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Avalanche Skills Course Level Two (ASC2)

05/03/2024 - 08/03/2024

Japan

Overview

The ASC 2 (Avalanche Skills Course) is a comprehensive four-day course in backcountry travel. Designed primarily for recreational backcountry users, or as stepping stone into professional qualifications, the ASC 2 explores how an avalanche pro efficiently minimises risk from avalanches and other mountain hazards before they go out, while travelling, and upon their return from the backcountry.

This is a four-day long, ISIA standard, NZSIA approved, avalanche course, facilitated by the renowned avalanche expert and mountain guide Peter Bilous of Crystal Clear Avalanche Education. Pete is NZ’s most experienced professional avalanche instructor and NZMGA Ski Guide with over 70 seasons experience (heli, cat and ski-tour) guiding, avalanche forecasting and instructing globally.

The four days will move between Madarao Mountain Resort and Nozawa Onsen, depending on snow conditions. Note that the ASC 1 is not a prerequisite to attend the ASC 2.

To join this course, you will require:

  • Personal equipment and clothing
  • Snow shoes or touring gear (with understanding on how to use them)
  • Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
  • Packed lunch and snacks
  • A day pack capable of carrying all of the above
  • The ability to ride in the backcountry

    • Costs & Inclusions

    Below shows the ASC 2 "course only" option. Please refer to the last line for inclusion of accommodation and lift passes.

    Course Cost
    ¥‎70,000 JPY (accommodation, lift passes, transport and avalanche equipment are additional - see below).
    Avalanche Course
    4 days, with a mix of indoor (approx 25%) and field sessions (approx 75%) running from 8.30am to 5pm daily.
    Resources
    All course resources, access to online resources, and an avalanche evaluation card is included.
    Group Sizes
    Between 4 and 6 people per group (we require a minimum of 4 to run this course).
    Certification
    ASC2 Completion Certificate (certifying trip planning and avalanche transceiver competency).
    Avalanche Equipment
    A limited number of avalanche sets (transciever, probe, shovel and pack) are available to rent for 10,000 JPY for the duration of the course. Touring equipment or snowshoes must be hired independently.
    All-inclusive Option
    ¥175,000 JPY with ACS 2 course, 5 nights of twin-share accommodation, daily breakfast, transfers to and from Iiyama Station, and 4 days of lift passes.

    Ability Levels

    The ability to ride black off-piste terrain and handle a variety of snow conditions is a MUST. Whilst there is limited riding on this course, the locations travelled to may include tricky traverses, deep powder and/or other variable snow conditions.

    Please note that you will need avalanche equipment for this camp - transceiver, probe and shovel. CAMP3 has a limited number of sets available for hire. Please indicate if you would like to reserve a set in the comments below when booking on the camp.

    Accommodation

    If you wish to chose the all-inclusive option, accommodation is on a twin-share basis (with ensuite bathrooms), at the vibing CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao (just 100m from the chairlifts of Madarao Mountain Resort), with daily breakfast and a welcome dinner on the first night. Check out CAMP3 Clubhouse Madarao here.

    Please specify that you would like the all-inclusive option in the comments below.

    Bookings

    You must be signed up as a member to book on a camp. The booking form will display here when you are logged in.