SNOWFIELD ACTIVITIES. 1 Snowfield Activities. 2 Snowfield Areas

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1 SNOWFIELD ACTIVITIES 1 Snowfield Activities 1.1 These Rules should be read in conjunction with the Scouts NSW Adventurous Activity Policy. 1.2 Snowfield Areas are defined as regions of mountain country where snow or blizzard conditions exist or can be reasonably expected to exist. 1.3 The State Activities Council may from time to time add to, delete or amend areas from the application of this definition. Any such amendments shall form part of these Rules. 1.4 The term snowfield activities describes snow shoe touring, snow boarding, resort telemarking, tobogganing, down hill skiing and x- country ski touring; where participants go out either intending to stay overnight or not. These Rules shall apply to other forms of snowfield activity as authorised by the Chief Commissioner (or delegate) and notified within these Rules. 1.5 Nothing in these Rules shall be deemed to permit youth members of the Joey Scout, Cub Scout or Scout Sections to camp overnight in the areas covered by these Rules in the months of April to November inclusive. 1.6 These Rules shall not apply to commercially conducted activities or expeditions, run by persons or organisations outside Scouts Australia. Before participation in any commercially conducted snowfield activity, the policy on Prohibited Activities and the guidelines for participation in Commercially Run Activities should be considered. 2 Snowfield Areas 2.1 The RC Activities will normally decide which areas are to be classified as "Snowfield Areas" within their individual areas. Where doubt exists the RCA may request a clarification by the State Activities Council. Any decision made by the Council will be binding. 2.2 The RCA may make interim or short- term designations of Snowfield Areas Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P1/8 April 2011

2 based on local knowledge and prevailing weather conditions and forecasts. A reasonable example of this would be areas around the Blue Mountains when heavy and protracted snowfalls are predicted for a number of days. 2.3 In addition, the following definitions apply: Residential Within the Municipal or designated boundaries or immediate vicinity of occupied and operating Towns, Villages or Resorts. Within 500 metres of any public road which is open to conventional vehicular traffic at the time of the activity. The areas utilised for activities when under the direct control of commercial operators who accept responsibility for the participants. A reasonable example of this would be Ski Resorts Backcountry Within the boundaries of the Kosciusko National Park except for those areas identified as residential. Within the boundaries of the Barrington Tops National Park during the months May to October inclusive. During this time the area is considered an Alpine Walk as defined by the Bushwalking Rules. Within the boundaries of the New England Tablelands boarded by Dorrigo to Armidale, Glenn Innes and Walcha to Armidale during the months May to October inclusive. During this time the area is considered an Alpine Walk as defined by the Bushwalking Rules. 2.4 Exclusions During the months of December, January, February and March the following designated walking trails and roads as day walking trails only- a) Thredbo to Mount Kosciusko Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P2/8 April 2011

3 b) Charlottes Pass to Mount Kosciusko c) Charlottes Pass to Blue Lake d) The Sawpit Creek Area Walking Tracks All bushwalks, including day, overnight and multi- day walks, are covered by the Bushwalking Rules Alpine Walks Endorsement. 3 Conduct of Snowfield Activities 3.1 In all cases, snowfield activities must be approved under the Scouts NSW approval procedure applying to activities. 3.2 The responsibility for correct notification procedure lies with the Leader of the activity. 3.3 The qualified person responsible for a snowfield activity party must ensure that all members of the party have appropriate experience, qualifications, equipment, mental attitude and physical ability prior to the activity being undertaken. 3.4 The minimum party size for the safety of groups undertaking any expedition into backcountry areas shall be five. 3.5 Backcountry activities must have immediate access to an EPIRB/PLB during the activity. 3.6 Backcountry activities are restricted to day only unless participants have been endorsed for overnight activities. 3.7 Regardless of endorsement, all backcountry activities must have sufficient equipment for an unplanned overnight stay. 3.8 For all downhill activities (excluding tobogganing) in residential snowfield areas, the wearing of an approved snow/ski helmet is mandatory. 3.9 The wearing of a helmet whilst engaged in x- country skiing in backcountry areas is recommended Unqualified members of Scouts NSW may participate in limited forms of snowfield activities. Such participation is intended only as familiarisation, to interest participants in that activity and must be Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P3/8 April 2011

4 conducted under the direct supervision of a suitably qualified Level Any proposed snowfield activities for Joey Scouts are to be approved by the State Commissioner (Joey Scouts) before the activity takes place. 4 Equipment 4.1 All equipment used for Snow Activities, including privately owned or hire equipment, must be inspected prior to the activity by a qualified member to ensure they meet, or continue to meet, the requirements of these Rules. 5 Participant Ratios 5.1 The following ratios must be followed when participating in backcountry snowfield activities: 5.2 For activities that do not include novices - Minimum 2 x Level 2 in the first 5, then 1 x Level 2 for every additional 5 participants or part thereof. 5.3 For all activities involving novices - Minimum 1 x Level 3. Additional support should be based on Qualifications 6.1 The following qualifications are available to Scouting members (except Joey Scouts): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Residential areas Tobogganing Downhill Skiing No formal qualifications required although members are encouraged to seek appropriate training. Snowboarding Back country areas All snowfield activities (regardless of the type of activity) conducted in back country areas must be conducted by appropriately qualified persons. Downhill Skiing Venturers, Venturers, Rovers, Leaders All members aged over 18. Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P4/8 April 2011

5 Rovers, Leaders Snowboarding Venturers, Rovers, Leaders Venturers, Rovers, Leaders All members aged over 18. Snowshoeing Venturers, Rovers, Leaders Venturers, Rovers, Leaders All members aged over 18. X- Country Skiing Venturers, Rovers, Leaders Venturers, Rovers, Leaders All members aged over ENDORSMENTS 7.1 Appropriate endorsements must be obtained prior to engaging in any type of snowfield activity other than day activities. 7.2 Endorsements are restricted to Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications only. 7.3 Novices and Level 1 participants can participate in endorsed activities if the activity is under the direct supervision of an appropriately qualified Level The RC Activities may in certain circumstances give approval for an endorsed activity involving Level 1 participants to be under the control of a Level 2. In such cases, any conditions or limitations on the approval shall be stated in writing. 7.5 All novices MUST be under the direct supervision of an appropriately qualified Level The following endorsements are currently available to Scouting members: Overnight trips and Expeditions in snowfield areas. Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P5/8 April 2011

6 SNOWFIELD ACTIVITY SKILL REQUIREMENTS Level 1 The participant must be able to personally demonstrate the following: 1.1 With regard to a snowfield environment, demonstrate practical application and knowledge of: The impact of weather Appropriate equipment selection Basic navigation The Policy and Rules relating to Snowfield activities Personal fitness Nutrition Recognition of emergency situations Basic search techniques 1.2 Describe at least five different situations that could be classified as an emergency. 1.3 Demonstrate an understanding of: a) The importance of checking for any danger to yourself and others. b) How to correctly check if a person is breathing. c) The common causes of a blocked airway and how to clear it. d) How to open an airway. e) How to control bleeding. f) Four uses of a triangular bandage. g) How to treat minor burns and scalds. h) How to treat a fracture of lower leg and arm. i) The risks associated with, and the treatment of, hypothermia. Participant: Level 2 The participant must be able to personally demonstrate all the requirements for Level 1 plus the following (circle relevant skill downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding): 2.1 Has logged at least 5 day trips in the skill being assessed. 2.2 Has demonstrated ability to construct an overnight shelter for emergency conditions. 2.3 Has demonstrated ability in the use of equipment relevant to the skill being assessed, including: Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P6/8 April 2011

7 Equipment selection Appropriate use of equipment Nutritional requirements 2.3 Demonstrated ability to navigate in snowfield environments, including whiteout conditions. 2.4 Demonstrated understanding of appropriate nutritional requirements and the need for emergency supplies. 2.5 Demonstrated understanding and show usage of equipment and personal logbooks. 2.6 Describe the following: At least ten situations that could be classified as emergencies The effects of weather on snowfield activities 2.7 If under 15 years of age demonstrate an understanding of: a) How to approach an unconscious patient. b) How to identify if the patient is breathing. c) How to place a patient in the recovery position. d) The difference between venous and arterial bleeding. e) How to control all forms of external bleeding. If over (and upon reaching) 15 years of age hold Apply first aid (HLTFA301B) or equivalent. Participant: Assessor (minimum Level 3): Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P7/8 April 2011

8 Level 3 The participant must be at least 18 years of age and be able to personally demonstrate all the requirements for Level 2 plus the following: 3.1 Have a detailed knowledge of the Scouts NSW Adventurous Activity Policy. 3.2 Have a detailed knowledge of the Scouts NSW Adventurous Activity Rules relevant to the skill being assessed. 3.3 Prepare risk assessments relevant to the skill for two separate activities in two different locations including at least one endorsed skill. 3.4 Plan and conduct two separate activities in two different locations involving novices. At least one of these activities must involve an endorsed skill. 3.5 Maintain a logbook of relevant skills. Participant: Endorsements Overnight trips and expeditions in snowfield areas 4.1 Have successfully completed an overnight in- snow training course. 4.2 Have spent a minimum of four nights camping in backcountry tents or snow shelters, including at least two consecutive nights. 4.3 Under the direct supervision of an appropriately qualified Level 3, plan and lead an overnight trip in back country snowfield conditions. 4.4 Maintain a logbook of relevant skills. Participant: Scouts NSW Snowfield Activities P8/8 April 2011