Cost: $350/person - $315/person Midweek
Length: 2 Days + Online Course
Max Instructor/client ratio: 1:6
Instructor Quals: ACMG Ski Guide
Location: Whistler Blackcomb
Service: Phone Conversation
Cost: $350/person - $315/person Midweek
Length: 2 Days + Online Course
Max Instructor/client ratio: 1:6
Instructor Quals: ACMG Ski Guide
Location: Whistler Blackcomb
Service: Phone Conversation
You deserve the right start to your avalanche skills training! Developing solid foundational skills and good habits is key for a long and safe journey in the mountains. This course is two full days in the field, with 4-6 hrs of online learning. Unlike other companies, you will be taught by qualified ACMG Ski Guides, not guides with lesser qualifications. We know the more individual tutoring and instruction you receive the better the learning outcome, therefore we are offering you the lowest instructor to guide ratio in the Sea to Sky corridor.
Cost: $350/person - $315/person Midweek
Length: 2 Days + Online Course
Max Instructor/client ratio: 1:6
Instructor Quals: ACMG Ski Guide
Location: Whistler Blackcomb
Service: Phone Conversation
For a slab avalanche to occur, these three elements must combine: a cohesive layer of snow (slab), a sliding surface (weak layer), enough gravitational force to overload the weak layer (slope angle).
Online curriculum - you can view the online curriculum here
Companion Rescue - you will practice the fundamentals of single victim avalanche recovery, which includes: transceiver search techniques, probing techniques, efficient team shovelling.
Avalanche Occurrence Recognition - you will learn the fundamentals of avalanche occurrence through a variety of experiential learning approaches.
Avalanche Terrain Recognition & Best Practice Travel techniques - you will learn to recognize large to smaller avalanche hazards that exist in the backcountry and how to mitigate these hazards. This will include route finding practice and avalanche terrain group travel techniques.
Pre-trip planning tools - you will learn a series of resources and tools that will allow you to plan your backcountry trips safely.
Other backcountry hazards recognition - you will learn about other hazards that exist in the backcountry
Introduction to winter navigation - you will be introduced to the basics of winter navigation techniques.
We will be taking you into mountainous backcountry terrain and we need to be assured that you have certain foundational travel techniques. It would be unsafe for you and the other group members if you did not have these skills.
If you are concerned about not having the pre-requisite please contact us and we can discuss a preparation strategy for you in order to achieve this course at a later time within the season.
Online course
You will start by taking our Avalanche Skills Training 1 theory course, this consist of between 4-6hrs of online learning. The online course will introduce many of the concepts and skills that we will further develop and practice in the field. The online component can be done at your own pace although must be complete prior to the field days. You can see the online curriculum here.
Once you have finished the online material we will have a short group review and preparation discussion via zoom.
Field Days
Our day starts at a TBD meeting location at 8 am, you should arrive there with food, water & all equipment and lift pass for the day, you are ready to ski or board with your boots on. We will meet and look at a series of resources that can give us information about what sort of weather, snow & avalanche conditions to expect in the backcountry.
We will then use the ski resort to access the backcountry. Expect to be in the elements for most of the day and until we re enter the ski resort. This could be anything from wind & snowing to sunshine, be sure to check the day's forecast before leaving home to be prepared for the conditions.
Lift tickets
Backcountry ski or Boarding equipment
Avalanche rescue equipment
Transportation to the mountain
Food/water/tea for the day
Escape Route in Whistler Village has an excellent supply backcountry touring equipment
Prior to the course, you are required to complete some online learning material.
Day 1
8 am - Information gathering & condition assessment session - Whistler Village
9 am - Depart for the backcountry
Day 2
8 am - Information gathering & condition assessment session - Whistler Village
9 am - Depart for the backcountry
Downloadable Ski Touring Equipment List
This is a list that you can consult anytime you go touring, keep in mind that packing light is also critical.
Touring Equipment
Avalanche Hardware
Other essentials
All participants must read, understand, and sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement. Those under the age of 19 years must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their waiver. Medical conditions that may affect your or other participants’ safety must be declared during the reservation process. The participation of any person in any program at any time is always subject to the discretion of OneLife Adventures and its guides. Please click on the waiver button below to read. An electronic wavier will be sent to you once your booking is complete.
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