Avalanche Training Centres in Australia

Mountain Safety Collective has coordinated the funding and installation of two Avalanche Training Centres (ATCs) in Australia, one in Mount Hotham (VIC) and the second in Thredbo (NSW).

ATCs are a fantastic way to practice your avalanche transceiver search skills either by yourself, with friends or as part of a guided course. The ATCs are installed at the beginning of each season by MSC’s volunteers and packed away for summer towards the end of September.

To use the ATCs, you’ll need to bring an avalanche transceiver and probe like those available from Mammut, read the instructions on the back of the sign and follow these steps:

• Select the number of beacons to search for (Maximum 3 out of 6 locations)

• Set the time limit for the search

• Press start and the search challenge commences

• Search for the first beacon box (50cm wide) and tap 3 times firmly to register the strike on the ATC controller

• Flag the beacon on your transceiver and move on to find the next beacon

Importantly, please DO NOT dig the beacon boxes up when you find them and cover your tracks and probe marks for the next user to have a decent challenge. If there’s any issues with ATC when you use it, please let us know.

Thredbo produced the video below to give an overview of how to use the ATC.

Mount Hotham ATC Location

From the main Corral parking lot, head south on Lawlers Court for 200m past the last houses. You’ll see the ATC sign at the top of the slope, with the instructions and controller on the back of the sign. The Mount Hotham ATC was made possible with crowdfunding by MSC members, a Bushfire Relief Grant via Into our Hands foundation and generous corporate pledges from Alpine Access Australia and Mammut.

Thredbo ATC Location

To access the ATC at Thredbo, take the Kosciuszko chairlift and skin around the back of Eagle’s Nest towards the top of The Basin T-Bar and you’ll see the main sign on the right hand side above the Supertrail. This is right on the main route that everyone takes to access the Ramshead Range, Leatherbarrel Creek, Etheridge and Kosciuszko. Kosciuszko Chairlift is accessible with a backcountry access pass or Thredbo lift pass.

Thredbo has committed to an initial five year partnership with MSC for the installation and maintenance of the ATC, which was co-funded by MSC membership and supporter fees.