Basic Avalanche Educator Membership - Canadian Avalanche Association

Basic Avalanche Educator Membership—Course-based

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.

For more information, contact Membership Services to discuss your experience and objectives before applying to become a Basic Avalanche Educator.

Option A - course based application process - see below (available winter 24/25)
Option B - If you have completed Avalanche Operations Level 2 or are a ACMG or CSGA member, please see the recognized certification process (available now).
Option C - If you have professional experience outside of the ACMG, CSGA or CMBGA, please see our competency portfolio application process (available now).

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.

Option A- open to the public winter 2024/25

Application requirements

Avalanche Operations Level 1
Introduction to Professionalism
I nstructing in Avalanche Terrain— Foundations
Instructing in Avalanche Terrain - Basic
A reference submitted through this reference form (only Avalanche Professionals can view this link) or if you have not worked with an Avalanche Professional, see the sponsorship policy for Basic Avalanche Educators.

To apply via this process, please read the steps below and then go to the application form.

Fees

Individuals applying for membership must submit an application form and pay the non-refundable $50 application fee.

Basic Avalanche Educator membership dues are $147.63 + tax, billed annually in December

Step 1: Complete the required courses

Complete the following required courses and ensure you have the certificates.

Step 2: Review application questions and prepare responses

Applicants will be asked to explain their reason for applying to become a Basic Avalanche Educator on the online application form. We recommend you prepare and save your responses to the following questions in a text document, then copy and paste your responses into the online application form field once you begin the process.

Why do you want to be a member of the CAA?
Why should you be a member of the CAA?

Step 3: Contact professional references or sponsor

Each application must be accompanied by a reference from a CAA Avalanche Professional. References must complete the Basic Avalanche Educator reference form. Only Avalanche Professionals can view this link, to share with your reference, right click and copy the link. If you have not worked with an Avalanche Professional, see the policy for sponsorship.

References from ITP instructors that only know applicants from teaching ITP courses will not be accepted for applications. If you do not have a reference from an Avalanche Professional, please contact Membership Services.

It is your responsibility to make sure their reference letters have been submitted. Reference letters may be submitted after submitting your membership application; however, your application will not be reviewed until your reference is received.

Step 4: Submit online application form

Submit your application using the application form.
Upload your course certificates.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have uploaded all of the documents needed by your application.
The total maximum upload is 30 MB. If your application is too large, please compress any files possible.

If you begin the online application form and close the web browser or time-out before completing the full application, your work will not be saved. Have all documents above ready before proceeding.

Please note: It is recommended that you restart your computer and/or clear your browser history before beginning the online application form.

Application review and registration process

Application review

We aim to review and process applications within five business days.

Registration

Following approval, you will be notified and invoiced. Paying the invoice will complete the process of becoming a Basic Avalanche Educator. Annual dues cover December 1 to November 30 and are $128 + applicable tax. Half dues are charged for memberships starting from June onward. Dues must be paid within 30 days of invoicing to complete the application to avoid being a member not in good standing.

Member obligations

Once an applicant has successfully become a Basic Avalanche Educator, they take on all the responsibilities associated with this membership class. All Basic Avalanche Educators are expected to follow the Scope of Practice Statement, CAA Code of Ethics, and meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines. Members should track their annual CPD in this format. Applicants should be aware of these obligations prior to applying.

Confidentiality statement:

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 Membership Services.

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