WEMOUNTAIN LAUNCHES THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
WEMountain, the future of mountain safety education, last year launched the first international mountain safety program.
Combining online courses (E-Learning) and terrain experiences (T-Learning), the program caters to practitioners of all levels, from occasional backcountry skiers to experienced freeriders and tourers.
The Freeride World Tour has made the first course of the series, OFFPISTE Digital, mandatory for all licence holders.
Available in English and French, the courses were designed by mountain guides, ski instructors and experts from all disciplines involved in backcountry safety and risk management: nutrition, sport psychology, weather, snow science, first aid and education.
T-Learning courses are currently offered in six countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Spain. They are taught by IFMGA mountain guides, touring guides and certified ski instructors who have completed WEMountain's instructor training.
Learn where and when you want
Thanks to WEMountain, backcountry enthusiasts can now learn – in their free time and without having to travel – how to stay safe in the mountains and how to react if an avalanche occurs.
Accessible to everyone, the WEMountain method is progressive, fun and based on a simple, universal language that enables clear, borderless communication.
How it works
After completing the online course, participants put their knowledge into practice during a day of training in the mountains. The first part focuses on knowing yourself and your environment, followed by risk assessment and terrain identification in the afternoon. At the end of the day, participants learn how to manage a crisis situation and search for burial victims.
Why we need it
• Approximately 200 people die in avalanches each year in the Alps, the US and Canada.
• 90% of fatal avalanches are triggered by the victim or someone in their party.
• 1 in 2 avalanche victims die.
• The number of freeride and backcountry enthusiasts is increasing every year.
• Access to off-piste areas is easier than ever.
• More and more people own rescue and survival gear.
Training teaches how to use the gear, but more importantly, how to assess and prevent risk, so that it never has to be used in the first place. For WEMountain, the most valuable safety tool is education: gear is good, but knowledge is vital!
About WEMountain
WEMountain is the future of mountain safety education.
Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the startup behind the program, Smart Sports, was founded to save lives and reduce risk by providing unique training courses and an exceptional client experience.
The unique WEMountain ecosystem brings together all mountain stakeholders: riders, brands, resorts and instructors. It's an international community built around shared values of freedom, enjoyment and safety. Join us at www.w3mountain.com.
Coming Soon - discounts for J2Skiers on all WeMountain training!