Avalanche Course

Learn the basics to be able to plan and carry out your own ski touring trips.

We spend two days outdoors focusing on terrain selection, avalanche warning, snow knowledge, buddy rescue and group dynamics. This course does not require any prior knowledge other than that you can get up and down safely on skis.

The aim of the course is to give you a thorough introduction to what traffic in or near avalanche terrain entails. If you want to learn the basics of avalanches, avalanche terrain, buddy rescue and the use of caution, this is the course for you!

Content:
Terrain, loosening areas and discharge zones
The avalanche warning, varsom.no
Trip planning
Track and route choices
Rescue, use of avalanche transceivers, shovel, probe
Snow knowledge
Weather and wind
Group dynamics

We meet at Rema 1000 Bertnes 08.30 for joint driving towards today's hiking destination (Valnesfjord, Misvær, Heggmoen). Participants are responsible for their own transportation.

The course is basically run regardless of weather and conditions, so bring plenty of clothes. We are mainly outdoors. We stand more still than on a regular summit trip.

Bodø

3200 NOK

2 days

Beginner

Dec 14, 2024

Dec 28, 2024

Jan 11, 2025

Jan 18, 2025

Feb 8, 2025

Feb 15, 2025

Feb 22, 2025

Mar 1, 2025

Mar 15, 2025

BOOKING

Practical information

The course is usually held in Valnesfjord, Misvær, or Heggmoen, depending on weather and snow conditions. This is agreed closer to the start of the course. All locations are within an hour's drive of Bodø, and participants are responsible for their own transport.

Plane:
Bodø is only 1h and 20min from Oslo Airport by direct flight. There are also direct flights from several other major cities in Norway.

Train:
The Nordlandsbanen from Trondheim takes you directly to Bodø. With a sleeper compartment this is a comfortable way to travel to Bodø.

Boat:
It is also possible to take the Hurtigruten/Havila coastal route to Bodø from Bergen.

Cancellation up to 30 days before: 10% administration fee.
Cancellation from day 29 - 15 before: 50% refund
Cancellation from 14 days before: no refund

MAD Mountain Guides and our partners cannot be held responsible if something unforeseen happens to you that prevents you from participating. We therefore encourage you to have good travel insurance for such events. See our terms and conditions for more info.

By using guides trained through Nortind, you can be sure that your guide has the right expertise to handle the group's safety.

On a trip with MAD Mountain Guides, your experience and safety are always in focus. Winter mountain tours always involve a certain risk associated with falls and crash injuries, avalanches and other alpine hazards.

Each ski day starts with a clarification of expectations with the group, also called a tour council. This is a good opportunity to share your daily form, wishes and ask questions. Here we discuss the current avalanche warning and what options we have for choosing the type of terrain and tour.

Suitable for those who use touring skis, telemark skis or splitboards.

Participants must provide their own transport and possibly accommodation in Bodø during the course's stay.

Requires a minimum of 4 participants

Private groups and other areas: We set up closed courses for your group of friends or company on request throughout the winter. Get in touch and we will tailor a course for you.

Booking

< View all activities