Avalanche Awareness One

Course Details

DATES - PRICE - CERTIFICATION
AGENDA - PREREQUISITES
INSTRUCTORS & GROUP SIZE - TRANSPORTATION
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS - GEAR
INSURANCE - BOOKING

An introduction to avalanche phenomena and the basic principles of safe winter backcountry travel. This will give you the tools you need to make your winter travels far safer and much more enjoyable. Courses run on weekends or mid-week with a Saturday field trip. The course can be taken over two weekends.

Dates

WEEKEND COURSES (Saturday lecture, Sunday field trip)

2000: Dec 2 - 3, 9 - 10, 16 - 17.

2001: Jan 6 - 7, 13 - 14, 20 - 21, 27 - 28, Feb 10 - 11

MID-WEEK/SATURDAY COURSES (2 evening sessions, Saturday field trip)

Dec 5,7,9 &  Jan 9, 11, 13

Price

$95 CDN includes GST, instruction and use of specialized snow study equipment only. You will need to bring adequate clothing and equipment for a backcountry ski tour (or snowshoes) and an avalanche transceiver (we have rentals available). Cancellation insurance is available on booking for an extra $10.

Return to Top

Course Agenda

WEEKEND COURSE

Saturday 9:30 am: (At Yamnuska Office)

- Registration; - Introduction to avalanche phenomena; - Recognition of avalanche terrain.

12:00pm - Lunch break.

1:00pm - Theory and use of avalanche beacons; - Changes in the mountain snowpack; - Safety equipment.

4:00pm - Class ends.

Sunday 9:00 am: (At Bow Summit, on Highway 9, 35 km west of Lake Louise)

- Meet at field area; - Transceiver practice; - Snow profiles and field tests; - Route selection; - Mock rescue.

4:30 pm - Debrief and end of clinic.

MID-WEEK/SATURDAY COURSES

Tuesday 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm: (At Yamnuska Office)

- Registration; - Introduction to avalanche phenomena; - Recognition of avalanche terrain.

9:30 pm - Finish for evening

Thursday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: (At Yamnuska Office)

- Theory and use of avalanche beacons; - Changes in the mountain snowpack; - Safety equipment.

Saturday 9:00 am: (At Bow Summit, on Highway 9, 35 km west of Lake Louise)

- Meet at field area; - Transceiver practice; - Snow profiles and field tests; - Route selection; - Mock rescue.

4:30 pm - Debrief and end of clinic.

NOTE: Agenda may vary with instructor and with field conditions. A short ski-tour is integral on the Sunday but if you're not a skier, snow shoes are adequate. It is important that you be properly equipped (you will be sent a gear list on booking).

Return to Top

Instructors and Group Size

Enthusiastic and experienced, your instructors are mountain guides and who hold certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Canadian Avalanche Association. Most courses will be limited to 16 participants. On the field trip there is usually one instructor per 8 participants.

Return to Top

Transportation

We rely upon participants car-pooling. Should this not be feasible we will ensure that something is organized. If visiting the area from far afield we would recommend you rent a car so as to be able to visit local attractions and the like in the evenings (you may be able to share this expense with other participants). Canmore is a 1-hour drive west from Calgary. There are frequent buses from the airport and downtown; we will send details upon booking.

Accommodation and Meals

These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available including campgrounds, hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! We will send you a list of recommendations once you book. On the course you will need a packed lunch and something to drink. As we usually go to Bow Summit, 40km west of Lake Louise on the field day you may wish to consider spending the previous night at lake Louise, or if you really treasure mountain ambiance and fine cuisine, at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake.

Return to Top

Equipment and Clothing

We supply textbook and specialized snow study equipment only. You will need to bring adequate clothing and equipment for a backcountry ski tour (or snow shoes) and an avalanche transceiver (we have rentals available). When you book we will send you a complete list of anything you will need to bring (appropriate clothing etc.)

Return to Top

Insurance

There is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass (obtain on entry to National Park). It is wise, though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance ($10), this must accompany your deposit.

For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.

Along with all relevant receipts we will send you a full trip logistical kit (containing meeting times, a list of what to bring and info on how to get here) and a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you to sign when you meet us.