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TRAINING

Australian Alps Trek Support

AATS runs a wide range of basic, entry-level hiking and trekking courses to specialised, subject-specific or scenario-based courses in Victoria and the ACT between November and March. Courses are also offered online.

 

COURSES SUMMARY

In person and on site courses

Mentoring and 1:1 Coaching

Hiking and Trekking Skills Courses

Specialised and Scenario Based Courses

Basic, Entry Level Options

Advanced Level Courses

Aus alps countours
Courses for 2024/25 are booked out
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$250 p/p

COURSE BRIEF

This course covers all the basic skills of hiking for up to five days and 4 nights. Most hikers start their hiking journey with little or no skills; spend too little or too much on gear they don't need or shouldn't have; then struggle on their treks thinking that's what's it all about. Sadly, that's not what hiking is about. Don't spend years wasting time and money getting into hiking. Get a head start. Do this course.
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COURSE OVERVIEW
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This is an enjoyable weekend course (2 days/1 night) out bush learning the basics of hiking. All attendees will receive a list of the kit they need for the course which they will use on the course. With packs on their backs, they head out bush and learn the skills in real time, real-world conditions. Lessons are practical based. There is no judging or expectations. It is about learning skills that will last for a lifetime.


COURSE LOCATIONS
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Lake Eildon NP, VIC ex Eildon

 

COURSE LEVEL

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$550 p/p

COURSE BRIEF

Take your hiking journey to the next level and experience the freedom of cross country trekking (CCT) or 'bushwalking'. Only a small percentage of hikers ever transition to the the amazing world of bushwalking. But it is not for the faint hearted. If you like the comfort zone of trails, water tanks and signage, this course may be a bit intimidating.
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COURSE OVERVIEW
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This course is structured to transition mid to experienced hikers to the basic level of cross-country trekking. On these courses, many experienced hikers are surprised at the differences between trail hiking and cross-country trekking. Equipment, technique, skills and fitness are just some of the things that need to be learned from scratch or adapted to this specialised but amazing form of recreational bushwalking.

 

COURSE LOCATIONS
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Alpine National Park, VIC ex Mansfield
Lake Eildon NP
, VIC ex Eildon
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COURSE LEVEL

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$350 p/p

COURSE BRIEF

This has been one of our most popular courses ever. Why? Well, not for the reasons you might think. Most people do this course more for confidence building rather than for actual self-defence concerns, though this always pops into people's minds when alone on a dark, lonely trail somewhere. But the skills taught in this course are powerful and high impact , so if you did need to fight back, it would be painfully effective. The skills on this course, or at least parts of it, can be applied anywhere, but especially out bush.

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COURSE OVERVIEW
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This weekend course focuses on ten of the most highly effective self defence tactics that hikers can use in 90% of the likely scenarios they may find themselves in. The course teaches how to defend yourself with effective use of your body ( strike, jab, choke etc); effective use of tent pegs, trek poles, your pack, boots, rocks, stumps, mud, your phone! and much more!! Mental, psychological and physical toughness, resilience and discipline are also covered. This is a physical and confronting course, meaning you will be taught how to fight for your survival. So, you will need to be exposed to scenarios of aggression, confrontation and the use of physical force ( and give it back two fold!). Minimum 18 years of age.  Instructors are highly skilled, professional, ex-Army or ex-specialist Police instructors.

 

COURSE LOCATIONS
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Alpine National Park, VIC ex Mansfield
Lake Eildon NP
, VIC ex Eildon
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COURSE LEVEL

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$350 p/p

COURSE BRIEF
 
Solo hiking ranks among the most popular and rewarding outdoor activities in Australia, especially among women. This course is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to confidently embark on solo hikes. With our extensive expertise, we provide a solid foundation that enhances your hiking journey, ensuring you are well-prepared for safe and adventurous exploration. 
 
​COURSE OVERVIEW
 
This is a weekend course involving practical lessons and experiential and scenario training. Subjects covered includes gear and equipment selection, trek planning and preparation, emergency signalling, trail safety and wellbeing and much more. While the course will be run as a group, each student will be required to carry out individual and solo tasks for both day and night activities.



COURSE LOCATIONS​
 
Lake Eildon NP
, VIC ex Eildon



COURSE LEVEL

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$350 p/p

COURSE BRIEF

A significant portion of hikers lack the basic skills for safety when hiking, particularly on extended or remote area hikes. (Hey, we know because we evacuated or rescued many of them on the Larapinta Trail and across the Australian Alps!) Hiking is fun until sh*t hits the fan and it gets bad quickly.

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COURSE OVERVIEW
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This is a weekend course focused entirely on hiker's safety, health and wellbeing when hiking on multi-day or extended day hikes. Students will learn preventative, proactive and responsive skills and techniques on how to minimise their risk variables ( through planning, preparation, habits, routines) before they start their hike and while on the trail.  This is a must-do weekend course. Do yourself, your family and emergency services a favour - Do This Course!

 

COURSE LOCATIONS
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Alpine National Park, VIC ex Mansfield
Lake Eildon NP
, VIC ex Eildon


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COURSE LEVEL

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$550 p/p

COURSE BRIEF

80% of 'experienced hikers'  we've supported still don't know how to use (or even execute effectively) emergency signalling tools and techniques. Rescuers and aerial observers often struggle to identify where hikers are when in distress because they can't see or hear them - and that's when they are actively looking for them! It is a completely different scenario when no one knows you are hurt, stuck or in distress, and you don't have any means of raising the alert for help or letting other hikers know where you are. We've seen this out on the trails many hundreds of times, some ending badly.

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COURSE OVERVIEW
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This weekend course focuses entirely on emergency signalling techniques, tools and scenarios for day and night use. You get taught everything from laying out an SOS with branches to flare applications to effective laser signalling, and much more, to assist land, sea and air SAR units in locating you quickly ( or quicker!). Emergency comms are covered briefly. Everything taught in this course is experience-based, practical, usable and no waffle. This is taught by expert specialist with Search and rescue experience on trails. You get to practice what is taught. You also get to observe what it looks like for responders when searching for hikers by drone and helicopter.



 
COURSE LOCATIONS
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Alpine National Park, VIC ex Mansfield

Lake Eildon NP
, VIC ex Eildon
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COURSE LEVEL

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Thermal Imaging Search and Rescue Hiking
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