FINLAV Snowsafety 1 -course

A course designed for enthusiasts to move safely in winter nature.

Do you love freeriding, snowmobiling, or backcountry skiing? Do you want to explore nature freely but without unnecessary risks? This basic avalanche safety course will equip you with critical skills to recognize danger signs in snowy terrain, make better decisions when moving on snow, and respond correctly in emergency situations.

Winter trekkers, hikers, snowmobilers, and wilderness guides who travel in avalanche-prone terrain and want to improve their safety skills will benefit from this course.

This is not just a theory course. It’s hands-on learning – you will gain practical experience in the field and receive concrete tools for safer movement on snow, whether your goal is powder skiing, wilderness trekking, or snowmobile safaris.

Contact us to inquire about the next course date: info@xwander.fi

Why Choose This Course?

  • You love freeriding, trekking, or snowmobiling but want more confidence in making safe decisions when moving on snow.
  • You want to learn how to analyze risks based on data, not just intuition.
  • You spend a lot of time in nature during winter and want to understand your environment better.
  • You dream of bigger winter adventures and want to ensure you undertake them safely.

What you'll learn?

  • How to recognize avalanche terrain and assess avalanche risks in mountains and hills using different methods.
  • How to independently choose an avalanche-safe route in the backcountry – whether on skis, on foot, or by snowmobile.
  • How to find and use additional information to improve your safety.
  • How to quickly and effectively rescue a companion from an avalanche.
  • How to call for help correctly to initiate rescue operations as soon as possible.

What should you bring?

  • Comprehensive outdoor gear.
  • Backcountry skis, touring skis, or suitable freeride equipment.
  • Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, and shovel – available for purchase or rental from Eräsoppi before the course).
  • Warm clothing for breaks.
  • Warm drinks.
  • High-energy snacks.
  • Notebook and pen for taking notes.
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Course Duration:

2 days

Available:

November - April

Price Includes

  • Transportation to and from the training locations.

Price Excludes

  • Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, and shovel).

Snow Safety course instructors

Antte Lauhamaa
Antte Lauhamaa

Freerider, Snow Safety Expert

Lauhamaa, who holds a CAA Avalanche Operations Level 2 certification, has over 25 years of experience in snowy backcountry terrain.

About Antte Lauhamaa

FAQ

Is this course right for me?
This is a beginner-level course, so no prior avalanche safety training is required – just a willingness to learn and move more safely in winter terrain.
What does avalanche safety gear include?
Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, and shovel) is essential for this course. If you don’t have your own, you can rent or purchase the equipment in advance from Eräsoppi, located at the course venue. The beacon (transceiver) is used to locate avalanche victims. The probe is a collapsible pole used to pinpoint a buried person under the snow. The shovel is used to quickly remove snow and rescue a buried person. Buy Avalanche Safety Set Rent Avalanche Safety Set
How much theory vs. practice is included?
The course includes both theoretical and practical training, but the focus is on hands-on learning in the field. You will practice route selection, avalanche forecasting interpretation, and companion rescue in real terrain, rather than just listening to indoor lectures.
Is there an age limit for the course?
The recommended minimum age is 18 years. If you are younger and interested, please contact us to discuss case-by-case exceptions.
What happens if the weather is bad on the course day?
The course will take place in almost all weather conditions because real mountain and wilderness environments can be challenging. However, if the weather is exceptionally dangerous (e.g., a storm or extreme avalanche risk), the course will be postponed or adapted to a safer location.
Is this training sufficient if I want to explore the backcountry freely?
This is a basic-level course that provides a solid foundation in avalanche safety. If you plan to explore more challenging terrain independently, we recommend additional training, such as advanced avalanche safety courses and route selection courses. No course can guarantee 100% safety in nature.
I’m not interested in freeriding – should I still take this course?
Absolutely! This course is not just for freeriders but for anyone who moves in winter nature. Whether you hike, snowmobile, or work as a wilderness guide, you will gain valuable skills that could save your life.