Besides conventional ski and snowboard schools, educational activities for people who prefer an individual style are offered as well. If you are thinking of enjoying the winter snow somewhere high in the mountains, in the middle of fresh snow, on a trip with friends, or climbing an icy waterfall, you will need to pay utmost attention to safety. The joy of winter offers unique experiences; however, they may also expose you to increased danger so good preparation is definitely worth doing.
Experienced instructors in courses and workshops organised in winter resorts can teach you rules of safe conduct in winter conditions and they will recommend proper garments and equipment. Nearly all
winter resorts in the Czech Republic offer two basic types of courses –
avalanche and Alpine skiing courses.
During the avalanche course, under the supervision of a well-experienced instructor, you will learn about the types of avalanches, the risk factors involved, the way you can move in the terrain safely, as well as other necessary skills. The course comprises both theoretical and practical elements incorporating e.g., avalanche equipment, search with an avalanche probe and the procedure used to locate and rescue people buried under the snow mass. In addition, you will be practically trained in rescue activities.
The basic Alpine skiing course deals with ascent and descent techniques for special Alpine skis, how to operate your bindings, and use tow-lifts and ski lifts. Supervised by the ski instructor, you can also try freeriding. In addition, you will learn about avalanche danger and adequate technical equipment.
After the course, you can set out and explore some of the available Alpine ski trails, for example, in the area of
Pec pod Sněžkou, Špičák or
Špindlerův Mlýn.