This video was created by Backcountry access and covers different probing techniques that can be used when searching for a victim buried in an avalanche.
This is where you will find all our advice and tips. Click on the images to download the .PDF data sheet.
This video was created by Backcountry access and covers different probing techniques that can be used when searching for a victim buried in an avalanche.
Be avalanche aware!
This information document is a must read before you head into the winter mountains.
There are sections on identifying avalanche hazard and how to make a good considered decision.
Questions you should ask and information you should find out at home before you leave. When on your mountain journey what you should consider and look out for, for example key areas of risk. There are a number of useful references to where you can find further information. We strongly recommend you take a read of this document if you are heading into the mountains this winter.
In this video a mountain guide runs through what he packs on a regular ski tour into the backcountry in Canada/America. Although you may pack some slightly different equipment in the UK or the European Alps it is worth watching the video and will help you assess what you need to pack and what you feel you can justify leaving out of your backpack.
Plan for the best prepare for the worst.
This short video describes different methods of shovelling/excavating a victim buried in the snow. It shows how to use shovelling resources efficiently when attempting to recover a avalanche victim. This video is well worth watching even if you are an expert in the field as it will provoke some questions or give you an effective strategy for managing a digging site.
In this video there is some great advice on how to choose what type of ice axe you require for winter mountaineering
Generally hill walkers in the mountains burn around 5,000 calories a day, which is similar to the amount of energy as a marathon runner. This makes it a difficult to consume as much energy as you burn when you are out.
What should we eat? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! and this needs to be formed of high energy carbohydrates, ideal choices would be - porridge, muesli or beans on toast.
Click on the image to view and download the Fuelling your Body information sheet.
Most people who have an average level of fitness will be able to survive a trekking adventure, however there is a big difference between surviving the trip and being comfortable and enjoying it.
Preparing for your trek You should start your fitness training at least 4 months before your departure with a focus on key muscle groups: core, lower back, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Coming down is a lot harder on the knees so put some focus on the muscles that support your knees.
High altitude is defined as heights between 1,550m and 3,500m above sea level, very high altitude ranges from 3,500m to 5,500 and extreme altitude is 5,500m and above.
As we gain altitude air pressure reduces and oxygen content reduces, this makes it harder for us to take oxygen into our body. In addition to this barometric pressure is higher at the equator than the poles so ascending Kilimanjaro near the equator will seem easier than Mt Vinson in the Antarctic.
