Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safely deliver recreational activities in alpine environments in heavy snow. It focuses on abilities required to sustain the physical wellbeing of self and participants in harsh cold conditions, and to survive the impacts of sudden environmental changes that are particular to alpine environments, particularly in winter.
Snow craft skills may be utilised in a range of activity contexts but this unit has particular application to alpine bushwalking, ski touring and other snowsports activities. The mode of travel in alpine regions is covered by complementary units.
It applies to leaders, guides or instructors who lead participants in activities in the alpine region under snow conditions.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine and manage risks for alpine activities in snow conditions. | 1.1. Determine and plan for the impacts of sudden weather changes on the wellbeing of self and participants. 1.2. Identify and plan for contingency food and water supplies to sustain physical wellbeing of self and participants in winter alpine conditions. 1.3. Select a line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches and other hazards associated with alpine terrain and weather conditions. 1.4. Determine ways to prevent hypothermia and frostbite and to identify signs and symptoms. |
2. Select and carry equipment for alpine snow conditions. | 2.1. Select and carry additional clothing to account for changing weather conditions. 2.2. Select and carry contingency food supplies, resources and equipment for use in the event of activity delays or emergencies. 2.3. Waterproof and pack food, clothing, and other resources to allow for quick access during activity. |
3. Negotiate snow conditions and respond to environmental conditions. | 3.1. Engage in activities and travel at a pace that conserves energy and reduces exposure to hypothermia. 3.2. Monitor weather conditions, own response and utilise clothing to prevent exposure. 3.3. Provide first aid in response to cases of hypothermia and frostbite. 3.4. Manage a group to move locations in limited visibility during a snowstorm. |
4. Construct and manage tents and emergency shelters. | 4.1. Select site accounting for terrain, weather and snow conditions. 4.2. Erect tents or construct emergency snow shelters according to conditions and to maintain stability over extended periods of time. 4.3. Monitor and manage safety of tents and emergency shelter for duration of use, clear snow, and adjust to account for changing weather conditions. 4.4. Manage human waste and environmental impacts of the campsite for the duration of the trip. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to | interpret detailed reports on alpine weather and snow conditions which incorporate technical jargon. |
Numeracy skills to: | complete basic calculations to determine required resources to sustain number of party members. |
Problem-solving skills to: | identify and quickly respond to changing conditions and party members in need of assistance. |
Self-management skills to: | critically analyse all circumstances and implications to provide a prompt and considered response to emergency situations. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Ski Touring