Australian Backcountry Touring Essentials

Description

Prior to arrival: The Ortovox Safety Lab Academy to be completed to give a theorectical understanding and to assist with the on snow component and touring knowledge.

• Link: Ortovox Snow Lab Safety Academy

Pre Course Meeting

Meeting at Pretty Valley Ski Lodge at 6.00 pm.

• Goal: Review course content, equipment safety check and make any necessary planning adjustments to the two day course.

Course Day 1:  – Skiing Skills, Australian Specific Terrain and Ascent Techniques

1. Skiing Descent practises accounting for snow conditions

• Goal: Develop the ability to ski on various snow surfaces and terrain safely.
• Activity:
  • Revise best turn types for snow conditions.
  • Practical Exercise: Skiing safely and effectively through multiple snow conditions, adapting to each scenario.
  • Practical Descent: One at time, select a safe stopping zone, engage several spotters and how to stop. Ski with checking for sluff or changes while descending.

2. Ascent Techniques: Kick Turns & Skinning

• Goal: Master key ascent techniques for ski touring.
• Activity:
  • Kick Turns: Demonstrate and practice kick turns for uphill skiing on gentle and steeper terrain
  • Skinning: Technique for applying and adjusting climbing skins on skis.
  • Building  a kick turn platform for ease with an ice axe assistance
  • Practical Application: Participants practice kick turns and skinning on varied terrain, with feedback from instructors. Being able to take off skins without removing skis.

3. Terrain Obstacles: Environmental Factors Specific to Australia

• Goal: Learn how to assess Australian-specific outdoor challenges.
• Activity:
  • Identify environmental hazards such as extreme weather, river crossings, and snowbanks.
  • Practical Application: Discuss how to adjust route planning based on these terrain-specific challenges.
  • Practise/ learn to ski on a rope line and accent on a rope line for navigation for critical weather or terrain  circumstances.

 

Course Day 2 – Navigation, Route Selection, Ice Management, People Management, & Avalanche Safety

1. Map Reading/Navigation and Tour Planning

• Goal: Refine navigation and map-reading skills for backcountry touring.
• Activity:
  • Collectively visit the topographical map with a focus on route planning a safe route for accent and descent.
  • Practical Application: Individually Draw and Plan a route on the topographical map supplied. Considering time, conditions, ability of group and adjust or re-draw the plan.

2. Ice Management and Recovery Techniques

• Goal: Learn ice axe recovery techniques for icy slopes.
• Activity:
  • Ice Axe Recovery: Demonstrate and practice self-arresting with an ice axe on a controlled slope.
  • Ice Sliding Recovery Drill: Practice stopping a slide and regaining control using ski edges and poles.
  • Advanced Practice: If conditions allow, simulate steeper terrain for realistic self-arrest and recovery scenarios.

3. People Management and Group Coordination

• Goal: Learn effective group management for backcountry tours.
• Activity:
  • Discuss communication, setting expectations, managing rest breaks, and ensuring the safety of the group.
  • Practical Application: Role-play real-life scenarios involving group dynamics, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

4. Terrain Awareness and Rescue Procedures

• Goal: To understand terrain safety, beacon use, and rescue procedures.
• Activity:
  • High Risk Terrain Awareness: Identify terrain hazards and early warning signs of potential dangers.
  • Beacon Search & Rescue: Practical application of beacon searches and digging techniques.
  • Simulation: Role-play real-life avalanche search and rescue scenarios.

 

Course Wrap-Up and Debrief

Discussion:

• Review key learnings from the course (Touring technique for accent and descent, weather analysis, ice axe recovery, group management, and avalanche safety).
• Share experiences and challenges encountered during the exercises.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Always assess weather conditions before heading out.
  • Understand snow stability for avalanche safety.
  • Adapt skiing technique to different snow conditions.
  • Master ice management techniques for safe recovery on steep slopes.
  • Maintain clear communication and group safety during backcountry tours.

Equipment for Participants:

What’s Included

• Provided by Falls Creek Guides: touring skis/skins, wilderness first aid kit, GPS, and topographical maps.
• Certificate of Participation to be credited 20 hours towards Alpine Back Country requirements for ISIA Stamp.
• Avalanche Beacons, Ice axes and crampons for course activities.
• Touring back if required.

What to Bring

Participant to provide: Touring poles, personal first aid kit, helmet, waterproof marker, compass, Lunch/snacks for a day tours, and 2 litres of water and touring pack.

What’s Not Included

• Lift tickets.
• Overnight accommodation.
• Resort entry.
• Splitboards for snowboard participants.

 

The course offers the perfect balance of preparation, training, and hands-on practice, setting participants up for success in the Australian backcountry and international alpine regions.