About the Course:

The course is designed for groups of up to 5 people or individuals who can snowboard but want to start their adventure with splitboarding and freeriding. During the course, I will provide information about avalanches, risk assessment, and safety rules in the mountains. Through simulations, you will practice using avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) in real-life scenarios. You will also learn how to handle a splitboard, move efficiently in mountainous terrain, and safely ride off-piste.

 

What will I learn during the course?

• Winter hazards in the mountains (avalanches, hypothermia, frostbite, injuries)

• Basic rules for safe freeriding/hiking – equipment and preparation

• Using avalanche safety equipment

• What to do in case of an avalanche (during and after an avalanche)

• Fundamentals of avalanche science

• Basic methods for assessing snowpack stability

• Risk assessment in mountainous terrain

• Planning and tactics for winter mountain travel

• Understanding avalanche and weather reports

• Handling a splitboard

• Evaluating avalanche danger

• Uphill and downhill riding techniques in varied terrain

• Traversing techniques for tackling steep sections

 

Is this course for me?

The course is suitable for anyone, regardless of age, who:

• Can snowboard confidently on red and black slopes,

• Has the endurance for a 3–4 hour ascent with a backpack, covering 500–1000 meters of elevation gain,

• Owns the NECESSARY EQUIPMENT.

Course Schedule:

Friday – Day 1:

• Introductory lecture: Course objectives, mountain hazards, introduction to companion rescue, avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel), and other essential gear with basic functions.

 

Saturday – Day 2:

08:30–22:00 Theoretical and practical training

Morning lecture: Companion rescue

• Use of avalanche safety equipment (introduction to beacon operation, explanation of functions and proper usage)

• Avalanche emergency procedures and task allocation during a rescue

Breakfast/coffee break (15 min.)

Practical field exercises:

• Estimating distances and movement in avalanche terrain

• Using avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel)

• Group probing exercises

Lunch break (45 min.)

Afternoon and evening lecture:

• Post-rescue procedures (winter first aid)

• Weather and terrain factors contributing to avalanche risk

• Avalanche formation and mechanics

• Tour planning – hazard assessment, risk reduction, and management

 

Sunday – Day 3:

08:00–17:00 Backcountry tour with practical exercises:

• Observing weather and terrain, measuring slope angles

• Snowpack observations and profile analysis

• Simulated rescue scenarios

Course completion and certificate presentation.
(Bring food for the tour.)

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Extended Course:

Sunday:

• Evening tour planning session for the following day.

 

Monday:

08:30–16:00 Skitouring & avalanche field tour with a focus on course topics:

• Tour planning, hazard assessment, and comparing planned routes with actual conditions

• Local terrain inspection and risk assessment in diverse landscapes

• Strategy and choice of ascent and descent lines

 

Where does the course take place?

The course starts in Kościelisko, Kiry 11.
We pack our equipment and go through the theoretical part there. Then, we head into the scenic Tatra valleys – either in Poland or Slovakia, depending on conditions. Therefore, travel insurance covering extreme sports is recommended.

 

When does the course take place?

The course runs from 08:00–16:00 (or until your legs are tired) on two pre-arranged days, usually over the weekend. Check availability HERE.

 

What’s included in the course fee?

• Lectures

• Practical field exercises (max. 6 people per group)

• Gift from Powderboss

• Course completion certificate

• Unique atmosphere #splitboardingisnotacrime

• Guidance from a licensed instructor

• Splitboard training

• Rental of essential equipment: Splitboard, skins, bindings, poles, crampons, ice axe, and avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel)

 

What’s not included in the course fee?

• Accommodation

• Accident insurance

• Entry fee to Tatra National Park

• Travel costs

• Lift tickets

• Meals

• Additional personal equipment for mountain touring

• Course extension with an extra night and Splitboard & Avalanche Tour (+500 PLN)

 

How to book the course?

• Check available dates HERE.

• Call, send an email, or use the contact form to confirm availability and details (number of participants, required equipment – height, weight, regular/goofy stance, etc.).

• Pay a 150 PLN deposit.

 

How do I pay for the course?

The course can be paid for on-site in cash or via BLIK.