Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:46 PM AWST

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Apply snow craft skills for overnight touring

Apply snow craft skills for overnight touring

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOSKT408A
State Code
D6492
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
14/09/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safely undertake overnight activities in a snow environment including the ability to identify and negotiate potential avalanche conditions and construct snow shelters.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for overnight snow activity.
  • 1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions and duration of the snow activity.
  • 1.2. Determine an appropriate site for the overnight snow activity according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Identify possible hazards associated with the overnight snow activity.
  • 1.4. Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks associated with the snow activity.
2. Select and carry equipment.
  • 2.1. Select equipment after consideration of construction features and contextual issues, and check serviceability.
  • 2.2. Adjust and fit equipment, according to manufacturer's specification, to ensure comfort and safety.
  • 2.3. Identify minimum emergency and safety equipment to be carried while participating in the overnight snow activity.
  • 2.4. Use protective clothing and apply pace of travel and other methods to reduce the possibility of hypothermia.
3. Negotiate snow conditions.
  • 3.1. Access relevantsources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine activity plans.
  • 3.2. Identify the effect of weather and snow conditions on the snowpack and the planned activity.
  • 3.3. Identify potential avalanche terrain using knowledge of factors contributing to avalanches.
  • 3.4. Select, where necessary, a line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches.
4. Construct an emergency shelter.
  • 4.1. Determine factors to be considered when locating and building emergency shelters.
  • 4.2. Select and justify snow shelter site and type of emergency snow shelter.
  • 4.3. Construct an emergency snow shelter according to the site and conditions.
5. Evaluate snow activity.
  • 5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the activity.
  • 5.2. Identify improvements for future overnight snow activities and experiences.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
individual food requirements and allergies.
Conditions may include:
surface snow
snow stability
steepness of slope
run-out
terrain features
visibility
wind
sun.
Duration may include:
overnight
several nights.
Snow activity may include:
snowboarding activities
skiing activities.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
snowsport area signs and regulations
Alpine Responsibility Code
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
poor visibility
temperature extremes
difficult snow conditions
dense vegetation
group management hazards.group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment misuse.
Comfort and safety may include:
length, weight and width of ski
grip and glide zones of skis
flex and shape of ski
edges tuned
free-heel
longitudinal rigidity
surfaces waxed and or cleaned
length of poles and basket type
bindings and boots in good working order.
Equipment may include:
personal cloting
goggles orglasses
activity-specific equipment
overnight pack or sled
overnight equipment
navigation equipment
safety and rescue equipment
communication equipment
first aid equipment
snow shovel.
Minimum emergency and safety equipment may include:
whistle
matches
space blanket.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
ski patrol
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
event warnings
river level
synoptic charts.
Factors contributing to avalanches may include:
slope angle
elevation
weather
deposition
snow pack structure
local instability
topography.
Factors may include:
construction time versus available time
equipment
weather
physical and mental state of the party
suitability of the snow and location.
Type of emergency snow shelter may include:
snow mould
igloo
snow cave
trench
improvised shelter.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
rescue techniques employed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans equipment and supply requirements appropriate to the conditions and duration of the overnight snow activity
identifies potential hazards and risks associated with the snow activity and applies knowledge of weather and snow conditions to take adequate safety precautions in potential avalanche areas
demonstrates the construction of a range of emergency snow shelters to accommodate a small group of people reflects on own performance and identifies any areas requiring improvements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple overnight snowcraft activities at a suitable snow location to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable snow location to undertake snow activities and overnight stays
activity-specific, navigation, overnight, emergency, first aid and rescue equipment
resources and information to plan and prepare for the overnight snow activity.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of personal safety strategies and techniques used in snow conditions
observation of safe participation and demonstration of safe overnight snowcraft skills, such as selecting a safe line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended. Industry has determined that this unit may be assessed with the following unit:
SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site
SISOSKT303A Day ski tour away from a patrolled area
SISOSKT304A Guide day ski tours
SISOSKB302A Snowboard on intermediate terrain
SISOSKB303A Guide day snowboarding activities.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBE74 SISOSKT003 Use snow craft skills for alpine touring Unit of competency