Avalanche Skills Course 2 Gear
- Mar 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Snow Study Kit & Basic Avalanche Rescue Equipment List
So you've signed up for an ASC 2 and you're ready to take the next step in making your own decisions about travelling through avalanche terrain? Good on you! Now you need to make sure you have the right gear to be ready for your course and for all the epic trips you're going to venture out on after your course. We have done the research and will give you details on what you're looking for when you compile your kit.
There is a minimum set of snow study tools that you should bring with you on an ASC2 course, to be self-sufficient. Some course providers may supply some of these items, however you’re going to need to get your own set to apply the skills you learn so you may as well have them for the course, so you are familiar with them. Like any science, you need to use the correct tools to dig into the snowpack and study the layers, temperatures and snow grains, so that you can make decisions based on the evidence you find. The tools should be durable in the mountains, not made of materials that are easily affected by the cold or wet conditions.
Here is a list of what you will use during your course. It does involve some financial investment, but if you get the right tools, and treat them well they should last for your very long life. Click on any item below for a direct link to the best option we could find available in New Zealand.
Note: This list is in addition to your general ski touring and field safety equipment.
2 metre folding ruler (optional) |
2 pencils |
Snow study kit case (arriving soon here) |
Inclinometer |
Map or GPS |
Avalanche Transceiver |
What features to look for when purchasing these Snow Study Tools
10x (or more) Loupe
A reasonable quality (read moderately priced) magnifying loupe is necessary for observing snow grains. The proper choice will make both learning and doing observations far easier and successful. It should be no less powerful than 10x and no more than 20x. Fold up ones should be avoided as they allow wind to interfere with viewing and are very fiddly. The 10x Carson Loupe provides clear images, shields wind and has a large viewing window.
Snow crystal card
A card with a measurement grid is required for observing snow grains. Acrylic, Polycarbonate and metal ones are available. Metal cards transfer heat quickly, meaning that your crystals will quickly melt when air or snow is higher than -5⁰C (most NZ conditions). Blue coloured cards allow for better visual definition and allow a small amount of light through to highlight contrast.
Probe snow thermometer
You may use either a digital or analogue thermometer. Using a digital thermometer makes for a clearer reading, with graduations down to 0.1⁰C. Ensure the thermometer reads in ⁰C and starts below -40⁰C. Some cooking thermometers only start close to 0⁰C. There are some cheap digital thermometers out there which are highly inaccurate and flimsy. Attach a thin accessory cord so that you can hang the thermometer for measuring air temperature. The Veegee Scientific thermometer is the best in class for analogue thermometers. The CDN Digital Thermometer is a recommended option here.
2 metre folding ruler
The reason this is optional is because you can get away with using a probe that has centimeters marked on it instead. Cheap plastic rulers typically break in the cold. It's best to purchase a ruler that is fibreglass reinforced, which gives strength to the plastic. The Swiss-made Long-Life rulers that are CE certified and readable on both sides are a dependable option.
2 x pencils
Because you might drop or break one. Having both a mechanical pencil and a standard pencil mean that you can write with the mechanical and use the normal pencil for your hardness scale measuring.
Knife
You'll have this with you anyway as a standard piece of field equipment.
Field notebook
A waterproof and writeable field notebook is essential for recording your observations and noting important information during an avalanche rescue. Look for one that provides you with the prompts and references you need in your planning and recording.
Rutschblock or ECT cord
The different names refer to the different lengths required for the different snow stability tests. with the Rutschblock cord at approx 5.2m and the ECT cord at approx 1.7m. G3 and Smart Elevation make effective cords with handles to make it easier to saw through icy layers. Whilst you can make your own, you want to ensure you measure well and insert your sharp crimps at the right sections so that you don't end up sawing through your probe. Most NZ snow conditions will require these crimps, as knots alone will be ineffective. This cord can also be used for cornice cutting.
Snow Saw
A light but stiff saw with offset teeth is essential for isolating your snow column during field tests. The saw blade should be at least 33cm, with a 30cm mark for measuring the standard column width. The saw needs a suitable sheath for protecting the rest of your gear in the pack. The snow needs to have a handle that allows you to attach an extension handle so you can cut longer column sides.
Inclinometer
There are a few good Android and iOS apps available with this function. We like to use Steve's Badass Inclinometer as it speaks to you for accurate reading and includes a
compass & GPS. Having a physical pocket-sized inclinometer that is easily accessible or pole-mounted allows you to use it more readily as you're travelling through avalanche terrain. The inclinometer should be able to read up to 50⁰ so that you can see when the slope angle is over 45⁰.
Field Compass
Aspect is critical to awareness of your position in relation to Avalanche terrain. You should have a compass with you when travelling in the backcountry anyway. Your watch is not sufficient. Get a compass with a lanyard so you can have it always attached to you or your pocket. Go for a good quality brand such as Suunto or SILVA, with a base plate and adjuster for magnetic declination. More advanced compasses include a sighting mirror and inclinometer which are useful features.
Map or GPS
Goes without saying, but bringing a physical map of your area of travel means that you can lose your phone battery and still get home in a whiteout. A GPS is useful, however on most trips you can get away with using a mapping app on your phone.
Avalanche Shovel
The shovel should be a model that is manufactured for avalanche rescue. This means it is made of a strong metal; the blade is at least 35cm in length and it can effectively cut into hard snow. Don't skimp on size and weight here, as your buddy's life may depend on it. Extendable handles allow for more reach and leverage. A smooth, less curved blade on the backside will allow you to create smoother walls for your snow profile.
Avalanche Probe
This needs to be suitable for both rescue and for snow profile observations. A probe that has 1cm graduation markings means that you can use it for quick observations on the go, without getting your ruler out. A 3m or longer probe is best for your observations, probing for crevasses and deeper rescues. Carbon probes are lighter, however if you accidentally shovel into it, they will easily fracture.
Avalanche Transceiver
We won't go into detail on this here. Avalanche BeaconReviews.com gives you a comprehensive breakdown on a range of transceivers. The most important points to consider are that you need a good pouch, as a way of attaching the transceiver to you and protecting it. The transceiver must have 3 antennas, don't store them with the batteries in and run a check every day you're using it. Make sure you run any software updates and lookout for product recalls.
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