introductory course taught over two days. This course is a fantastic starting point for those looking to venture beyond the ski field or further into the hills mountaineering or winter tramping/hunting.
This is a foot-based course to make it as inclusive as possible.
Course contents follow the Mountain Safety Council Course Outline for ASC-1 covering:
Trip planning and preparation
Defining the avalanche phenomenon
Understanding the NZ Avalanche Advisory
Weather, terrain, snowpack and how these relate to avalanche conditions
Travel: Evidence-based decision=making about route selection and safe travel techniques
Human factors and decision-making tools
Avalanche rescue
Accommodation
1 night of accomodation is provided at Fox Peak Ski Club Lodge
Access
2wd vehicle access to the lodge
Chains will not be required
We will arrange transport from the lodge to the top of the road each day in a Peel Forest Outdoor Centre vehicle.
If snow is forecast to be below the lodge and chains or 4wd is needed, we will be in contact to arrange transport to the lodge from the valley floor.
Food
Food is not included with course cost. Bring food for 1 night and 2 days. Lots of hearty snacks and a packed lunch for during the day. The lodge has good cooking facilities with an outside cool store.
Our Guarantee
No cancellations. We have many sites to choose from to help make our courses resilient. We’ll do our best to run no-matter the conditions. In the unlikely event we have to postpone due to extreme weather, we’ll find a date that works for you.
Please note we require a minimum of 4 people to run this course effectively.
Look at some of our participants in action!
Course Schedule
Day 1
Theory Day
10am – 4pm
Meet at Mackenzie Community Centre, Fairlie
Trip planning and preparation
Defining the avalanche phenomenon
Understanding the NZ Avalanche Advisory
Weather, terrain, snowpack and how these relate to avalanche conditions
Human factors and decision-making tools
Avalanche rescue
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm head to Fox Peak Lodge
Day 2
Field Day
8am – 3pm
Start from Fox Peak Ski Area
Put day 1 learning into practice
Travel: evidence-based decision-making about route selection and safe travel techniques
Avalanche rescue
Ready to book!
Book through our Rezdy booking site
If we have an active course you can book here.
Group bookings are welcome.
Otherwise contact us or look below for our other upcoming courses
Compulsory:
Boots – these must be a minimum of 3/4 shank. (Ideally full-shank is best.)
Gaiters
Hard shell jacket (A seam-sealed raincoat type jacket. PVC or similar is not appropriate due to sliding hazard)
Hard shell pants (A seam-sealed raincoat type. PVC or similar is not appropriate due to sliding hazard)
Thermals – polypro or 200 weight merino top and bottoms
Fleece top x2
Fleece or soft-shell pants
Pack – 30l minimum with waist and chest strap
Thick wool socks x2
Warm hat
Light gloves x2 (Niga Freezer work well)
Warm gloves x1 (Windproof gloves/mittens)
Buff/balaclava
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Sunscreen
Torch and spare batteries
Water bottle (ability to carry 2l)
Any medication you take
Overnight
Pillow
Sleeping bag
Food
Toiletries
Gear We Will Supply:
(or BYO if you already own the following equipment)
Avalanche Rescue Equipment
Avalanche Transceiver (digital)
Probe
Shovel
Technical Equipment
Helmet
Ice axe (walking axe)
Crampons (minimum 10 points)
Optional Gear:
Camera
Smartphone
Goggles
Puffer jacket
We are registered as an Adventure Activity Operator (AAO) with WorkSafe NZ. The Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016 established a safety audit and registration process. The regulations aim to enhance professionalism and ensure consistent good practices across the sector.
Get in Touch
Peel Forest Outdoor Centre
1222 Peel Forest Road, RD22, Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand
Call us: 03 696 3832
Linkedin: peel-forest-outdoor-centre
YouTube: Peel Forest Outdoor
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