• 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").
      

Start time: 18:00 PST on January 8, 2022.

Location: Kootenay Pass, known locally as the “Salmo-Creston”, is a mountain pass located in the Southern Selkirk Mountains. It is utilized by the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) to traverse the Selkirks, connecting the communities of Salmo and Creston. The course operates in Pacific Standard Time.

Kootenay Pass is found on NRC topographic map sheets 82 F/3 Salmo and 82 F/2 Creston. There are several unique zones of great ski-touring terrain accessible on both the north and south side of Hwy 3, covering all aspects and terrain features. This diversity makes it a great choice for the Avalanche Operations Level 1 program.

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.

View a sample schedule for the Level 1 course.

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.

The Highway Building has the following amenities:

• You will have your own room with single bed, small desk and closet.  You need your own sleeping bag/bedding and pillow.
• The washroom facilities consist of a main washroom with 3 toilets and 3 sinks. A smaller women's washroom has 1 toilet and 1 sink.  Bring your own towel, soap, etc.
• This is a fully catered course except for the FIRST NIGHT - there is NO DINNER.  Please ensure any food allergies/preferences are well communicated to the CAA well before the course.
• There is telephone access (within reason).
• Internet access is limited, MAKE SURE to do all DOWNLOADING beforehand.

Important note: this course is a hut-based course; students are expected to STAY ON-SITE through the duration of the course.  As such, come prepared with all of your equipment and personal belongings.   

Go to our ITP COVID-19 Information webpage to familiarize yourself with the most up to date COVID-19 Industry Training Program information. 

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:

• Release of Liability and Waiver

Go to our Student Resources webpage to familiarize yourself with the Student Policies.