For skiers and snowboarders who venture into the mountains in search of powder snow, the risk of avalanches is an unavoidable reality. If a friend were buried, would you be able to take rescue action within three minutes? The
"Avalanche Search & Rescue AvaSAR Training Course," organized by the Avalanche Accident Prevention Research Association (ASSH), is a place to acquire that skill. The 2025-26 season will see courses held in various locations from Hokkaido to Honshu.
Avalanche rescue = a must-have subject in the backcountry
In 2017, an avalanche accident in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, claimed the lives of eight high school students. ASSH, which was involved in the investigation, deeply felt that "this accident could have been prevented with proper avalanche education," and since then has introduced international standard avalanche rescue techniques to Japan.
In the training, participants thoroughly learn practical rescue procedures such as avalanche transceiver (beacon) search, probing, and shoveling, based on the global standards set by MountainSafety.info of Switzerland. By combining theory and practice, participants can acquire the skills to respond immediately at the scene of an accident.
Main schedule for the 2025/26 season
- October 26th, Hokkaido University: "AvaSAR Training Session for Hokkaido University Students"
- November 16th Oyama AvaSAR Seminar (Tottori)
- December 6-7 / 9-10, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo: "AvaSAR: Learn Even Without Snow"
- December 17-18, Fukushima, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain North Area
- December 20-21, Gunma, Hoshino Resorts Tanigawadake Yoch
- 35th Avalanche Accident Prevention Seminar (Sapporo/Teine) February 10-11/12-13, 2026
- AvaSAR training course, February 14-15, 2026 (Sapporo/Teine)
- Additional sessions are planned for Mt. Oyama, Nekoma, and Tanigawadake from March 2026 onwards (*Course fee is approximately 10,000 to 16,000 yen, student discounts and equipment rentals are available).
Backcountry skiing offers freedom and allure, but it also comes with the risk of avalanches. Rescuing skills are just as essential as skiing skills, and opportunities to systematically learn them are limited. The
AvaSAR course is not just classroom instruction; it's practical training designed to save the lives of your companions. It's a must-take course for anyone aspiring to backcountry skiing.
Information
Avalanche Accident Prevention Research Group
Official Website:https://www.assh1991.net/