Free off piste, avalanche and crevasse rescue course in Chamonix

As in previous years 'La Chamoniarde' an initiative from the Office de Haute Montagne (OHM) is organising off piste training sessions for free this season.

A great opportunity to learn some alpine skills which could save your life or those of your mates, these sessions are always well subscribed so you should call and book your place in advance on any of the three courses offered:

* Off piste skiing: A general training session covering getting and using weather and piste condition information, what material you should take when heading off piste, understanding the terrain, using an avalanche transceiver and being pulleyed out of crevasses.
Dates available: 17/01, 24/01, 11/02, 18/02, 25/02 and 04/03
Requirements: You will need a good level of skiing/boarding

* What to do in an avalanche situation: A specific training session looking at searching for multiple avalanche victims in a simulated situation, including coping with injured, weather conditions and stress.
Dates available: 31/01
Requirements: You will need to know how to use an avalanche transceiver

* Crevasse rescue: A specific training session on how to get yourself or others out of a crevasse, where you'll do it for real!
Dates available: 07/03
Requirements: You will need a basic knowledge of ropes and knots

All the courses are FREE, you just need a MBU lift pass to be able to participate. Places are limited and you MUST book in advance by telephone on 04 50 53 22 08. A refundable deposit of 50 euros will be required. This deposit will be kept if you're a 'no show' on the day or you don't give 48hrs notice of cancellation.

All days start at 08:45 with the rendez vous point at the Office de Haute Montagne which is in the Maison de le Montagne below ESF ski school next to the church.