AINEVA Course – Follow the Track
Towards autonomy in activities on snow-covered terrain
Have you been ski touring for some time and do you sometimes ask yourself questions such as:
How do I decide whether to cross that slope or not? Do I go or do I turn back? How do I plan a tour independently?
During the course, we will provide tools to analyse, assess and make decisions during outings on snow-covered terrain.
Click here for more information on the difficulty level
DIFFICULTY LEVELS
The system uses two distinct parameters for each itinerary:
- Technical difficulty
- Physical difficulty (Fitness)
Both are divided into three levels: Low – Medium – High.
ALPINE TERRAIN
Low technical difficulty
Itinerary on rocky and/or snowy terrain, generally not very steep. May include short stretches on snow slopes up to 35°–40° and simple rock passages up to UIAA grade II.
Medium technical difficulty
More complex and exposed terrain. Requires good movement skills on snow and ice up to 45° and rock passages up to UIAA grade IV.
High technical difficulty
Very complex and exposed terrain. Requires solid experience on snow and ice slopes beyond 45°, possible use of two ice axes, and rock passages above UIAA grade IV.
Low physical difficulty
Daily elevation gain up to 400–500 m. Approximate activity time: 3–4 hours.
Medium physical difficulty
Daily elevation gain up to 800–1,000 m. Approximate activity time: 5–7 hours.
High physical difficulty
Daily elevation gain up to 1,400–1,800 m.
SKI MOUNTAINEERING TERRAIN
Low technical difficulty
Requires the ability to ski with parallel turns on black runs. No specific ski mountaineering or off-piste experience required.
Medium technical difficulty
Requires prior ski mountaineering and/or off-piste experience. Ability to ski in a controlled manner on all snow types on slopes up to 35°.
High technical difficulty
Requires full ski control on all snow types on slopes steeper than 35°. May include alpine sections requiring the use of ice axe and crampons.
Low physical difficulty
Trips with elevation gain under 800 m.
Medium physical difficulty
Trips with elevation gain between 800 and 1,200 m.
High physical difficulty
Trips with elevation gain over 1,200 m.
Group trip
200,00 €
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Description
The AINEVA “Follow the Track” Course is a snow and avalanche training course aimed at ski touring enthusiasts.
During the course, attention is focused on tour planning, local danger assessment and group management.
Who it is for
The course is designed for those who already practise ski touring and want to learn how to assess snow-covered terrain and plan their own tours independently.
During the days, participants learn how to read and interpret the avalanche bulletin, recognise warning signs and manage decisions consciously.
Training objectives of the AINEVA Follow the Track Course
- Understand the different types of snow
- Understand the release mechanisms of slab avalanches
- Decode and interpret the avalanche bulletin
- Recognise typical avalanche problems
- Read and interpret a topographic map and use mapping apps
- Understand itinerary choice
- Plan a tour in broad terms
- Interpret and measure slope angles in the field and identify terrain traps
- Understand decision-making choices and apply the Leader’s instructions
- Effectively alert organised rescue services
- Take part effectively in a group avalanche rescue
Program
Friday evening (20:00–22:00)
Course presentation and first elements of snow science.
Saturday
Field practice day and, in the afternoon, theoretical classroom lesson.
Sunday
Practical outing for assessment and application of the concepts learned.
Location: Aosta Valley. The specific area will be chosen according to snow and weather conditions.
Prerequisites
The course is designed for those who already practise ski touring and want to learn how to assess snow-covered terrain and plan their own tours independently.
During the days, participants learn how to read and interpret the avalanche bulletin, recognise warning signs and manage decisions consciously.
Rate
200 € / person
The fee includes
- Training activity with an IFMGA Mountain Guide.
- Assistance and group management during all outings.
The fee does not include
- AINEVA teaching content and support during the field days (15 €)
- Lift pass.
- Any transfer expenses.
- Equipment rental.
- Food and accommodation expenses for the two days.
Equipment
Complete ski touring or splitboard set: skis, skins, boots, poles.
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are mandatory.
Technical clothing suitable for activities in a winter mountain environment.
The complete equipment list can be downloaded from the link available on the course page.
