A large proportion of the NZ backcountry consists of alpine terrain which up to two million people visit every year. Search methods and techniques often require modification to suit this environment and the missing subject. The Alpine Search Methods course is highly customised to meet the needs of alpine rescue teams, ski field staff or SAR teams operating in the alpine environment.
The training will focus on the selection and practical implementation of techniques and methods. The content can be adjusted to suit winter or summer conditions depending on the specific needs of the host organisation.

The overall objective is to improve the chance of locating lost subjects in alpine environments by understanding and implementing efficient and effective search methods. Specific objectives will be tailored to suit your organisations requirements, but may include any or all of the following:

• effectively implement a range of search methods in an alpine environment;
• explain and utilise components of Lost Person Behaviour, specific to the alpine zone;
• use tracking skills to identify, interpret, record and communicate human sign in an alpine environment.

The training may include aspects of Search Methods, Tracking, Site Processing, Sign Cutting or other search training tailored to meet your organisations 'typical' operational requirements and will focus on the practical implementation of the techniques and methodologies.

	The course flyer contains the key points from this page and additional information about the course for all prospective students
Left click on the flyer to view it or right click "Save Target As..." to download

Duration: The workshop can be fully customised to meet your organisations training needs, and as such the timing varies. One day? Two days? Multiple days? You decide. No matter what duration, we recommend approximately 8am until 10pm on day one to accommodate training activities after dark.

Course recommended: for alpine rescue teams, ski field staff or SAR teams operating in alpine environments.

Cost: This course is user pays, and as such attracts no formal education funding. Contact SARINZ to discuss your training requirements, desired outcomes, dates, timetable and number of participants and we will provide you with a quote specific to your needs. Venue hire, participant accommodation and catering are a local cost.

Pre-requisites: Entry criteria is subject to the terms and conditions agreed to between the host organisation and SARINZ.

Venue recommendations: classroom type setting for inside work with 1-2 large whiteboards, Overhead projector, PowerPoint projector screen, multi box and extension cord.  Easy access to alpine terrain is critical. A ski field building or similar is best.

Participant requirements: To attend this course you must have the personal skills, clothing and equipment to operate in an alpine environment regardless of the weather and preferably involved in some aspect of Search and Rescue, Alpine Rescue, Ski Patrol or similar.

Course Numbers: Negotiable depending on your training requirements.

Seen the website, read the flyer, still have some questions?

Email search@sarinz.com and someone will be in touch with you asap.

Note:

This course content deals with searching in an alpine environment. This course is NOT an alpine skills course. It is assumed that you are proficient in operating in an alpine environment and as such the course content does not include the instruction of technical alpine skills including, but not limited too: ice-axe/crampon use, glacier travel, snow/ice/rock climbing/pitching and anchors and avalanche rescue.