Chamonix Snow Report: 23rd January 2012

Run by Jeff Banks in association with British Alpine Ski School, Chamonix, the course would follow the AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) training programme. Our trainers for the course would be Jeff (American) and Robbie (Irish), highly experienced mountain guides who know the Chamonix mountains and ski area extremely well.

Of the 12 people attending the course, there were varying levels of experience and technical ability, from the instructors from BASS Chamonix refreshing their knowledge and qualifications, to people on holiday who wanted to understand off piste and mountain safety better before venturing off into the backcountry with their friends and family.

On the first night of the course we were introduced to the DMF (Decision Making Framework) which we were told should, at all times, be carried on our persons whilst on the mountain. The DMF provided a helpful checklist to ensure that group and individuals not only observe the external factors, such as the snowpack and weather, but also to ensure a backup plan and good communication are in place. We also took our first look at the cryptic art of deciphering the local Avalanche bulletins, whether in French, Italian or badly-translated English, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the symbols, diagrams, phrases and risks to look out for the following day.

The structure of the AIARE Level 1 training course comprised morning lectures covering Observation, Planning, Teamwork & Communication and Choice of Terrain. There were numerous video and photo case studies and evaluation in the classes, teaching you to spot possible warning signs, weather patterns and also to have the courage to speak up and turn back if you don’t feel safe.

During the afternoons on days 1 and 2, the groups headed out to put the lessons into practice, digging snow pits, examining the layers and types of snow up close and measuring the slope angles to aid in evaluating the Avalanche risk. A valuable part of the course was using the equipment we had and experiencing how reliable and suitable it was (or not, in some cases). A shopping list of suitable equipment was taken away by many.

Day 3 started with a quick final lesson to recap the previous days’ lessons before we headed out onto the mountain with the aim of putting our planning into practice. We ski toured up a ridge, seeing clearly the effects of the recent wind in forming cornices and potential wind slabs on loaded faces. Throughout the day, as we explored the mountain we discussed and answered questions on the surrounding conditions and patterns in the snow pack, taking it in turns to lead the group and suggesting routes both up and down. We also observed recent avalanche activity on numerous slopes. You really do become so much more aware or what is around you.

Then we stumbled across our holy grail; an untouched expanse of powder on a safe gradient, with ample room for us all to put in our own fresh tracks. We made the most of our discovery by skiing it in one long pitch, with clear sounds of whooping coming from both more and less experienced skiers. A great day out was had by all!

At the end of the last day we headed for a debrief and evaluation, over a well-deserved large vin chaud. We discussed what aspects and advice we would remember most from the course and, importantly, looked back over the day to see what we could have done better and if we had put ourselves at risk at any point. Through evaluating our decisions, good or bad, we can learn from our actions to ensure we make informed decisions and are able to ski yet more fantastic powder days.

Next course dates: 28-30th January 2012. Click here to book on-line.