Pre-course preparation checklist:

• Check this page again 2 weeks prior to course start date.
• You have been provided with a link to the Level 2 pre-course questions in your Registration Confirmation email. These online resources and questions take a significant amount of time (15-20 hours) and are mandatory. Prepare yourself well ahead of time and complete all assignments before the start of the course.
• Review the terms and concepts of the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard as this is foundational to much of our work
• Study terrain and possible field trips in and around your course's backcountry area. Use current snowpack information, weather data and terrain information (maps, pictures, Google Earth, guidebooks) to get a better understanding of the terrain, climate and snowpack conditions currently present in the area. Apply the Parks Canada ATES ratings to the area – in general, what sort of terrain can be found in the region? What are the general characteristics of the area in terms of avalanche hazard and snow stability? Be prepared to review and share your findings on Day 1.
• Review the Level 2 Evaluation Criteria to ensure you are fully aware of the assessment categories as well as the skill and knowledge competencies that are being evaluated. Write down any questions that you might have, they will be addressed on Day 1.
• Review the Snow Profile Procedures video to ensure you are up-to-date on best practices for completing snow profiles efficiently and with fewer errors
• Bring a copy of the Avalanche Handbook and the CAA’s Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards (OGRS 2016). A digital/mobile copy of OGRS is available on the CAA website

Start time: 8:00 am sharp on March 7th, 2021 

Location: The course will be held in the Sutcliffe Room at the Whistler Hilton, 4050 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1H9 (604) 9321982

Click here for a map of the course location, Whistler Hilton, Whistler, B.C.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course location and field trip sites. Carpooling is only recommended for students who are from the same household.

If your course requires lift access, tickets are provided by your instructors. If you have a season's pass for the area please bring this to the course. Some courses have alternate transportation such as snowcats or helicopters, this cost is covered in your course fees.

Students are required to complete a Release of Liability and Waiver at the start of each course. A link to the Release of Liability and Waiver is found below. Please note that the document has two pages:

• Release of Liability and Waiver.