Avalanche Courses
Carving fresh tracks in champagne powder is the stuff of every skier's ultimate dream . . . but to venture into the uncontrolled backcountry without the tools to make good decisions is just asking for trouble. Do you have the skills to recognize all the potential hazards and minimize your exposure to them? Do you have the training to deal with an emergency if something goes wrong? The Canadian Avalanche Association's Avalanche Skills Training (AST) courses are what you need to arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions out there.
Companion Rescue Skills (CRS)
Has it been a while since your last Avalanche Course? How prepared are you if things go wrong? Techniques and technology are changing rapidly and YOU want to stay current and informed! Your partners’ lives are depending on it. Yearly practice is required to stay honed!
This full day field course covers new equipment technology, air bag usage, new probing and shovelling techniques, beaconless searching, group rescue, multiple burials, triage and more!
All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides. These seasoned veterans lend credibility to your learning experience.
Field sessions are held in the Evening Ridge area.
Dates:
Dec. 9, 2012 4 spots left
Jan. 5, 2013 waiting list
Feb. 10, 2013 waiting list
$95 - Includes course certificate
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1)
This thorough and intensive introduction to avalanche safety is a must for anyone considering entering the backcountry. Cutting edge avalanche education and techniques are utilized to provide you with the tools and knowledge to make solid decisions in avalanche terrain. Topics include hazard recognition, trip planning, route selection, slope assessment, companion rescue and human factors. The 2 day format consists of one full classroom day with videos, powerpoint, interactive exercises and planning sessions, and one field day to apply the classroom theory in the backcountry.
All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides. These seasoned veterans lend credibility to your learning experience.
Field sessions are held at Evening Ridge and you should have at least intermediate level skiing or split boarding skills (ie. confident on blue runs).
Dates:
Nov. 24 & 25, 2012 1 spot left
Dec. 1 & 2, 2012 5 spots left
Dec. 15 & 16, 2012 2 spots left
Jan. 12 & 13, 2013 COURSE IS FULL
Jan. 24 & 25, 2013 COURSE IS FULL
Feb. 2 & 3, 2013 COURSE IS FULL
Mar. 2 & 3, 2013 waiting list
Day 1 - Classroom: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Day 2 - Backcountry: 7:30am - 4:00pm
$195 - includes avalanche course manual, Avaluator 2 and AST 1 certificate.
Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2)
This 3.5 day course is a must for those with basic avalanche experience looking to expand their skills and make decisions in more complicated terrain. It is also highly recommended for those interested in the CAA Level 1 professional course. Classroom theory in the evenings is partnered with plenty of field time and many opportunities to get feedback on your tracksetting, route finding and terrain selection. Course content includes snowpack analysis, stability testing, fracture characteristics, advanced rescue training, leadership & group management, terrain evaluation, and advanced trip planning.
All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides.
Prerequisites: The AST 1 course (or equivalent) and experience skiing or split boarding in backcountry snow conditions through trees.
Nelson Course - Field days take place in backcountry locations such as the Evening Ridge area, Whitewater backcountry, and Kootenay Pass area.
New Denver Course – Based out of the super cool Dome Quixote Lodge with hot tub, guest kitchen, and dome shaped meeting room. Accommodations start from $36 / person based on double occupancy. See rates.
Field sessions will take place in the amazing ski locales of nearby Sandon and Goat Range objectives off the Kaslo-New Denver Hwy such as the London Ridge and Mt. Brennan areas.
Dates:
Jan. 25 - 28, 2013 (NELSON) $380 1 spot left
Feb. 15 - 18, 2013 (NELSON) $380 4 spots left
Feb. 28 - Mar. 3, 2013 (NEW DENVER) $440 waiting list
Price includes student manual and AST 2 certificate
Day 1 - Classroom: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Days 2-4 Backcountry: 7:30am - 4:00pm (evening sessions 6 - 8:30pm on days 2 & 3)
SEE PHOTOS (Nelson) SEE PHOTOS (New Denver)
Combined AST 1 & 2
This 5 day combined course rolls both AST curriculums into one and is perfect for dedicated powder hounds, ski industry candidates, or anyone looking to make decisions in complex avalanche terrain.
Field days are held in backcountry locations such as the Evening Ridge and Kootenay Pass regions. You should have experience skiing or split boarding in backcountry snow conditions through trees.
All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides.
Dates:
Jan. 24 - 28, 2013 COURSE IS FULL
Day 1 - Classroom: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Day 2 - Backcountry: 7:30am - 4:00pm (evening session 6:00pm - 9:00pm)
Days 3 - 5 Backcountry: ~7:30am - 4:00pm (evening sessions 6 - 8:30pm on days 3 & 4)
$565 - includes avalanche course manual, Avaluator and AST 1 & 2 certificates.
