NEW Backcountry Smarter programme with Henry Schniewind and Mark Jones

Henry’s Avalanche Talk launches NEW Backcountry Smarter programme with Mark Jones,

in association with ORTOVOX and Ellis Brigham

The new Backcountry Smarter programme is designed to combine essential avalanche safety education with coaching to help improve ski technique and matching  the ‘rig’ of touring skis, boots and bindings to handle variable terrain, including powder snow conditions that are often found away from the marked slopes in off-piste, also known as backcountry, terrain.

A recent survey by the Mountain Trade Network and Ski Club of Great Britain* shows that more British skiers are heading off piste than ever before – now up to 26%, a rise of 6% over the past two years. The Backcountry Smarter programme will help skiers navigate terrain and stay safe, with the combination of Henry’s avalanche knowledge and Mark’s ski coachingtheir motto “Backcountry Smarter – Further, Freer, Safer”.

*the survey is sent to subscribers of Snow + Rock and includes a broad spectrum of recreational UK skiers.

Introductory webinars

Starting with a series of online preparation webinars kicking off 30 September, Mark Jones and Henry Schniewind present Backcountry Smarter, covering equipment choices, off-piste technique, and risk management & reduction. 30th September, 7thOctober, 16th October (all times, 6pm).

Register here: henrysavalanchetalk.com/backcountry-smarter-webinars Cost: FREE

Backcountry Smarter UK talks

The programme then moves to live talks across the UK (London, Manchester, Glasgow) with Henry and Mark from the end of October until the end of November, before the four day on-snow courses in Val d’Isere during December and January.

Every element can be taken separately or combined to form a complete programme of backcountry technique and safety.

Chris Radford from Henry’s Avalanche Talk, said:

“this is the ideal partnership that combines the skills to handle off-piste terrain with the knowledge to stay safe when doing so. We are seeing a rise in interest by people wanting to maximise their time in off-piste terrain, and we believe that the Backcountry Smarter programme offers a complete package of tools to help them ultimately become autonomous when they leave the marked runs in any ski resort”.

UK talks: Henry Schniewind and Mark Jones present new Autumn–Winter ’25/26 talks on building backcountry autonomy. Through The Essentials and the In Depth live talk sessions, they share practical tools on equipment, technique, and risk management to boost off-piste confidence, decision-making, and safety. Participants must attend the Essentials Talk first before moving onto the In Depth. Cost: £19.50pp

28th October, 7.15 pm: Essentials Talk, Ellis Brigham, Covent Garden, London

29th October, 7.15pm: In Depth Talk, Ellis Brigham, Covent Garden, London

17th November, 6.30pm: Essentials Talk, Ellis Brigham, Manchester

18th November, 6.30pm: In Depth Talk, Ellis Brigham, Manchester

25th November, 7:30pm: Essentials Talk, Ellis Brigham, Glasgow

26th November, 7:30pm: In Depth, Ellis Brigham, Glasgow

Further information and booking available here: henrysavalanchetalk.com/backcountry-smarter-talks

Avalanche Rescue Transceiver Training:

3-hour session teaching fast, effective rescue with a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Aimed at anyone skiing or riding off-piste, it builds practical skills, confidence, and teamwork for real avalanche rescue scenarios. Cost: £75pp

26th October, 11:30am: Transceiver Training, Sale, Manchester

15th November, 11.30am: Transceiver Training, Wimbledon Common, London

29th November, 11:30am: Transceiver Training, Sandbanks, Poole

29th December, 11.30am: Transceiver Training, Wimbledon Common, London

1st January, 11:30am: Transceiver Training, Sandbanks, Poole

Further information and booking available here: henrysavalanchetalk.com/uk-events/transceivertraining

Backcountry Smarter on snow courses in Val d’Isère

running 9 am–2 pm on-snow with a maximum of 6 skiers, includes ‘off-snow’ video feedback and safety workshops, and guarantees improved knowledge and performance, as well as essential tools to stay safe out there. Courses run for 4 days spread across 5 days during the week. Cost: €790pp

8–12 December 2025, Val d’Isere

12–16 January 2026, Val d’Isere  

More information on the courses

About Mark Jones

Highly respected ski coach in Val d’Isère and worldwide., ex BASI Demo Team member (4x Interski), previous examiner and trainer for BASI  and founder of All Mountain Pro. Mark is known for making high-performance skiing accessible and sustainable for all conditions.

About Henry Schniewind

One of the world’s most respected providers of avalanche awareness, education & accident reduction. Founder of Henry’s Avalanche Talk (HAT), presenter at international snow science conferences, and author of the Safety is Freedom risk management pocket guide

Henry is also an off-piste ski instructor guide at the off-piste specialist ski school, Alpine Experience.