Avalanche Rescue Basics

A one-day companion rescue course for skiers, snowboarders, ski tourers and snowshoers starting to move off-piste. You'll learn to run a transceiver search, pinpoint with a probe and dig efficiently, then put it together in a full burial scenario in real snow. The day is built around the first fifteen minutes after a burial, because that is where survival is decided. Outline: Briefing and objectives; how transceivers, probes and shovels work and how to carry them; group departure check; how avalanches form and how to read the bulletin; what to do if you are caught; single-burial search (signal, coarse and fine search); probing to pinpoint; strategic shovelling; what happens after the recovery and how to call 112; a full timed single-burial scenario; debrief and feedback. Who it's for: Complete beginners in avalanche rescue. No backcountry experience needed. The training site is a few minutes' walk from the road, so you don't need ski or snowshoe kit, but you will be standing, kneeling and digging in snow for most of the day, so come dressed for it.

• Warm winter or ski boots

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Warm midlayer

• Two pairs of gloves (one thin for handling the transceiver)

• Hat and sunglasses

• Small rucksack

• Packed lunch and hot drink

• Charged phone

• Your own transceiver, probe and shovel if you have them

Introduction, objectives and safety briefing Avalanche safety equipment: transceiver, probe, shovel (how they work and how to carry them) Transceiver check before departure (group check) Basics of avalanche formation and reading the avalanche bulletin What to do if you are caught in an avalanche Single burial search: signal search, coarse search and fine search Pinpointing with the probe Efficient shoveling techniques First steps after the recovery and calling emergency services (112) Full practical scenario simulating a single burial Final debrief, feedback and best practices

• Guides on Oak are verified by Oak, but users should independently confirm a guide’s qualifications.

• Participants are responsible for ensuring their skill level and fitness are suitable for the activity.

• Individuals should only attempt techniques or terrain they feel personally confident with.

• All instructions and safety guidance from the guide should be followed at all times.

• Users must ensure their own equipment is appropriate and in safe working condition.

• Mountain activities carry inherent risks, and participation is at the user’s own discretion.

• Adequate insurance covering mountain travel and rescue is essential.

• Relevant medical information should be shared with the guide.

• Plans may change due to weather or safety considerations, and users should be prepared for this.