Where to Ski And Snowboard - Free Austrian avalanche courses

Free Austrian avalanche courses

10th January 2012, by Chris Gill

It's deep out there - near Obsteig [TVB Tirol]

With record-breaking snowfalls in Austria’s Tirol region lately, and heavy snowfall now crossing the east of the country, visitors are being encouraged to sign up to a free avalanche course.

This week alone the country has witnessed some of the largest snowfall total for 60 years – so they say in Galtur. In other areas, 30-70cm fresh snow has fallen in just 24 hours. The best include St Anton, Berwang (Zugspitz Arena) and Lech; the SkiWelt and Kitzbühel ski areas are also in fine shape, having received 30-50cm new snow.

So, the two-day SAAC (Snow & Avalanche Awareness Camps) could be in great demand. They offer a mix of theory and practice – using the latest specialist equipment and teaching such things as snow awareness and route finding techniques. Participation and the use of equipment is free.

If you’re out in the following resorts on the following dates, it might be worth a look.

Wildschönau 21/22 January
Imst 21/22 January
Warth-Schröcken III 28/29 January
Nauders 28/29 January
Annaberg/Mitterbach II 18/19 February
Schnalstaler Gletscher 18/19 February
Mayrhofen 25/26 February
Warth-Schröcken IV 10/11 March
Galtür 17/18 March
Obertauern 14/15 April
Stubaier Gletscher II 28/29 April

We also have some late January deals to Austria in our Bargains section. Here’s an example:

Save £230 – Neustift in the Stubai Valley

Crystal Ski has 7 nights on half board at the 3* Hotel Augarten from £395 per person (was £625). Price includes return flights from Luton, East Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle and Gatwick to Salzburg and resort transfers. Departs 28 January. (www.crystalski.co.uk)