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Introduction to Safety and Avalanches (SMT1)

Avalanche course for beginners on dangers, risks, safety and rescue; SMT Winter 1 module

REGION

Jura, Alps

PERIOD

December-March

DURATION

1 day

LODGING

N/A

Get a quote or reserve your corporate outing

On the dates of your choice, with custom arrangements to be defined as per your requirements; we'll be in touch soon.

Avalanche course for beginners: learn to use your safety equipment, how to behave in winter terrain even if it is marked, and plan your route while managing your risks

You will follow the "Winter 1: Safety & Avalanches" module of the Swiss Mountain Training certification, with an introduction to the fundamentals of winter mountain risk management. This is a 1 day course for beginners in avalanche safety.


Objectives of the SMT 1 Module


  • Know your equipment

  • Understand the avalanche bulletin

  • Understand how to wear and operate your avalanche transceiver

  • Be aware of the main winter hazards (avalanches, cold, weather hazards, ledges, disorientation, falls...)

  • Have been introduced to the 3x3

  • Understand the 4 typical avalanche situations and be able to answer the question: "What is the main danger today?

  • Have understood the general risk reduction measures

  • Be able to perform a simple rescue

Programme


  • Start as indicated at the meeting point

  • Checking of equipment and introduction to the avalanche transceiver

  • Theoretical introduction, 3x3, bulletin reading 

  • Observation of the conditions on site

  • Choice of route and departure for a hike with orientation exercises, search and rescue in the terrain

  • End around 16.30 hrs

Gear list


  • Rucksack (possibly Airbag) min 25 litres, charged telephone

  • Warm and breathable hiking clothes to handle the physical effort in winter weather; at least : 

  •     1st technical layer, e.g. wool (avoid cotton), also for legs

  •     2nd warm layer such as a fleece jacket, plus a down jacket Gore-tex hiking trousers and jacket

  •     Sunglasses / mask, sun cream, hat, one pair of gloves + one spare

  • Complete equipment for snowshoeing, with mountain hiking boots (high)

  • Avalanche transceiver (3 antennas + marking function), probe, shovel

  • Paper - pencil 

  • Depending on the day's programme, small snack and hot drink (thermos). 

  • Min 1 litre, max 2 litres of water

  • Personal belongings and medication

Pricing and Booking

You can place a booking request to obain a quote that we will confirm after having contacted you to finalise all details. Contact us for special arrangements

Special arrangement examples:

  • Lodging / meeting room booking

  • Organisation of outdoor workshops

  • Catering on the way, picnics, for example cheese fondue, tea, biodynamic wine from Domaine de la Colombe à Féchy, Italian espresso coffee, etc.

  • Wine tasting events


We offer VIP minibus transfer to the event's starting point.


Payment terms: 50% upfront, 50% after the event. 100% of the fees are due in case of cancellation 15 days before the beginning of the tour, and 50% for 30 days

Services included


  • SMT 1 course and supervision by a mountain leader with federal diploma / SMT expert

  • Documentation published by the SLF and ASGM concerning avalanche danger and prevention and accident management, Graphic Reduction Method (GRM) map

  •  Safety equipment, snowshoes, sledges (if necessary) and poles according to available stock, contact us

Not included


  • Transport or lifts (if necessary)

  • Rental of equipment not in stock (sledges, avalanche transceivers, snowshoes etc.)

  • Picnic and drinks to take with you

What participants say about this experience

Thank you for the SMT1 avalanche course. It was super instructive, great company and full of theoretical and practical skills that I'll be able to use on my outings in the future.

Cesare

Thank you Boudewijn, it was really a great training day !

Thomas Lacroix

I had an extremely enriching day and I thank Boudewijn wholeheartedly for passing on (part of) his passion for the mountains. See you soon for the next part! Paola

Paola

I learned a lot during this day. Boudewijn, our instructor, is passionate and it shows. Moreover, the setting is perfect for learning. A course that I recommend to all winter sports enthusiasts who are concerned about the dangers of the mountains.

Mathieu

A wonderful day full of theoretical and practical information. A true realization! All this in an excellent atmosphere and a beautiful mountain philosophy ;-) I can only recommend this course. Thank you very much for this moment of sharing and enrichment.
Xavier

XavierP

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