Whistler Hilton- Sutcliffe Room, Whistler, B.C.
February 6-12, 2022
Last updated: December 28, 2021. Check this page again 2 weeks prior to your course start date.
Dear CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 participants,
Welcome to the Canadian Avalanche Association’s Avalanche Operations Level 1 course.
The Level 1 course places a high emphasis on technical knowledge, the importance of standard and reliable observation techniques, sound data collection, and the ability to work safely in avalanche terrain. Preparation is key to success on this course
and this information is provided to help you.
Below you will find pertinent information for your course. Take the time to read it carefully. Also note that this will be the only written correspondence from the CAA regarding your course. Please contact the CAA directly (250-837-2435) if you have any
questions.
We wish you well on your travels this winter and success during your course.
Sincerely,
Andrea Lustenberger
Industry Training Program Manager
Pre-course preparation checklist
Check this page again 2 weeks prior to course start date.
- Review the Introduction to Avalanche Operations course materials. Instructors recommend reading over the entire downloadable PDF, however, if you do not have time, then focus on Units 4, 5, & 6.
- Complete the Avalanche Operations Level 1 Pre-Course Quiz.
- Familiarize yourself with the Evaluation Scheme, including the passing requirements and retest criteria.
- Professional Rescue Exams may be conducted on the first day of the course, be prepared. Make sure you are well-versed in the use of your transceiver because there is NO time to practice during the course.
- To prepare for your avalanche rescue exam, we recommend that you:
- review the Level 1 Professional Avalanche Rescue Exam description.
- practice realistic avalanche rescue scenarios with two burials in close proximity (buried 80 to 120cm deep and within 5-10 meters). Follow the steps outlined in the Introduction to Avalanche Operations Unit 12 Professional
Avalanche Rescue.
- view the various BCA Companion Rescue Series videos. A more comprehensive list of BCA videos is listed here (including "Introduction to Multiple Avalanche Burials" and " Complex Multiple Avalanche Burials: Backup Techniques").
Location and Start Time
Start time: 8:00 am sharp on February 6, 2022.
Location: the course will be held in the Black Tusk Room at the Whistler Hilton, 4050 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1H9 (604) 932 1982.
Click here for a map of the course location: Whistler Hilton.
Equipment List
Expect long days for the Level 1 course. Come ready for all aspects, from classroom time to field work. Make sure to have warm clothing and good snow boots with tight closures at the top to keep out snow during daily weather observations.
An equipment list outlines what you will need to bring with you to the course. Students who are staying in hut-based locations, refer to the Accomodation and Transportation menus below for
further details.
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.
Sample Schedule
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course location, and field locations. 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 pass for the area please bring this with you.
Accommodation
COVID-19 Information
Go to our
ITP COVID-19 Information webpage to familiarize yourself with the most up to date COVID-19 Industry Training Program information.
Release of Liability and Waiver
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:
Student Policies
Go to our
Student Resources webpage to familiarize yourself with the Student Policies.