Learn to read the mountains and avoid avalanches in the first place — from a one-day intro to a three-day AIARE 2.

Understanding avalanche terrain is crucial for anyone venturing into the backcountry. Knowing how to use safety gear matters, but the most important skill is learning how to avoid avalanches in the first place — the goal is never to need the gear.

We focus on recognising hazardous terrain, assessing snowpack stability and making sound decisions to minimise risk. From a one-day introduction to a three-day AIARE 2, you will learn to read the mountains, plan routes and decide based on conditions — the foundation for enjoying the backcountry responsibly.

Trip options

One-day introductory course — 800 CHF (2–6 people)

A solid foundation in avalanche safety: reading the avalanche bulletin, recognising avalanche terrain and red flags, using transceiver, probe and shovel, and hands-on companion-rescue practice. Ideal for those new to the backcountry.

Two-day introductory course — 1600 CHF (3–6 people)

A fuller introduction combining classroom learning with a practical tour: hazard recognition and terrain analysis, using bulletins and weather reports, snowpack observation and stability assessment, and real-time decision-making in the field. For beginner-to-intermediate backcountry users.

Advanced course, AIARE 2 — 2700 CHF, 3 days (4–6 people)

For experienced backcountry travellers: advanced snowpack analysis and stability tests, risk management and decision-making, group dynamics and leadership, and route planning for complex, high-consequence terrain.

Customised avalanche training — on request

Tailored to your needs, from introductory skills to advanced rescue or backcountry leadership. Get in touch for an individual offer.

What you'll learn

Reading avalanche terrain
Assessing snowpack stability
Trip planning and route choice
Companion rescue with transceiver, probe and shovel

Requirements & gear

Any fitness; for courses that include tours we cover 400–1,200m of ascent in a day. Ski-based courses need basic ski-touring ability.

Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
Ski-based courses: complete ski-touring kit
Snowshoe-based courses: snowshoes

Included

Full professional instruction from an IFMGA-certified guide
Objective chosen for the group’s ability, fitness and the day’s conditions
Course materials — handouts, checklists and other resources

Not included

Transport to and from the course, and lift tickets where needed
Drinks, lunch and snacks
Insurance (accident, mountain rescue, travel, illness) is the participant’s responsibility — we recommend membership of the Swiss "Rega" rescue service.

Costs

Each course below is a fixed price for the whole course; group sizes as noted.

Photos

Enquire about this course

Chamonix → Zermatt

Haute Route — Chamonix to Zermatt

The most famous ski traverse in the Alps — Chamonix to Zermatt across a chain of high glaciated passes.

A wide ski-touring landscape with skin tracks across the Silvretta range.

Silvretta, Austria–Switzerland

Silvretta Traverse

A four-day hut-to-hut traverse of the Eastern Alps with gentle descents — an ideal first ski tour.

A skier on a summit above a sunlit alpine valley, ready to descend.

CourseCentral Switzerland or the Valais

Ski Touring Introduction

Your first step beyond the resort — skinning, transitions and avalanche basics. Earn your turns.

Avalanche Courses