Walk & talk
Introduction to Safety and Avalanches (SMT1)
Avalanche course for beginners on dangers, risks, safety and rescue; SMT Winter 1 module
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
The course is confirmed as soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, and can be postponed in case of bad conditions.
Payment on site at the end of the course. 100% of the fees are due in case of cancellation 10 days before the start of the course, 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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