Welcome to the BCP Community! We’re kicking off a new season of workshops and courses. We want to enhance your abilities through a succession of classes in a logical and progressive manner. The idea is to encourage you to practice this beautiful sport properly and safely by giving you a set of easy-to-use tools.
Check the “itinerary” tab to learn more about the LEARNING OUTCOMES and
CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT.
The work methodology will be through on-line classes uploaded to our virtual classroom and YouTube Channel. You will be able to watch them at your pace. After every class, you will have the contents available for a deeper look and a short test.
This workshop is for skiers and snowboarders that already have some experience in backcountry skiing and want to upgrade their abilities. We’ll aim for an intermediate out of track level and greater familiarity with backcountry gear. Meet new adventure buddies and learn this incredible activity.
Expected Outcomes in a BCC Level 1 Course
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
✅ Understand the fundamentals of avalanche formation and dynamics.
✅ Identify avalanche-prone terrain and assess its risk.
✅ Use decision-making tools in the field.
✅ Perform basic snowpack stability tests.
✅ Apply rescue techniques in the event of an avalanche.
✅ Develop teamwork skills for risk management.
✅ Analyze and apply avalanche bulletin information in the field.
✅ Recognize signs of instability and assess exposure to risk.
✅ Plan and execute safe routes in the backcountry.
✅ Implement strategies to minimize avalanche risk during activities.
✅ Assess partner safety and make appropriate decisions in emergency situations.
CONFIRMED DATES FOR THE 2025 SEASON:
BCC Level 1 – July:
- Classroom sessions: 03-08-10/07
- Field sessions: 05-12-13/07
BCC Level 1 – July (Intensive):
- Classroom sessions: 23-24/07
- Field sessions: 25-26-27/07
BCC Level 1 – August:
- Classroom sessions: 07-12-14/08
- Field sessions: 09-16-17/08
Course Details:
📍 Classroom sessions: In-person at Colegio Qmark + virtual classroom for consultation.
🏔️ Field sessions:
- Day 1: At a ski resort (no lift pass required).
- Days 2 & 3: Backcountry outing to a mountain hut with an overnight stay.
💰 Course Fee: 450 USD
Gear list
Specifics:
- Mountain skis with touring bindings and skins / Splitboard with bindings and skins
- Touring boots / snowboarding boots
- Ski poles
- Beacon, Shovel and Probe (mandatory)
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Crampons
- Goggles
- Gloves (two pairs)
- Sunglasses / Sunscreen (+50) / Lip Balm
Layered clothing:
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight or Midweight, Synthetic)
- Fleece sweater (100/200)
- Rain Jacket
- Insulated Jacket
- Rain Pants
- Ski socks
- Change of clothes (shirt, base layer, gloves, socks, underwear)
- Cap / hat
- Buff
Other:
- Camelback
- 1lt water bottle (minimum)
- Thermos
- First aid kit
- Money and papers
- Camera and accessories
We have equipment for rent:
- Skis / Skins and Bindings
- Splitboard
- Security kit (Beacon, Shovel and Probe)
Feel free to ask pricing and availability.
Location: Bariloche, Argentina
Duration: Two weeks (virtual) + three days on terrain
Dates: July to October
Requirements: Advanced ski level. Experience in backcountry skiing. Good physical condition.
Guides and Ratio: 6:1
12 people max.
- Professional AAGM/UIMLA Ski Guide
- Classroom Access
- Textbooks
- Satellite Communication service
- Personal insurance in case of accidents
- Accommodation and transfers in/to Bariloche
- Security Kit
- Backcountry skis or splitboards.
- Some unspecified item in this programme.
Book your place!
LEARNING OUTCOMES
– Access local avalanche bulletin and learn to understand & apply.
– Describe where and why avalanches occur. Key components for
formation.
– Human Factors. Identify & apply simple decision tools to prepare for traveling in avalanche terrain.
– Apply risk management tools: safety equipment, trailhead checks, and communication.
– Learn procedures for Basic Companion Rescue: Skills Practical
– Make key observations for snowpack and weather.
– Practice snowpack tests appropriate for the current avalanche problems.
– Identify avalanche terrain in the field.
– Choose terrain appropriate for the current avalanche forecast & safe travel. Link participant objectives, to terrain and avoiding Avalanche Problem.
CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT
Pre-Course
• Consider pre-course materials and study for student.
Human factors
• Mental shortcuts and heuristic traps
• Mindsets
• Use of decision tools and check lists.
Avalanche Basics & Characteristics
• Avalanche types; Unstable snowpack conditions.
• Size classification of avalanches. Incident statistics.
• Terms common to: avalanches, terrain & snow.
• Avalanche motion: glide, turbulence, speed- dry vs. wet
• Identify Avalanche Problems (conditions, formation, characteristics).
Terrain
• Critical slope angles. Terrain features, shape, size.
• Role of slope aspect and elevation to sun and wind.
• Identify avalanche start zones, tracks, and run-outs
• Critical terrain: traps, convexities, triggering.
Snowpack and Weather
• Mountain snowpack development: storms, intervals. Weather events leading to formation of strong and weak layers.
• Basic snowpack development/change.
• Snow Climates; by region and within range-mountain location.
Information Gathering
• Access and understand information from the Avalanche Advisory.
• North American Avalanche Danger Scale.
• Use of terrain/danger rose.
Planning, Communication & Decision-making
• Terrain, Snowpack, Weather discussion for trip planning
• Use information to plan & prepare for field. Use of Maps/technology.
Communication.
• Application of Plan to Field. Tour group decision making prior to travel; safe travel for conditions. Relevant observations & objectives.
• End of day review. Observations and reflections with group.
Making Relevant Observations
• Field observations: Critical Red Flag Obs.; Recognizing & prioritizing
• Pairing appropriate observations with current avalanche problems and
conditions
• Use of avalanche & snow pit tools: inclinometer, compass, probe, saw, shovel,
and thermometer.
• Snowpack tests: snow pits: ID layers (hand hardness), basic grain types (strong
& weak layers). Field identifying the Avalanche Problem.
• Informal snowpack tests while traveling.
Terrain and Travel
• Trailhead Check (beacons/equipment)
• Observant Travel/ snow, weather, terrain.
• Route selection. Managing group in terrain: travel protocols & group communication.
• Terrain identification. Recognize slope scale features. ID Avalanche terrain. Safe terrain choices.
Basic Avalanche Companion Rescue
• Beacon use, probing, shoveling.
• Conveyer belt shoveling technique.
• Simple one and two person burial techniques.
• Incident Response-Leadership, safety, checklists.
• Response as an avalanche victim; As a rescuer.
• Special Problems/ Common mistakes.
• Role of first aid and emergency response in real avalanche rescues.
TERRAIN: One day at Catedral Ski Resort, and a full weekend at Piltriquitron Hut (Bolson)
The goal of this trip is to put everything we learned into practice.
Practice ground location is very accessible. We’ll reach the hut in an hour. We’ll spend Saturday night there. Practice will be held in the surroundings and up to 3 to 4hs distance. Participants must have some experience in backcountry skiing and be able to carry the weight of the gear needed (5kg approximately)
8 to 10 hs of work are expected each day.
