Please visit the course calendar for all available courses.

If you are interested in attending an IAT-A course at a location or date not currently offered, please submit your information using this survey . Given enough indicated interest, we will contact you via email if new offerings become available.

*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 (CSGA), Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), and Canadian Motorized Backcountry Guides Association (CMBGA) for courses that lead to recreational guiding in avalanche terrain.

What to Expect

Click here to review the IAT-A Course Outline.

Instructing in Avalanche Terrain- Advanced is a field-based course that evaluates participants' instructional and risk management skills to deliver advanced recreational avalanche courses in simple and challenging terrain. Key outcomes include compliance with the Guidelines for Instruction in Avalanche Terrain (GIAT), terrain identification and group management. 

 

This course serves as a progression from previously acquired competencies attained through other courses such as Avalanche Operations Level 2 and Instructing in Avalanche Terrain-Foundations. The primary emphasis in IAT-A lies in enhancing instructional abilities and honing risk management strategies.

 

This course takes place over three days and will require pre-course work consisting of avalanche safety plan development, terrain identification, and preparation to instruct a topic from the Avalanche Canada Training (ACT) program. Completing the pre-course work will ensure students have a solid foundation and are prepared for all in-person evaluations. To optimize learning, students will be assigned end-of-day prep work, which will involve preparing for the following day's trip plan. 

• Course days are long. They can begin at 6:30 a.m. and can go until 5:30 p.m., 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; students must be equipped to operate in all weather conditions (for example, -28 C, strong winds, and/or heavy precipitation).

• 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.

• Students must be advanced backcountry travelers, able to safely travel in a variety of snow and terrain on skis, snowboar d, or snowmobile. See descriptions below.

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.
• 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:

• 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

Instructing in Avalanche Terrain- Advanced goals and learning objectives are displayed in the course DACUM.  

Prerequisites

The following are required for all applicants at the time of registration:

• Avalanche Operations Level 2 Certificate and all associated prerequisites.
• Advanced backcountry skiing, splitboarding, or snowmobiling skills, and good fitness, as described in the 'What To Expect' tab above. If students do not meet these criteria, they will be required to leave the course.
• Be 19 or older for courses in British Columbia, OR 18 or older for courses in Alberta and Quebec.

Although not required at the time of registration, all students will be expected to present their Instructing in Avalanche Terrain-Foundations certificate on the first day of their IAT-A course.

Registration Process

Registration opens online on September 4, 2024 at 10:00AM Pacific. 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:

• Avalanche Operations Level 2 certificate, OR an approved Prior Learning Assessment application

Registration for Instructing in Avalanche Terrain—Foundations is each student's responsibility; it is not included in the cost of IAT-A.

 

Failure to provide proof of all prerequisites will result in cancellation of your registration and removal from the course. Upon registration, payment can be made in full or partially (50%); please ensure you have a payment method with an adequate credit limit to pay for your registration.


Course Fees and Funding Opportunities

The 2024/2025 course fees are detailed below.                 

  

The following fees do not include food, transportation, or accommodation. For students who reside outside of Canada, an additional $100 shipping fee will be charged. Students are also expected to register and pay for all prerequisites separately (this includes Instructing in Avalanche Terrain- Foundations).


 

2024-2025 Course Fees: 

Registration Fee	$ 100.00	Non-refundable
Tuition	$ 956.00	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Total Course Fees	$ 1,056.00

 

We wish to thank Avalanche Canada for graciously subsidizing course fees for IAT-Advanced students this season.

 

Sample Schedule

Sample schedule will be posted in due course. 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

Click here to access the course equipment list.

 

Be ready for classroom time and field work. Make sure to have warm clothing for prolonged outdoor work in cold and potentially wet conditions, and good quality breathable outer layers to protect you from wind and rain. 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

Click here to review the IAT-A Evaluation Scheme. This is a combination of written tests and exercises, field book observations, practical examinations, and field discussions. 

  

Student Policies

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

 

 


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