Avalanche Awareness Two

Route Finding in Avalanche Terrain!

Course Details

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

Our aim is to take you beyond the basic information you have been exposed to on weekend avalanche awareness programs and spend some time doing actual back country day-tours where we must make real route finding decisions so as to maintain group safety. In other words, this is avalanche awareness put to the test.

Dates

2001: January 13 - 14, February 3 - 4, February 17 - 18.

Price

$145 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 and an avalanche transceiver (we have rentals available). Cancellation insurance is available on booking for an extra $10.

On booking you will receive an information package with an equipment and clothing list, details of how to get to our office and on local accommodation options.

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Course Agenda

Each day we head into the mountains for a ski tour with all the current weather and avalanche information. Typically the first day might be spent in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, the second in Banff National Park. In each case we are looking for locations that offer lots of routefinding alternatives and where safe routefinding is required.

Saturday: 8:00am, meet at Yamnuska Office in Canmore.

• Course introduction and briefing.
• Assess weather and avalanche forecasts.
• Check gear.
• Head off for program area.

Sunday: Meet at Trailhead, this being decided upon Saturday)- Discuss weather and avalanche forecasts.

• Check gear, confirm trip plan.
• Ski-tour!

Note: The emphasis will be on covering as much terrain as possible this weekend so that participants are exposed as many different route finding problems as possible. Discussion of these problems and their solution will heighten powers of observation and of hazard awareness.

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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.

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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.

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Equipment and Clothing

We supply specialized snow study equipment only. You will need to bring adequate clothing and equipment for backcountry ski tours 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.)

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Insurance

There is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass, which you can obtain on entry to Banff National Park should the group go there. 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.