Day Course: Avalanche Off-Piste
Do you enjoy using ski lifts to access ski terrain with untouched powder? That’s easy to understand! Remember that there can be an avalanche risk even when you’re close to groomed slopes. Learn how to minimize avalanche risk when skiing off-piste.
About the Day Course in Myrkdalen: Avalanche Off-Piste
This day course provides a practical introduction to recognizing avalanche-prone terrain, assessing snow conditions, and making safe decisions when skiing outside groomed slopes. Through a combination of theory and hands-on exercises in the mountains, you will learn both how to prevent avalanche risk and essential companion rescue techniques using a transceiver, probe, and shovel. The instructors have solid experience and place strong emphasis on safety, progressive learning, confidence, and real-world experience.
The course is designed for active skiers who want greater freedom and confidence off-piste, and is suitable for anyone aged 13 and above. After completing the course, you will be better equipped to make your own assessments, understand avalanche forecasts and conditions, and travel more safely in the mountains while searching for the best snow.
What will you learn?
- Safe group travel patterns for skiing. Communication, line choice, and safe stopping points.
- Companion rescue using transceiver, probe, and shovel.
- How to recognize avalanche terrain and terrain traps.
- How to use the Varsom app to read and understand the avalanche forecast.
- How to identify natural warning signs of avalanche danger.
- Technical tips and development of your skiing skills – both on and off groomed slopes.
Program
Always good vibes!
Practical Information
Who is this day course suitable for?
This day course is suitable for skiers and snowboarders, freeriders, and those interested in ski touring, aged 13 and above. No prior avalanche knowledge is required, but you must have sufficient skiing or snowboarding skills to confidently ski red runs with good control. You should have some experience skiing in powder snow. Ski touring equipment is not required for this course.
Required equipment
- Skis or snowboard suitable for skiing outside groomed slopes
- Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants with a hood
- One or two sets of wool base layers
- Beanie, neck warmer, gloves or mittens
- Warm insulated jacket or wool sweater
- Avalanche safety equipment (shovel, probe, electronic transceiver)
- Ski goggles or sunglasses
- Ski helmet (mandatory)
- Smartphone with a fully charged battery
Optional: water bottle, packed lunch/snacks
Bring your keycard/lift pass if you have one.
Pack your equipment and extra clothing in a small daypack (15–20 liters). Avalanche safety equipment can be borrowed from us at no extra cost.
Included in the course price
- Planning and preparation by the organizer and course instructor
- 7-hour course with an NF-certified avalanche instructor or higher qualification
- Loan of shovel, probe, and electronic transceiver if needed
- Coverage of the course leader’s expenses
- Lift pass/day pass
Not included in the price
- Food expenses
- Ski equipment rental
- Transportation to and from the ski resort
Age limit
The minimum age is 13 years. Participants under the age of 18 must provide written consent from a parent or guardian in order to participate.
Gallery
