Important: Effective 2024-25, there is a new prerequisite to Avalanche Operations Level 1. Please visit the AvSAR Level 1 and Level 2 webpage for more details.

If you have questions about the upcoming changes, please visit our AvSAR FAQ webpage. 

Avalanche Operations Level 1 is the premiere in-person professional-level training course for those seeking employment with avalanche risk management operations such as ski resorts, highway and industrial operations, guiding, and recreational avalanche course instruction.

*The CAA is not a guiding organization and the Industry Training Program (ITP) courses are not guiding courses. In Canada, please refer to the Canadian Ski Guide Association, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and Canadian Motorized Backcountry Guides Association for courses that lead to recreational guiding in avalanche-prone settings.

What to Expect

This intensive seven- to eight-day technical training course is comprised of approximately 40% theory and classroom work, and 60% practical application and field work. Read the details below to get a sense of what to expect:

• Course days are long, they can begin at 0630 and can go until 1730 hours with evening assignments. Students are recommended to avoid scheduling any outside activities during the course. Refer to the sample schedule tab for details.
• Field trips take place in inclement weather so students must be equipped to operate in all weather conditions (for example, -28 Celsius, strong winds, and/or heavy snowfall or rain).
• There are no scheduled meal or snack breaks, so students must be prepared to eat and drink on the go. Many students save time by pre-planning and preparing their meals beforehand (town-based courses only).
• Students must be advanced backcountry travelers, able to safely travel in a variety of snow and terrain on skis/snowboard, or snowmobile. See descriptions below.
• Students must also be able to excavate two snow profiles (1.5m wide x 1.5m long x 1.5m deep) per day in a variety of snowpack conditions.

Description of what constitutes an advanced backcountry traveler on skis or splitboard:

• As a skier or splitboarder, you should be proficient with the use of touring bindings, skins, and skis/splitboard. AND you should be at an advanced level of skiing or snowboarding at the resort and able to handle flat sections and traverses.
• NEW - You should be able to tour uphill 600m in elevation.
• You should be capable of riding in a variety of snow conditions including deep snow, breakable crust, and wind slab.
• You should be able to ride in treed and undulating/variable terrain up to approximately 35 degrees.
• You should be able to ride safely and efficiently in backcountry terrain carrying a backpack with food, rescue equipment and winter clothing. Safely = not falling often. Efficiently = in a timely manner that doesn’t hold up a group.

Description of what constitutes an advanced backcountry traveler on a snowmobile or snowbike:

• As a rider, you should be at an advanced level of riding in untracked snow and able to handle climbing, side-hilling, and descending. You should be capable of riding in a variety of snow conditions including deep snow, breakable crust, and wind slab
• You should be able to ride in treed and undulating/variable terrain up to approximately 30 degrees.
• You should be able to ride safely and efficiently in backcountry terrain carrying a backpack. Safely = maintaining the chosen line. Efficiently = not getting stuck and holding up the group.

Program Goals

Avalanche Operations Level 1 goals and objectives are displayed in the course DACUM.  

Prerequisites

Applicants must present these certificates on the first day of the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course: 

• Introduction to Avalanche Operations  online course certificate.
• AvSAR Level 1 course certificate or an approved Prior Learning Assessment.

Applicants must have and prove at time of registration:

• Advanced backcountry skiing, splitboarding, or snowmobiling skills, and good fitness. If students do not meet the criteria described below, they will be required to leave the course. Refer to the What to Expect tab for a further description of what constitutes an advanced backcountry traveller.
  
• Be 19 or older for courses in British Columbia, OR 18 or older for courses in Alberta and Quebec.

The CAA recommends but does NOT require that students have an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1)  or similar training and experience (AST 2  is recommended).

Registration Process

Registration takes place in three stages on our course calendar webpage in mid-September:

1. September 10, 10:00AM Pacific: Combined AvSAR Level 1 + Hut-based Ops 1 courses.
2. September 18, 10:00AM Pacific: Town-based Ops 1 + Kootenay Pass Ops 1 courses.
3. September 24, 10:00AM Pacific: secondary registration for a limited number of additional seats. Please add yourself to one or more course waitlists to receive further instructions via email.

Visit the   course calendar for course dates, locations, location-specific logistics, and registration information.

 

You will be required to upload scans or JPEGs of the following documents during registration:

• AvSAR Level 1 certificate, payment invoice, proof of existing registration or a Prior Learning Assessment.
  

Although you do not need to complete the Introduction to Avalanche Operations before course registration, you DO need to present your online course certificate on the first day of your Avalanche Operations Level 1 course. 

Failure to provide proof of all prerequisites will result in cancellation of your registration and removal from the course.

2024-25 Course Fees

A) Town-Based Ops 1 Courses

For town-based Ops 1 courses, the course fees paid by students do NOT include food, transportation, or accommodation. The CAA strongly recommends booking accommodation as close to the classroom location as possible.


Registration Fees	$ 250.00	Non-refundable
Course Materials	$ 125.00	Non-refundable
Tuition	$ 2,075.00	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Introduction to Avalanche Operations Enrolment	$ 135.00	Non-refundable
Total	$ 2,585.00


B) Hut-Based Ops 1 Courses

*NEW FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON* Some hut-based Ops 1 courses will have a pre-assigned AvSAR Level 1 course with dates and locations indicated below.

 

Hut-based Ops 1 courses are run out of a remote backcountry operation. Additional fees are charged for these courses to include all meals, lodging, and transportation from the staging area to the lodge. Hut-based courses are an incredible value and provide an enhanced learning environment. Course participants will have use of the operation's terrain and facilities for the duration of their course. Close proximity to field study locations increases the amount of time students spend studying snowpack and avalanche terrain. In each operation, students will be expected to participate in daily lodge duties as specified by facility operators and course instructors.


Note: we cannot offer refunds on lodge fees and recommend students consider purchasing Hut Trip Cancellation Insurance.

	The Outpost, Valkyr Adventures Fauquier, BC	Powder Creek Lodge Rossland, BC	Purcell Mountain Lodge Golden, BC	Burnie Glacier Chalet Smithers, BC	Kootenay Pass, BC
Registration Fees	$ 250.00	$ 250.00	$ 250.00	$ 250.00	$ 250.00	Non-refundable
Course Materials	$ 125.00	$ 125.00	$ 125.00	$ 125.00	$ 125.00	Non-refundable
Tuition	$ 1,775.00	$ 1,775.00	$ 1,775.00	$ 1,775.00	$ 1,775.00	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Introduction to Avalanche Operations Enrolment	$ 135.00	$ 135.00	$ 135.00	$ 135.00	$ 135.00	Non-refundable
Hut Fee	$ 2,330.83	$ 2,800.00	$ 1,580.00	$ 1,650.00	$ 1,227.77	Non-refundable
Hut Fee Tax	$ 162.50	$ 182.00	$ 217.13	$ 82.50	$ 61.39	Non-refundable
Assigned AvSAR L1 course + cost	Golden, BC, Dec 10-13, 2024 ($1,410.00)	Revelstoke, BC, Dec 2-5, 2024 ($1,410.00)	Golden, BC, Jan 13-16, 2025 ($ 1,410.00)	Whistler, BC, Dec 8-11, 2024 ($1,410.00)	Must register separately	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Total Ops 1 Fees	$ 4,778.33	$ 5,267.00	$ 4,082.13	$ 4,017.50	$ 3,574.16
Total Combined Fees (AvSAR L1 + Ops 1)	$ 6,188.33	$ 6,677.00	$ 5,492.13	$ 5,427.50	N/A

 

C) SLED Course

For town-based Ops 1 SLED courses, the course fees paid by students do NOT include food, transportation, or accommodation. The CAA strongly recommends booking accommodation as close to the classroom location as possible.

Registration Fees	$ 250.00	Non-refundable
Course Materials	$ 125.00	Non-refundable
Tuition	$ 2,820.00	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Introduction to Avalanche Operations Enrolment	$ 135.00	Non-refundable
Total	$ 3,330.00




An additional $100 international shipping fee is applied for students who reside outside of Canada.


 

Information on potential funding for CAA students can be found on the Scholarships & Grants webpage.

 

Sample Schedule

View a sample schedule for Level 1 here. Days on the course are long and it is the student's responsibility to take care of their personal needs. This includes food, drinks, proper clothing, and ensuring they are well rested and ready to learn.         

Equipment, Logistics, and Materials

The Level 1 equipment list for town-based courses outlines what you need to bring. Come ready for classroom time and field work. Make sure to have warm clothing and good snow boots to keep warm during daily weather observations. For lodge-based courses, additional equipment may be required, depending on the host lodge.

 

Students who are well prepared with the necessary equipment and basic knowledge will benefit everyone by allowing us to conduct the course’s daily sessions in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course and field locations. 




If your course requires lift access, tickets will be provided by your instructors. If you have a season pass for the area, please bring this with you.

Course Evaluation

Course evaluation is a combination of written tests and exercises, field book observations, practical examinations, and field discussions.

 

Passing requirements: 

• Students must obtain a minimum of 70% on all assessment categories to attain the Avalanche Operations Level 1 certificate.
• If a student has an overall mark of 70% but has failed in ONE of the assessment categories, they are eligible to re-test the failed category. This applies to all categories except for avalanche hazard assessment.
• Failure in two assessment categories results in a failure of the entire course despite an overall mark greater than 70%.
  

Student Policies

Refer to the student resources webpage for a complete list of student policies, the CAA Release of Liability and Waiver and other information. 

 

International Courses

Industry Training Program curriculum is delivered every year in countries around the world. If you are interested in finding out more about our international outreach projects, please contact the CAA directly.


 

 


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