The Avalanche Safety Course – Level 2 is designed for people who already have basic knowledge of avalanche safety and want to deepen their understanding of snow, the snowpack, and the processes that influence avalanche danger.
Over two days we will build on the knowledge from Level 1 and focus on a more in-depth analysis of the snowpack and mountain conditions.
During the course you will learn:
Types of snow crystals: We will look at the different types of snow crystals, how they form, and how they change over time.
Changes in the snowpack: You will learn how temperature, wind, new snowfall, and other meteorological factors affect the structure and stability of the snowpack.
Connections between snow layers: We will look at how the different layers in the snow form, the relationship between them, and how to recognize potentially problematic and weak layers.
Digging and analyzing a snow profile: You will learn how to correctly dig and analyze a snow profile, what information we can get from it, and how it is used as part of the overall assessment of conditions.
Snowpack stability tests: We will practice compression and other suitable tests and discuss how to correctly interpret their results, without relying on a single test alone when making a decision.
Recognizing signs of instability: You will learn to observe the terrain and the snowpack and to recognize important warning signs of increased avalanche danger.
How weather affects the avalanche situation: We will look at the relationship between weather conditions and snowpack development, and how changes in the weather can improve or worsen the avalanche situation over the following days.
Analysis and decision-making: We will combine information from the avalanche bulletin, the weather forecast, on-the-ground observations, and snowpack analysis to build a better assessment of conditions and terrain choice.
Over these two days you will gain deeper knowledge of snow and avalanche processes and develop your ability to observe, analyze, and make more informed decisions in the winter mountains.
Duration: 2 days — Level: Advanced / Level 2 — Format: Theory and practical exercises in the field.
The goal is not simply to recognize snow, but to understand what is happening within the snowpack and how that information can be part of better risk management in the winter mountains.
Price: 120 € per person — avalanche equipment is included in the price.
Not included: transport, overnight stay, drinks and personal consumables, and other expenses of a personal nature.