Key Information

 Basic Avalanche Educator membership permits the delivery of introductory recreational avalanche education content with limited avalanche terrain exposure as part of an established curriculum. Basic Avalanche Educators:

• can teach introductory recreational avalanche education courses such as the Avalanche Canada Training program AST 1 and CRS courses;

• work at the introductory level described within Guidelines for Instruction in Avalanche Terrain;

• are restricted to travel in Simple ATES terrain;

• are obliged to meet CPD requirements as set forth by the CAA for this membership category;

• are not recognized to provide avalanche services outside of the educational scope defined above; and

• are non-voting members

• are required to pay membership dues of $147.63 + tax, billed annually in December.

• are expected to follow the CAA Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice Statement and meet the  Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines 

The CAA recognizes certifications from other organizations when both organizations’ believe a significant portion of the required competencies are met on on a different course. To qualify for the recognized certification process, you will need to hold a current membership with the association from which you are showing a qualification. 

For the Basic Avalanche Educator, this creates a direct application process where only course certificates and a reference are required to apply for membership. We aim to process these applications within five business days. 

Please carefully read the Basic Avalanche Educator application process and ensure you attach all documentation below so your application is processed as quickly as possible.

The following certifications have been assessed for Basic Avalanche Educator membership:

• ACMG Ski Guide
• ACMG Alpine Guide
  
• ACMG Mountain Guide
  
• ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide
• ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide
• CSGA Level 3
• CSGA Level 2
• CSGA Level 1
• CAA Operations Level 2
• CMBGA Level 3
• CMBGA Level 2

Members of the ACMG should honor the limitations on the method of travel for which you have been certified.

If you are an existing Avalanche Practitioner or Avalanche Professional, you are able to teach AST in your current category, you do not need to apply to become an Avalanche Educator. You may only hold one type of CAA membership at a time.

The requirements for this application are as follows::

• Avalanche Operations Level 1
• Professionalism in the Avalanche Industry
• Introduction to Avalanche Education—Foundations
• CSGA, ACMG or CMBGA certification and proof of current membership
  
• A minimum of one reference from an Avalanche Professional submitted through this reference form. (Only Avalanche Professionals can view this link, to share with your reference, right click and copy the link). 

Following approval you will be notified and invoiced. Paying the invoice will start your Basic Avalanche Educator membership. Annual dues are $147.63 + applicable tax, and cover December 1 to November 30. Half dues are charged for memberships starting from June onward.

Personal information

Information and documentation included in an applicant's portfolio will be reviewed by the CAA's Membership Committee to evaluate the application for membership. Confidential evidence will not be shared with external parties. The CAA may follow up with references or employers to verify the information provided.

If you have any questions, please contact CAA Membership Services.