Your career in the avalanche industry starts here. 

The CAA Industry Training Program (ITP) delivers comprehensive training programs for avalanche professionals throughout Canada. The ITP prepares workers to be responsible for avalanche safety in a variety of industries including ski operations, critical infrastructure, guiding, natural resources, and avalanche education. Successful ITP graduates are expected to move safely through the backcountry, make decisions independently, and know how to operate as part of a team in avalanche terrain.

The flowchart on this page illustrates the general training progression through all ITP courses as of the 2024-25 operating season. All professional development courses can be taken upon completion of the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course.

Avalanche Operations Level 1 graduates should refer to Career Development Guidelines for Level 1 Graduates for further information on professional development and the requirements for applying to the Avalanche Operations Level 2 program.

ITP Staff Contacts

Should you have any questions regarding the ITP or individual needs, please email us:

• ITP Student Services: studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca (course registration, general information, student documents, funding applications, invoicing, and certificates)
• ITP Coordinator: itpcoordinator@avalancheassociation.ca (Prior Learning Assessments (PLA's), Avalanche Operations Level 2 and Level 3 applications, and instructor needs)

ITP Training Flowchart

Further Reading: ITP History

For further reading on the history of avalanche training in Canada, please consult the following sources:

• CAA Archives
• Emily L. Grady, "The Canadian Approach to Professional Avalanche Training," International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, 2013.
• Peter Schaerer, "Canadian Avalanche Association Industry Training Program Early History, Memoirs of Peter Schaerer," January 2007.