WEMOUNTAIN LAUNCHES THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM

WEMOUNTAIN LAUNCHES THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL BACKCOUNTRY

SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM

WEMountain, the future of mountain safety education, has announced the launch of the first international avalanche training program.

Combining online (E-Learning) and terrain-based (T-Learning) training, the program caters to practitioners of all levels, from occasional backcountry skiers to experienced freeriders and tourers. In fact, the Freeride World Tour has just made the first course of the series, OFF-PISTE Digital, mandatory for all licence holders.

Available as of today 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. All courses benefit from our unmatched risk management approach A2R : Avoid - React - Rescue

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 i n 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!

WEMountain, so that the best days of your life don't turn into the worst Good luck is not a strategy, Education is

About WEMountain

WEMountain is the future of mountain safety education. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the company is 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.

For more information, please contact: Dominique Perret +41 79 214 34 64

dom@w3mountain.com

WEMountain’s Smart Guide to Safe Riding

Learn safety guidelines Become conscientious and responsible Rider Prepare smarter so we can enjoy your Adventures

Here are the top seven mistakes to avoid:

• Neglecting Health and Fitness • Neglecting Nutrition and Hydration • Neglecting Proper Gear Maintenance • Insufficient Project Planning • Lack of STF’s Knowledge • Riding Beyond Your Competences • Not Taking Personal Responsibility