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 Descents 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.
  • 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.

 

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 terrrain 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, wilderness first aid kit, touring skins, ice axes, GPS, and topographical maps.
• Certificate of Partcipation to satisfy Avalache Training Course requirements for ISIA Stamp.

What to Bring

Participant to provide: Touring poles, avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, personal first aid kit, helmet, waterproof marker, compass, food for a day tour, 2 litres of water, and small day packs.

What’s Not Included

• Lift tickets.
• Overnight accomodation.
• Resort entry.
• Splitboards for snowboard partcipants.

 

This structured setup ensures that each session is focused and relevant, with practical activities following clear objectives. 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.