Applicants must have and prove at time of application:

• Avalanche Operations Level 2 certificate or similar training/experience. Candidates without Level 2 must apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to have this prerequisite waived.
• Minimum three seasons of employment/experience in avalanche work after completion of the Level 2 course. Non-Level 2 graduates with an approved PLA must have five years work experience.
• Minimum of two seasons as an avalanche technician working under the supervision of an avalanche forecaster.
• Introduction to Weather certificate or equivalent.
• Active employment in the avalanche industry.

Recommended prerequisites:

• Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping certificate or equivalent
• Advanced Weather certificate or equivalent
• CAA Avalanche Professional in good standing

Other considerations:

• Attendance at CAA annual general meetings and technical meetings
• Attendance at International Snow Science Workshops
• Academic degree in a related field (i.e. engineering, meteorology, etc...)
• Related certifications (ACMG ski guide, UIAGM Guide, CSGA)
• Additional years of professional experience
  
  

International Students

International students may need to complete one or more PLA applications to meet all the prerequisites if they have not attended any CAA courses. Please make sure to complete one PLA application for EACH of the required courses you are missing. Contact your local avalanche center as some have already created PLAs for their courses that you can use in your application.

 

All Level 3 students must be familiar with the CAA Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards (OGRS). If you are unfamiliar with this publication, please review the digital copy.

 

There is an extra $100 fee to mail course materials to students with addresses outside of Canada.

 

 

1: Before you start

Please make sure you have all the required documents ready to upload before starting the online application. If you begin the online application and close your browser or time-out before completion, your work will not be saved.

 

These documents include:

1. Cover letter: Please include a one-page cover letter introducing yourself and outlining your current and future aspirations in the avalanche industry.
   
2. Professional resume: Please include a two- to three-page professional resume outlining your educational background and work history, particularly regarding the above prerequisites.
   
3. Certificates: Please include a digital copy of all pertinent certificates. These can be scans or photos. (PLA applicants, see below). Note: A $45 fee will be charged if you require the CAA to search through its records for a certificate copy. This must be done before starting the online application process.
   
4. Prior Learning Assessment(s) (if applicable):  When completing your application, upload a text document stating you have applied for a PLA for a prerequisite. Students can concurrently apply to the Level 3 program while a PLA application is under review. Please see the details of this option on the PLA webpage.
   
5. References: Applicants must provide letters of reference from two CAA Avalanche Professionals using the Level 3 CAA Avalanche Professional reference form. Students without an affiliation with a CAA Avalanche Professional may provide references from their current avalanche industry employer or supervisor, their mentor, a fellow industry professional, and/or a Level 3 graduate who is familiar with the candidate’s avalanche resume. These sources should use the Level 3 non-CAA Avalanche Professional reference form .

2: Online submission

Application to the Level 3 program is done online. The link to the application can be found at the bottom of this page. Once completed, applicants will receive a confirmation email if their application was successfully submitted. If you do not receive this email, please contact the CAA.

 

3: Application review  

All applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Your application is reviewed for completeness once it is received. It is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete before submitting it; incomplete applications will be returned. Complete applications will be reviewed as quickly as possible. We aim for a two-week turnaround but this is not always possible. Applicants will be contacted with the results via email. Unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback to help them be successful in the future.

 

 

Registration process: The Level 3 program is now being offered every other season on even numbered years (2022, 2024, etc.). Priority will be given to applications received by June 1, however applications will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the summer. Accepted applications are reviewed according to a point scheme system. With limited spots available the best qualified applicants will be selected and offered the opportunity to register. Accepted applicants who are not offered a spot will be prioritized on the following course. Applicants can choose to register for the first course offered or defer. If the second course is not taken, the applicant must reapply and update their application.

 

Two separate registrations take place for the Level 3 program: one for the fall classroom portion of the course and one for the spring exam. Separate fees are charged for each registration.

 

Tuition and funding: Full payment will be processed at time of registration. Tuition is listed on the Level 3 webpage. The Avalanche Canada Foundation offers  scholarships for students. Local clubs and employers can also offer funding and are worth exploring.

 

Course materials and venue information: Upon registration, all students will receive a confirmation email that contains a link to course logistics. Make sure to read this information. Course materials will be sent to the mailing address entered in the registration process.