Online school · Small wings · Speed riding · Module 4

Avalanches: how snow is built

“Speed riding” block, module 4. Why avalanches are the main topic of speed riding, snow layers and slabs, types of avalanches, what triggers them, steepness, how to read a slope, the danger scale and bulletin, real cases in Gudauri, Kobi and Chamonix.

⏱ 20 min📖 9 sections✓ 20 questions2 animated diagrams

Why avalanches are the main topic of speed riding

In shortSpeed riding is almost always off-piste, on steep slopes, with touches and landings on snow. Most often people trigger the avalanche themselves. This module explains how snow is built and why it releases. The next module is about equipment and rescue.

In 83 % of avalanche accidents, the victims themselves triggered the avalanche.
The Norwegian federation says it clearly: in winter, slopes steeper than 30° need avalanche training beyond the speed course. The school advises you to take a separate avalanche course.

Real-life example. Thin ice on a lake looks the same as thick ice. Only someone who knows where to look can see the difference.

What follows is for our students

The full module text, the practice sessions and the exams are open to those who train with us. Access to the theory is included in the course fee: it runs for the whole course and for three months after it ends.

If you are training with us now, or have trained with us before, sign in with your access code. If you are a pilot from another school, access can be bought separately.

Course “Small wings”All courses Pilot logbook My results Glossary

Avalanches: how snow is built

Why avalanches are the main topic of speed riding

What follows is for our students

Module practice