The first of the 3 courses required to pass the exam of ski trekking guide was held this week-end. I could follow a 2 day course in the Alps focussed on :

• Cartography: reading maps, imaginating terrain, working out a path, spotting potential dangers linked to the terrain configuration or snow accumulations, …
• Orienteering: using the altimeter, the compass, various techniques to help getting your location on a map using those tools, …
• Conducting a group of ski trekkers: preparing the track, leading & organising the group, keeping the group in safety, …
• Preparing & following a safety path in case of bad weather conditions (reduced visibility)

We could practise the theory behind this during two relatively easy ascents in small groups of 5 skiers. The location of the course was the small village named “Fontgillarde”, in the eastern part of French Alps.

I am now looking forward to following the next course: study of snow conditions, avalanches, rescue of avalanche victims. It should be held on 28th and 29th of Jan. 2006.

- Posted on Tuesday 17 January 2006 at 16:07 GMT.
- Tags: France 2005-2006 • Alpinism
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