Alpine Navigation | Hotham

Ever dreamed of skiing or snowboarding that line you’ve been eyeing from the resort or even from your car?

Navigating in alpine terrain requires precision, preparation, and the confidence to make smart decisions when conditions change rapidly or visibility is limited.

The Alpine Navigation Course equips you with essential skills to navigate alpine terrain safely, using traditional tools like a map and compass alongside modern apps such as Gaia GPS and Google Earth.

What You Will Learn

• Map & Compass Skills: Read topographic maps, use a compass, take and follow bearings, and apply resection and triangulation
• Digital Tools: Use apps like Gaia GPS and Google Earth alongside traditional navigation methods
• Navigation in the Field: Navigate confidently in poor visibility or whiteout conditions, adapt routes, and overcome obstacles
• Trip Planning & Decision Making: Develop detailed route plans, evaluate hazards, set priorities, and plan for contingencies

This course is for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, climbers, and skiers looking to explore the backcountry safely.

• Course Format and Duration: Up to 4 hours of online self-paced learning and 1 full day in the mountains (note - start / end times TBC). Practical navigation training and backcountry practice to apply your skills in real alpine terrain.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate of participation and the skills acquired during the course.

This Course is rated GREEN in the Blizzard Uptrack. See below to learn more about the Blizzard Uptrack.

Click Go to Bookings Site for more information on the Course Outline & requirements.

Blizzard Uptrack | The Uptrack Guides progression

Where you are vs. How to Progress

GREEN

• Experience: New to the backcountry or a handful of tours; learning skinning, transitions, terrain and avalanche basics.

• Fitness: A full day is okay; snack breaks keep you moving.

• Riding Ability: Confident on most resort terrain.

• Step 1 – Building the Foundation (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • AST 1 (Avalanche basics + rescue)
  • Alpine Navigation (map/compass/GPS)
  • Intro Tours (apply AST 1, pacing, transitions)
  • ASR (Refresh your skills)BLUE

• Experience: AST 1 done or a few guided days; solid with the basics, limited time in bigger terrain.

• Fitness: Can put in vert at a steady, conversational pace.

• Riding Ability: Handle all resort terrain; adaptable to mixed snow.

• Step 2 – Expanding Skills (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • Ski Mountaineering 1 (tech mountain skills)
  • AST 2 (advanced terrain & decision-making)
  • Intermediate Tours (apply AST 2 in all terrain types)
  • Winter Camping (advanced terrain use with integrated winter camping techniques)
  • Alpine Backcountry Wilderness First Aid (highly recommended; “Survive First Aid”)BLACK

• Experience: Multiple seasons of touring or AST 2; comfortable in big terrain.

• Fitness: Strong and motivated for long days and big climbs.

• Riding Ability: Ski/ride any terrain with style.

• Step 3 – Advanced Objectives (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • Ski Mountaineering 2 (steeper terrain, technical travel & advanced transitions)
  • Glacier Travel (rope systems, crevasse rescue & glacier safety)
  • Advanced Tours (steeper lines, bigger objectives)