Avalanche Course Level 1 – Snow & Avalanche Awareness (Basic Knowledge)

Experience
: I have no experience of ski touring or freeriding. I am confident and experienced on the piste and feel fit and healthy.

Skills
I can perform parallel turns on red and black runs. I have some initial experience in deep snow, but I find it difficult to make turns. I have never ascended or skied on touring skis. 

Endurance
I am able to manage a 3- to 4-hour ascent at a pace of around 300 metres of elevation gain per hour. Covering 600 to 800 metres of elevation gain per day is no problem for me.

Experience
: I already have some experience and have completed a few runs on the slopes. Off-piste, I still have some difficulties with ascents and descents. I am unable to assess the avalanche risk and therefore do not ski alone in open terrain. I use safety equipment but have never practised using it extensively.

Skills
: I feel comfortable on black runs. I’ve had some initial experience in deep snow and can turn well in ideal conditions. When conditions are difficult, I still struggle to turn or control my speed. I’ve practised kick turns, but I still find them challenging.

Endurance
: I can ascend for a good 3 to 4 hours a day. My pace is roughly at Level 1, and I can easily cover up to 1,000 metres of elevation gain per day if the pace is steady.

Experience
: I regularly go on ski or freeride tours and usually join groups of experienced skiers. I have already attended one or more courses or camps on this subject. I am not yet able to assess the conditions myself or plan tours or runs on my own. I am very familiar with safety equipment.

Skills
: I feel comfortable even on steep terrain away from the slopes. I ski frequently and for long periods, and go on ski tours regularly. Making kick turns is no particular effort for me. I have absolutely no fear of heights and am sure-footed. I climb regularly, up to difficulty level 3.

Endurance
I can easily ascend for around 4 to 5 hours a day. I can also manage ascents with a well-packed week’s rucksack (8–10 kg) and a rate of 350 metres of elevation gain per hour. 1,200 metres of elevation gain is possible at a good pace.

Experience
: I have led ski tours myself. I know how to break my own trail. I have planned ski tours myself, but I enjoy joining guided tours. Under the guidance of a mountain guide, I get to experience my dream tours all over the world.

Skills
I have been ski touring for a very long time and feel completely at ease doing so. I know most knots and can tie them correctly and independently. I am experienced in using crampons and an ice axe. I have led tours across glaciers. I climb regularly and enjoy doing so, and am confident at Grade 5 difficulty.

Stamina
: I am fit and can easily manage daily stages of up to 6 hours. I can cover approximately 350 metres of elevation gain per hour on the ascent, even with a heavy rucksack. 1,500 metres of elevation gain is no problem for me.