Carrying an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe is essential when travelling in the mountains in winter. But in the event of an avalanche, having the right equipment is not enough: you need to know how to use it quickly, effectively and in the right order.
During this one-day course, a certified mountain guide will teach you the essential skills required for avalanche rescue. You will practise searching for a signal, locating a buried victim, probing, organising an efficient shovelling operation and calling the emergency services.
The day focuses heavily on hands-on practice and realistic scenarios, helping you develop the reflexes and techniques you need for ski touring, freeriding and snowshoeing.
Key Information
Duration: 1 day, approximately 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: No technical prerequisites
Area: Thônes, Manigod and the Aravis Mountains, depending on conditions. The course takes place at the Refuge de la Voye in Manigod.
Supervision: Certified mountain guide and rescuer
Suitable for: Ski touring, freeriding and snowshoeing
Safety equipment: Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe can be provided if required
Why Take an Avalanche Transceiver Course?
When an avalanche occurs, the people already on the scene need to be able to respond quickly and in an organised manner.
This course will help you understand the purpose of each piece of equipment and practise the correct sequence of actions:
- secure the area and assess the situation;
- call the emergency services;
- switch avalanche transceivers to search mode;
- search for the first signal;
- follow the signal to pinpoint the burial area;
- locate the victim with the probe;
- organise efficient shovelling;
- uncover the victim and provide appropriate initial assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a DVA and an ARVA?
DVA stands for Détecteur de Victimes d’Avalanche, the French term for an avalanche transceiver. ARVA is a historic commercial name that is still commonly used in French. Both generally refer to the same type of avalanche rescue device.
In English, the most common terms are avalanche transceiver and avalanche beacon.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is designed for anyone who wants to learn or refresh the fundamentals of avalanche rescue. It is suitable for beginners.
Do I need to own an avalanche transceiver?
No. Safety equipment can be provided. However, if you already own an avalanche transceiver, we recommend bringing it so that you can learn and practise using your own model.
Do I need to know how to ski?
Depending on snow conditions and the location selected, skis or snowshoes may be required. The exact arrangements will be confirmed before the course.
Does the course cover avalanches and snow conditions?
Yes. The course includes a general introduction to snow, avalanches and appropriate behaviour in avalanche terrain. However, the main focus of the day is avalanche rescue, transceiver searching, probing and shovelling.
Will I learn how to search for multiple victims?
Yes. The programme includes an introduction to multiple-burial searches and managing several transceiver signals.
Will we practise shovelling?
Yes. Probing and efficient shovelling techniques are an integral part of the course.
Where does the course take place?
The meeting point is in Thônes, after which the group travels to a suitable location in the Aravis Mountains. The exact training area may change depending on weather and snow conditions.
Is one day enough to become fully independent in avalanche terrain?
No. This course provides a solid foundation and a structured avalanche rescue method. Being fully independent in winter mountain terrain also requires skills in snow and avalanche awareness, route planning, terrain assessment and decision-making.
Ready to Master Your Avalanche Rescue Equipment?
Learn how to search for, locate and rescue a buried avalanche victim during a practical one-day course with a certified mountain guide.
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Safety Equipment
If you have your own avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, please bring them with you.
It is always better to practise with the equipment you will actually use on future outings. Safety equipment can also be provided for participants who do not own their own.
Required Level
Beginner level.
No previous avalanche rescue experience is required.
To get the most out of the course, however, you should be comfortable spending a full day travelling over snow-covered terrain, using touring skis or snowshoes depending on the chosen location and conditions.
How Does the Course Work?
1. Understand
Your guide explains the purpose of each piece of rescue equipment and introduces the overall avalanche rescue procedure.
2. Practise
Each participant becomes familiar with their avalanche transceiver and repeatedly practises the essential operations.
3. Train
Exercises progress step by step, from basic searches to fine searches, probing and shovelling.
4. Coordinate
The group learns how to assign roles and communicate effectively during a rescue.
5. Put It All Into Practice
A complete rescue scenario gives you the opportunity to apply everything you have learned in conditions designed to replicate a real emergency as closely as possible.
Who Is This Course For?
This one-day course is designed for:
- people getting started with ski touring;
- freeriders and off-piste skiers;
- snowshoers;
- avalanche transceiver owners who are not yet fully confident using their device;
- anyone wishing to refresh their basic avalanche rescue skills;
- groups looking to improve their organisation and coordination in the event of an accident.
Course Programme
The programme may be adapted according to the group, snow cover and terrain conditions.
Welcome and Equipment Check
Introduction to the day, equipment check and a discussion about participants’ previous experience.
Introduction to Avalanche Rescue
A review of the roles of the avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, followed by an introduction to the different stages of an avalanche search and the key actions to take.
Transceiver Check and Familiarisation
Switching on the devices, performing a group check, and practising the transition between transmit and search modes.
Signal Search
Progressive exercises teach you how to organise a search, follow the information provided by your transceiver and approach the burial area.
Fine Search and Probing
Precision search techniques are practised over the detected area, followed by probing to confirm the victim’s exact location and burial depth.
Organised Shovelling
Learn an efficient method for digging out a buried victim, both individually and as a group.
Complete Rescue Scenario
A practical scenario incorporating the entire rescue procedure:
- assessing the situation;
- organising the group;
- calling the emergency services;
- transceiver search;
- probing;
- shovelling;
- uncovering the victim and providing initial assistance.
Calling the Emergency Services
The course also covers the essential information that should be communicated to the emergency services:
- location of the accident;
- number of people involved;
- number of people buried;
- time of the avalanche;
- searches already carried out;
- apparent condition of the victims;
- access conditions and any remaining hazards.
Organising the Shovelling Operation
Shovelling is a critical stage of an avalanche rescue. Effective shovelling involves much more than simply digging directly above the point where the victim has been located.
You will learn how to:
- choose the best starting point;
- take burial depth into account;
- organise the rescuers;
- move snow efficiently;
- progressively uncover the victim;
- coordinate rotations when several rescuers are available.
Using the Probe Effectively
The probe is used to confirm the victim’s exact location before shovelling begins.
You will practise:
- assembling the probe quickly;
- using the correct probing technique;
- maintaining appropriate spacing between probe strikes;
- identifying a positive probe strike;
- leaving the probe in place;
- communicating the burial depth to the other rescuers.
Understanding Your Avalanche Transceiver
An avalanche transceiver operates in both transmit and receive/search modes. Using it effectively requires you to know your own device and practise regularly.
Searching for a Signal
You will learn how to organise the search area and make effective use of the information provided by the transceiver:
- establish a search strategy;
- move efficiently when no signal has yet been detected;
- follow direction and distance indications;
- slow down during the fine search;
- keep the transceiver close to the snow surface;
- manage a search involving multiple signals.
You will also learn how to check your equipment before setting out and perform a group transceiver check.
Wearing and Operating Your Avalanche Transceiver
You will practise the essential operations:
- switch on and check the transceiver;
- verify its condition and battery level;
- wear the device correctly;
- switch from transmit to search mode;
- carry out a group transceiver check;
- recognise the main sources of electronic interference;
- quickly return transceivers to transmit mode when necessary.
What You Will Learn
Understanding Avalanche Rescue Equipment
Your guide will introduce you to the three essential pieces of avalanche rescue equipment:
- the avalanche transceiver, used to search for and locate a signal;
- the probe, used to determine the victim’s precise location and burial depth;
- the shovel, used to organise and carry out the excavation.
The aim is not simply to understand how the equipment works. You will repeat the essential techniques to improve your method, speed and coordination.
Course Highlights
- A full day with a strong focus on hands-on practice
- Suitable for beginners
- Practical exercises with a certified mountain guide
- Learn to use an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- A complete rescue method, from the initial search to excavation
- Scenarios inspired by real-life situations
- Group communication and rescue organisation
- Awareness of electronic interference
- Introduction to multiple-burial searches
- Safety equipment available to borrow
Important Information
A one-day course allows you to learn a structured rescue method and practise the essential techniques. It does not eliminate the risks associated with winter mountain environments or guarantee complete independence in avalanche terrain.
To maintain effective rescue skills, you should:
- practise regularly;
- know your own avalanche transceiver thoroughly;
- check your equipment before every outing;
- keep your knowledge and skills up to date;
- supplement this course with training in route planning, snow and avalanche awareness, and risk management.
