New for 2025–26: Backcountry Smarter – Further, Freer, Safer
This summer and autumn, Henry’s Avalanche Talk (HAT) is launching a refreshed series of off-piste and ski touring Essentials — combining online learning, in-person events, and on-snow courses to help you build confidence, make better decisions, and stay safe in the mountains.
We’re kicking off with webinars (click here for the first Backcountry Smarter webinar replay) and live talks sharing simple, practical points you can apply right now — including how to match your equipment (boots, skis and bindings), assess terrain, and build real avalanche awareness using the HAT Framework.
Watch an Essentials Talk 8 minute intro to the HAT Framework here → [link]
Who It’s For
Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your backcountry experience, it’s
A foundation for beginners
A refresher for experienced skiers
A client training resource for professionals — including ski instructors, guides, and mountain safety trainers
The Framework Method featured in our Essentials content continues to prove effective — helping everyone from recreational off-piste skiers to trainee instructors pass their Mountain Safety and International Mountain Safety exams (see Testimonials below). It’s also been cited by mountain professionals as a concise training tool for their groups. Experts in other professions, such as: aviation, surgery, and financial trading have praised the method for its clarity in managing risk in high-consequence, low-feedback environments.
What’s New for 2025–26
Backcountry Smarter Webinar Series – Online events throughout summer and autumn (click here for the first Backcountry Smarter webinar replay)
Backcountry Smarter on Tour – Featured as part of the ORTOVOX Off-Piste Awareness UK Tour (autumn 2025)
4-Day In-Person Courses – Combining safety and technique with Henry & Mark Jones (Dec & Jan)
Transceiver Training – In select UK venues and on-snow courses
Pocket Guides – Updated tools for decision-making and rescue see here
Pocket Guide on Video see here
Testimonials
Everyone who ventures off piste needs to attend both Henry’s Essentials and In-depth talks. Great insight shared in a very down-to-earth way, with the message that skiing in the backcountry *can* be relatively safe *if* a set structure for decision making is applied every single time you go out. I highly recommend HAT, even if you’re already an experienced off-piste skier or snowboarder. (everyone can always consolidate knowledge and learn new stuff.)
Ash Smith | Off piste and ski tourer | Founder and director of Sapaudia Brewing Co., Moutiers, Savoie, France
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Hi Henry.
A BIG BIG thank you to yourself this week. Just passed my (International Mountain Safety) final exam. Thank you for all your help.
Elliot
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Hi Henry
…Just wanted to let you know that Lewis, Marco and I all passed our (International Mountain Safety) exam … So thanks again for your help. It was such a valuable course and we all learnt so much!
Regards, Dave
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As a former F-16 pilot and United Airlines pilot I strongly believe in Henry’s suggested use of checklists / frameworks / memory aids for all skiers and boarders who are going off piste. His disciplined approach has saved numerous lives in the world of aviation and healthcare and will continue to help make skiers and adventures safer in their activities.
Anthony “AB” Bourke, Keynote Speaker | Expert on Leadership, Communication & Teamwork | CEO & Founder Mach 2 Consulting & Mach 2 Airshows
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Henry Schniewind has worked in collaboration with The French Avalanche Association (ANENA) for years. His superb accident prevention work has prevented over 100 avalanche deaths over the last three decades according to recent estimates.
Dominique Létang, Director French Avalanche Association (ANENA)
© Henry Schniewind and Henry’s Avalanche Talk (HAT)