Off piste and avalanche safety training taken to a new level in the UK

With more skiers and snowboarders pushing the boundaries of thrill-seeking by venturing from marked runs, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a knowledge of avalanche safety skills.

The Ski Club of Great Britain has again teamed up with Henry’s Avalanche Talk, Arc’teryx  and new for this year, retailer Ellis Brigham, to offer comprehensive mountain safety and avalanche awareness training before you get to the slopes. And new for 2010 is an advanced off piste talk which has been added to the portfolio

The introductory talks will cover basic off piste safety including how to be well prepared before heading off piste, where to go and when, and what equipment to take off piste.

The advanced talk is for skiers who already venture off piste, but want to take their learning further. The talk will cover route selection, avalanche types, use of transceivers* and what to do if caught in an avalanche slide.

Ellis Brigham is offering a 10% discount on kit at each venue.

Also, there are two practical avalanche transceiver* training sessions taking place on UK beaches – Sandbanks in Dorset and Hayling Island in Hampshire. During the sessions participants will learn how to do single and multiple transceiver searches and get comfortable with using an avalanche transceiver before the season starts.

Dates and Locations:
Tuesday 16 November, 7-9pm - Off Piste and Avalanche Awareness Evening - Covent Garden, London.

Wednesday 17 November, 7-9pm - Off Piste and Avalanche Awareness Evening - Duke Street, Manchester.

Thursday 18 November 7-9pm - ADVANCED Off Piste and Avalanche Awareness - Covent Garden, London.

Saturday 6 November 11am-1.30pm – Practical transceiver training - Sandbanks, Poole

Saturday 13 November 11am -1.30pm – Practical transceiver training - Hayling Island

Tickets cost £7 (£6 for Ski Club members) and can be bought online at skiclub.co.uk