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Activities

Avalanche Self-Rescue Training

Level: 1
Season: Winter
Duration: 1 day
Participants: 8

My goal

You have a transceiver, shovel and probe. But would you really know how to use them if someone in your group were caught in an avalanche?

The avalanche rescue course is a practical 4-hour session for skiers, snowboarders, ski tourers and anyone who spends time in the winter mountains and wants to learn how to use their safety equipment correctly. A transceiver, shovel and probe are the essential tools for companion rescue, but they need to be used with a clear method and regular practice. Learn more about avalanche rescue with the CAI

With an IFMGA Mountain Guide, you will work directly on the snow, from checking your equipment to running a complete avalanche rescue scenario.

You will learn how to check and wear your transceiver correctly, switch from transmit to search mode, follow the different stages of the search, use a probe effectively and organise efficient shovelling. We will also work on group organisation: who searches, who shovels, who calls the emergency services and how to avoid wasting valuable time in the first few minutes. Search, probing, excavation and group organisation are also part of AINEVA training programmes dedicated to avalanche rescue. Learn more about AINEVA avalanche rescue training

An important part of the course is dedicated to timed rescue scenarios. Knowing in theory how a transceiver works is not enough: you need to be able to use the transceiver, shovel and probe together while remaining methodical, coordinated and focused.

This is not a complete snow and avalanche science course, and it does not teach you how to make a slope “safe”. The objective is more specific: to know what to do once an accident has happened and make companion rescue as fast and effective as possible.

Available dates

  • Sunday, 6 December 2026
  • Sunday, 13 December 2026
  • Sunday, 20 December 2026
  • Sunday, 27 December 2026
  • Sunday, 3 January 2027

Minimum participants: 8

Price per person: €60

The price includes: 4 hours of practical avalanche rescue training with an IFMGA Mountain Guide.

Practical avalanche rescue course – 4 hours

Meet your IFMGA Mountain Guide in Alagna for an equipment check and a short initial briefing. The course takes place entirely on the snow and combines short explanations with practical exercises. We will work on the correct use of a transceiver, shovel and probe: equipment checks, switching from transmit to search mode, locating a buried person, probing and organising the excavation. An important part of the course is dedicated to avalanche rescue scenarios. You will learn how to organise the group, assign roles, communicate effectively and manage the first stages of an emergency. During the course, we will also look at how to read the essential information in an avalanche bulletin and which terrain features to observe before and during a day in the mountains. The objective is practical: to turn your transceiver, shovel and probe from equipment you simply carry in your backpack into tools you know how to use when they are really needed.

Duration: approximately 4 hours
Format: practical course on snow
Minimum number of participants: 8

For the course, you will need:

  • layered winter clothing with a waterproof shell and warm insulating layer
  • technical winter trousers
  • light gloves and warm gloves
  • warm hat or headband
  • waterproof mountain boots and gaiters
  • category 4 sunglasses and ski goggles
  • helmet
  • 20–25 litre backpack
  • thermos or water bottle, up to 1 litre
  • sunscreen and lip protection
  • a few snacks

Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are provided by Monterosa Booking.

When you book, we will send you the complete equipment list. In the days before the course, your IFMGA Mountain Guide may suggest adjustments according to the snow, weather and temperatures.

Mountaineering, ski touring, off-piste skiing and trekking take place in a natural, uncontrolled environment.
Weather conditions, snow, ice, terrain, visibility, altitude and physical fatigue can change rapidly and directly affect the course of the activity. For this reason, there is always an inherent level of objective risk, which cannot be eliminated but only managed.

All our activities are led by IFMGA Mountain Guides and Certified Hiking Guides (AMM).
The guide continuously assesses environmental conditions and the physical and mental state of participants, sets an appropriate pace, manages progression and ensures the correct use of equipment. If conditions require it, the guide may modify the itinerary or interrupt the activity, always in the interest of individual and group safety.

Participants are required to be in good physical and mental condition, adequately prepared for the level of the activity, and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Group activities

During group outings, the pace is set according to the slowest participant. In case of fatigue or discomfort, the guide may decide to adjust the programme or return early. In the mountains, the group ascends and returns together.

Learn more here


FAQ #1 – Do I need experience to participate?
No, no prerequisites are required. The course is also for complete beginners who want to learn the basics.
FAQ #2 – Can I join alone?
Of course! We create the groups, so you can sign up individually and you’ll be placed with other participants..
FAQ #3 -Is the equipment included?
Yes, the avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe kit is included, and we’ll also provide educational materials.
FAQ #4 – Where does the course take place?
Certainly! Absolutely! The location is chosen based on weather and snow conditions on the Alagna side.
FAQ #5 – What happens if the weather is bad?
The guide may decide to modify the program or location to ensure group safety.
FAQ #6 – Is a certificate included?
Yes, at the end you will receive a certificate of participation confirming the skills acquired during the course.

Populate the form and secure your spot now!
Choose your departure date

Avalanche Self-Rescue Training

€0.00


Insurance

Before departure, check that your insurance policy specifically covers mountaineering, glacier travel, altitude, trip cancellation, repatriation, and personal liability. For more information, read our complete guide to mountain insurance.

WINTER

Level 1 – Explore
First freeride experiences. Controlled turns and a relaxed pace on accessible terrain.

Level 2 – Advanced
Confident skiing on ungroomed snow and able to maintain a good pace throughout the day.

Level 3 – Technical
Regular freeride experience, including on steeper terrain and in more exposed situations.


SUMMER

Level 1 – First experience
You should be comfortable with normal mountain hiking. No previous mountaineering or glacier experience is required.

Level 2 – Basic experience
You should already have completed hikes of several hours on mountain trails. Previous glacier experience or use of crampons is not required, but you should be ready to use them for the first time.

Level 3 – Mountaineering experience
Previous experience using crampons and travelling roped together on a glacier is required. The route may include short exposed sections.

Level 4 – Advanced experience
Solid experience using crampons and travelling roped together is required. The route may include exposed ridges, steep slopes and mixed terrain.

Level 5 – Experienced mountaineer
Strong experience on technical high-mountain routes is required. The route may include very exposed sections, climbing on rock, ice or mixed terrain, and may require knowledge of the main rope techniques.

The level indicates the technical experience required, not the physical effort.
The actual difficulty may vary depending on mountain conditions and the route.