Trip Details and Small Print - Recreational Avalanche Course
Why book with us?
Please be aware of large differences in the
qualification of instructors for avalanche courses offered in the
market. Some instructors who teach the CAA format AST 1 course have
only the minimum required qualification of a CAA level 1 Operations
course - not a forecasting course or guide certification. Also, group
sizes of up to 20 students are common place for avalanche courses.
When comparing prices, make sure to compare the instructor qualification
and group sizes - often you get what you pay for!
Here is what we offer: Our Instructors are certified mountain and
/ or ski guides (ACMG) or Assistant Ski Guides and CAA professional
members with at least 10 years of professional experience including
operational avalanche forecasting. Our Field Trips lead into interesting
ski touring terrain in either Provincial or National Parks. Instructors
that are not certified guides (ACMG) will not be able to take you
into any Parks! Our Group sizes do not exceed 8 participants and more
commonly they are between 3 and 4!
Can I do it?
You must be able to travel at a moderate
pace on backcountry ski touring equipment (or split board) during
the field days. On a custom trip basis, we also offer courses for
snowmobilers and snowshoers.
Meeting Point & Time / Course Locations:
Canmore Courses:
9 AM at the Summit Cafe, Benchland Trail close to Cougar Creek
Banff Corses:
9 AM at the International Hostel
Lake Louise:
9 AM at the Lake Louise International Alpine Hostel (HI and ACC)
Golden: 9 AM at the Kicking Horse Lodge (on the way to the
ski hill)
Rogers Pass Courses:
8 AM PST or 9 AM MST at the Glacier Park Lodge at Rogers Pass.
We also offer other locations on a custom basis.
Climate, Weather, Temperatures:
Hugely variable! The early season courses (Nov - Feb) can be very cold (Min of -25C (=-13F), especially for the locations in the Rocky Mountains (Canmore and Lake Louise). The temperatures at rogers Pass tend to be more moderate with a minimum of -20C (=-4F). Average normal temperatures are around -10C (14 F).
Services Included in the Total Price:
Instruction and guiding by an ACMG/IFMGA
mountain guide, ACMG ski guide or assistant ski guide, all members
of the Canadian Avalanche Association with avalanche forecasting
training an certification. Use of avalanche transceiver, shovel,
probe, technical supplies such as crystal screen, loop etc. All
CAA course materials including the "Avaluator" decision
tool as well as the instructional manual: Backcountry Avalanche
Awareness by Bruce Jamieson, 7th Edition.
We will gladly quote you all-inclusive prices
with lodging and air port pick up / drop off and all other land
transport or we can assist you in making reservations for the lodging
and transport option of your choice.
Not Included Are:
Land transport (although particpants might be able to catch a ride with guide at cost), lodging and food, rental of ski touring equipment or snow shoes. |
