Henry’s Avalanche Talk has unveiled its new Backcountry Smarter programme this autumn and early winter with a series of webinars, talks, hands-on transceiver training courses in the UK followed by the option to join on-snow courses in Val d’Isère once the season starts. The pioneering initiative designed to equip skiers with the skills and knowledge to explore off-piste terrain safely and confidently.
Created in partnership with elite ski coach Mark Jones, and supported by ORTOVOX and Ellis Brigham, the programme blends avalanche safety education with technical coaching tailored to variable snow conditions.
The launch comes as a recent survey by the Mountain Trade Network and Ski Club of Great Britain reveals a surge in British skiers heading off-piste—now 26%, up 6% in two years. Backcountry Smarter aims to meet this growing demand with a modular offering that includes online webinars, UK talks, avalanche rescue training, and on-snow courses in Val d’Isère.
Chris Radford of Henry’s Avalanche Talk said: “This is the ideal partnershipcombining the skills to handle off-piste terrain with the knowledge to stay safe. We’re seeing a rise in interest from skiers wanting to maximise their time beyond the marked runs.”
7 & 16 Oct: Free online webinars with Henry and Mark (6pm)
26 Oct: Transceiver Training, Manchester.
15 Nov: Transceiver Training, Wimbledon Common, London
28–29 Oct: Essentials & In Depth Talks, Ellis Brigham, London
17–18 Nov: Talks, Ellis Brigham, Manchester
21 Nov: Essentials Talk, Kendal Mountain Festival
25–26 Nov: Talks, Ellis Brigham, Glasgow
29 Nov: Transceiver Training, Sandbanks, Poole
29 Dec & 1 Jan: Transceiver Training, London & Poole
8–12 Dec & 12–16 Jan: On-snow courses, Val d’Isère
Each element can be taken individually or combined for a complete backcountry toolkit.
More details and booking: henrysavalanchetalk.com/backcountry-smarter
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