Avalanche Course – Rescuing a Partner Buried in an Avalanche

Providing quick and effective help in an emergency

In an emergency, every minute counts. This avalanche course on partner rescue is an intensive practical training programme designed to prepare you specifically for emergencies: avalanche accidents, being buried, stress and time pressure.

The focus is on the correct use of avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes – as well as clear decision-making, structured procedures and alerting the rescue services correctly.

Four people, dressed in winter clothing, stand on a snow-covered slope. Two individuals are using tools, while the others observe. The background features snowy mountains and trees, indicating a winter sports environment.
Two people are digging in the snow on a mountain slope. One is wearing a red jacket and a helmet, while the other is dressed in a dark jacket with a red hat. Snowy mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Three individuals in winter gear are on a snowy mountain slope. One person kneels, digging in the snow, while the others stand nearby, holding equipment. Bright sunlight illuminates the scene, with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Course objective

After completing this course:

  • you will be able to carry out immediate rescue in the event of an avalanche
  • you will be able to use avalanche transceivers safely and efficiently
  • you will be confident in using a probe and shovel
  • you will know how to react correctly in an emergency
  • you will be able to alert the rescue services in a structured and correct manner

The aim is to act with confidence under pressure – not just theory.

Level classification

Self-assessment – Requirements

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.

Contents of the avalanche rescue course

Safety & Basics
  • Safety on ski tours – a brief guide
  • Awareness of hazards & current avalanche conditions
  • Overview of avalanche conditions & weather
Avalanche Detection Systems & Rescue Techniques
  • Avalanche Search and Rescue: Search – Find – Rescue
  • Strategic approach to avalanche burials
  • Efficient probing
  • Shovelling techniques & time management
Emergency & Incident Management
  • First aid for avalanche accidents
  • Structured emergency procedure
  • Emergency equipment
  • Alerting the emergency services
Practise, practise, practise

Realistic and under professional guidance.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is aimed at:

  • Ski tourers
  • Freeriders and off-piste skiers
  • Snowboarders
  • Snowshoers
  • safety-conscious winter sports enthusiasts

No prior experience required. The course is suitable for beginners as well as for those looking to refresh their skills.

Requirements
  • normal level of physical fitness
  • You can take part on touring skis or snowshoes
  • Safety equipment is compulsory (can be hired)

Course schedule for the day

  • Meet at 08:30 at the Bergraum in Gries
  • Brief introduction & briefing on the programme
  • Carpooling & setting off into the terrain
  • Intensive practical exercises at the training ground
  • Return to Gries
  • Theory session & debrief at the Bergraum in Gries

End: approx. 5.00 pm

Services

Price & Group Size

Led by state-certified IVBV / UIAGM mountain guides
  • Intensive practical session in the field
  • Supplementary theory session at the Bergraum in Gries / Follow me Inside Café
  • Feedback and Q&A session
Price & Group Size
  • €150 per person
  • Group size: 4–8 people
  • For groups of 3 people, there is a surcharge of €35 per person
Additional costs (not included in the price)
  • Arrival and departure
  • Car park charges
  • Accommodation & meals
  • Drinks at the Bergraum in Gries / café
  • Equipment hire as required
Place & Region

Tyrol – Austria
Region: Kühtai / Sellraintal / Sellrainer Mountains, Stubai Alps

Meeting point

08:30 Bergraum
6182,
Gries im Sellrain, No. 24

Equipment

Compulsory

  • Avalanche transceiver (modern, ideally with 3 antennas)
  • Avalanche shovel
  • Probe
  • Helmet

Recommended

  • Avalanche airbag (ABS)
  • Helmet
  • First-aid kit

Any missing safety equipment can be hired from us.

Good to know

This avalanche course forms part of the following training programmes:
  • Introductory Course in Ski Touring & Avalanche Safety (3 days)
  • Advanced Ski Touring Course – Breaking Your Own Trail (4 days)
  • Ski Touring & Avalanche Safety Training Week (5 days)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Level 2 Avalanche Course

Is the course still worthwhile even if you have no experience of ski touring?

 Yes. The focus is on rescue and emergency management – not on technology.

Realistic, but controlled. The aim is to ensure safety through routine.

Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and, if required, an avalanche airbag.

Do you already have any winter sports kit?

Sport Seppl, our partner

At SPORT 2000 Seppl, you can hire the very latest skis and snowboards in top condition – perfect for anyone who loves top-quality kit. 

Early bookers save an extra 10 %.