We often field inquiries on how to become an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) instructor or how to become a CAA course instructor. We encourage people who are interested in instructing avalanche courses to take a look below at what this entails.

Teaching AST

The Avalanche Skills Training (AST) program is administered by Avalanche Canada (AvCan)(formerly the Canadian Avalanche Centre). The AST curriculum was created and continues to be updated by AvCan. AvCan takes care of licensing, communicating with (via newsletters and emails) and shipping AST materials to AST Providers. AvCan licenses AST Providers, whether organizations or individual. Please visit their website on how to be an AST instructor.

One requirement of being an AST instructor is to be a CAA member in good standing. Learn more about CAA membership.

Teaching for the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA)

The CAA has a world wide reputation for delivering current and well instructed avalanche courses. This reputation is based on the strength of our instructors and curriculum specialists. An instructor is someone who has experience in the field but also the ability to convey this knowledge to students in an easy to learn, approachable manor. Vetted potential instructors are asked to observe a course so both they and the CAA can decide if instructing for the CAA is a good fit. The next step is then to teach as an assistant instructor and master the course's curriculum before becoming a full instructor.

The CAA welcomes new applicants for instructing at any time of the year. Please take a look at the Teaching for the CAA document and be in touch if you are interested.