We are organizing Avalanche Safety Training 1 ( FINLAV LT1) in Ylläs this winter.
Upcoming dates:
- March 26–27, 2025
You can check the availability of spots in the drop-down menu below.
Price: 305 EUR (including 25.5% VAT)
The course fee includes the training, decision-making card, certificate, and the option to borrow avalanche rescue equipment for the duration of the course. The price does not include accommodation, meals, or lift tickets. At Ylläs, lifts may be used for 1–2 individual ascents depending on the conditions during the course days. Our instructor will inform you about this before the course.
Our Avalanche Safety Training 1 ( FINLAV LT1) focuses on practical avalanche knowledge, emphasizing how to avoid avalanches and how to act in avalanche rescue situations. These are essential skills and knowledge for any backcountry skier. Remember to ensure that your skiing companions also have the knowledge and skills about avalanche safety and know how to act in case of an emergency.
Target Audience:
The training is designed for anyone who moves in mountainous terrain in winter. Participants should have an interest in learning how to move more safely in the backcountry and make informed decisions when traveling near avalanche-prone areas. This course is aimed at hobbyists who need to learn the basics of avalanche safety.
Objectives:
The basic avalanche safety course provides fundamental knowledge about avalanches and avalanche risks. Participants will learn how to manage the risk of avalanches in mountainous terrain using different methods. They will also be able to identify avalanche-prone terrain and independently find safe routes through easy terrain. Participants will also learn how to perform companion rescue in the event of an avalanche accident.
Course Content:
- Basics of avalanche knowledge
- Safety mindset
- Human factors and risk profile
- Decision-making using a check card
- Interpreting weather and avalanche forecasts
- Route planning on a map and in the field with the help of a map, mobile phone, or GPS
- Use of avalanche rescue equipment and companion rescue practice
Prerequisites:
- Ability to ski on intermediate slopes (alpine, telemark, or snowboard). Note: You are welcome to join the Ylläs courses using snowshoes instead of skis or splitboard if that’s how you prefer to move on snow. Please inform us during registration if you plan to use snowshoes.
Required equipment for the course:
- Gear for backcountry skiing: skis, boots, bindings, skins, and adjustable poles. For snowboarders: snowboard boots, splitboard, skins, and adjustable poles. (Snowboarders may also participate with a snowboard or snowshoes). You can also join the course using snowshoes—please inform us in advance so we can take it into account during course arrangements. Thank you in advance.
Adventure Partners offers rental gear for the course. Rentals must be reserved beforehand. Please inform us when registering to the training about your need to rent gear.
Avalanche rescue gear (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) can be borrowed free of charge from Adventure Partners for the course if you don’t own your own. If you need to borrow avalanche rescue gear for the course, please add this information in the order comment field so we can reserve the necessary equipment for you. Thank you in advance.
- Weather-appropriate clothing, a jacket for breaks, a backpack, thermos, water bottle, snacks
- Ski goggles
- Ski helmet
- If you own them, please bring: compass and altimeter watch
Other:
- We recommend obtaining accident insurance that covers off-piste skiing.
- The course is limited to 8 participants.
Accommodation:
There are various accommodation options available in Äkäslompolo. To ensure everyone has a place to stay during the course, we offer shared accommodation at Hanurila Adventure Lodge on Lake Jeris. The cost for 2 nights is 180 EUR/person. More information and accommodation bookings can be made here. For further inquiries, please contact teija(at)adventurepartners.fi.
Course Schedule:
Day 1:
The course starts at 08:30 with a webinar (via phone or computer)
- 08:30 – 11:00 Webinar: Safety mindset, basics of avalanches
- 11:00 – 12:30 Lunch + transfer to outdoor exercises (meeting at Y1 lower parking lot)
- 12:30 – 16:30 Outdoor exercises: using avalanche rescue equipment and companion rescue
- 20:00 – 20:45 Webinar: Route planning, planning the next day’s field trip, interpreting weather and avalanche forecasts (time may be adjusted if it does not suit everyone)
Day 2:
The course starts at 10:00 (meeting point to be confirmed based on conditions).
- 10:00 – 16:30 Outdoor exercises: Identifying avalanche terrain, choosing a route, managing avalanche risk (lunch in the field)
- 16:30 – 17:00 Conclusion of the course outdoors
