Glacier Travel & Rescue Training

Glacier Travel & Rescue Training

Cost: $335/person - $305/person Midweek

Length: 2 Days

Ratio: Max Instructor/Guide to Guest Ratio 1:6

Instructor: ACMG Ski Guide

Locations: Whistler Blackcomb

Value: 2 days in the backcountry

Learn essential skills for venturing into glaciated terrain

This course teaches you essential skills required to travel in glaciated terrain as well as the ability to extract someone who has fallen into a crevasse. The course is completed over two full days in the backcountry. Day 1 is spent practising the skills required to extricate a partner who has fallen into a crevasse, as well as to self-rescue. We practice in a location that simulates a crevasse without the true hazard. It’s very important to practice these skills in the real environment to see what effects the snowy environment has on the rope system. Day 2 is spent travelling in glaciated terrain, using the rope, making decisions, and assessing crevasse hazards.

Cost: $335/person - $305/person Midweek

Length: 2 Days

Ratio: Max Instructor/Guide to Guest Ratio 1:6

Instructor: ACMG Ski Guide

Locations: Whistler Blackcomb

Value: 2 days in the backcountry

Will Mackaness - Ski Guide

It's critical to practice the hauling systems in the "real" snowy environment. Each time I practise or teach this course I learn something new, whether it's the amount of friction created by the different types of snow or the efficiency gained by new static ropes and micro traction devises.

Key Skills learned & Practiced on course:

This course develops the rope skills required for travel and extrication as well as laying the foundation for rule based decision making in glaciated terrain. You will practice & learn:

Hauling Systems -  You will learn a series of different hauling systems for different scenarios 

Rope Ascension - You will learn a rope ascension method with minimal equipment

Ski anchor building -  You will learn how to dig and set up an anchor consisting of your skis, which will be used for rescue practice

Different equipment - You will have a chance to use different ropes and equipment to see their effectiveness 

Decision making framework -  You will be taught a framework by which you can make rule based decisions regarding glacier travel and crevasse hazards.

Travel techniques - you will learn how to travel with the rope on and off depending on a variety of other factors.


Is this course for you?

You are required to have taken at least an AST 1 or equivalent, but ideally you will have more touring experience. 

You are able to efficiently skin travel for 3hrs and climb 1000m on the travel day. The more we can travel, the more glaciated terrain we can access.

You are able to ski or ride on black-diamond terrain in powder

If you are concerned about not having the pre-requisites, 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. 

FAQ

What’s included?

Some specialized Crevasse rescue equipment 

Phone Call preparation interview with each participant 

Customizable itinerary depending on the average skill & fitness of the group

Full Certified ACMG Ski Guide 

2 Full days in the backcountry

Lowest guide to guest ratio


What’s not included

Lift tickets 

Backcountry ski or Boarding equipment 

Avalanche rescue equipment 

Transportation to the mountain 

Harness, helmet & other crevasse rescue equipment 

Food/water/tea for the day


Itinerary

Day 1

9 am -  Equipment check & depart for the backcountry practice site 

4 pm - Back in resort boundary

Day 2

8:30 am - Avalanche Hazard Meeting & 9 am departure for the backcountry 

4 pm - Back in resort boundary 


What can I expect?

Arrive at the meeting location with food, water & all equipment and lift pass for the day, you are ready to ski or board with your boots on. On day 1. We will not be as mobile as when ski touring and you will spend time being the “crevasse rescue victim” which consists of hanging in a harness on a rope. Bring lots of extra warm layers and some hot tea. Day 2. Is more of a regular travel touring day with a bit more rope work and talking. Both days we will be in the backcountry so be sure to check the day's forecast before leaving home to have an idea of the temperatures and conditions of the day.

Ski touring & Crevasse Rescue Equipment List

Downloadable Ski touring & Crevasse Rescue 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

  • Ski Touring boots or snowboard boots - no regular ski boots
  • Skis - over 100mm waist is recommended
  • Touring Bindings - Pin or tech bindings are highly recommended 
  • Split board
  • Ski poles with powder baskets - adjustable type recommended
  • Adhesive climbing skins - Fitted to the width and length of your skis or board
  • Backpack capacity: 30-40 litre

Avalanche Hardware

  • Avalanche probe
  • Snow Shovel - no plastic shovels
  • Avalanche Transceiver (457 KHz single frequency)
  • Spare transceiver batteries (purchase new ones & check for correct size)

Other essentials

  • Ski goggles, x 2 if you like dunking your head in the snow.
  • Sunglasses - even if it’s not sunny the snow is bright
  • Insulated water bottle or regular water bottle (No Camelback or other hydration
    systems they will freeze) 1L unless you are a sweety fish!
  • Food and snacks for the day - that are easy to eat on the go or in a snowy environment
  • Small thermos (good option to warm the insides)

    Ski Clothing
  • Ski pants gortex
  • Long underwear, shirt and bottoms (poly-pro/wool blends)
  • Fleece tops and bottoms (wind-stopper)
  •  Ski socks
  • Ski gloves / Mitts - Ideally one pair thinner and another pair thick
  • Gore-tex outer jacket/parka (with hood)
  • Down/Synthetic jacket (warm, “puffy” type jacket)
  • Neck gaiter/tube or buff - if its windy
  • Toque (ski hat)
  • Lightweight helmet and carrying system (optional)
  • Sun hat/powder hat - baseball caps work well

    Other Important Stuff
  • Personal first-Aid & blister Kit (second skin, compeed, athletic tape, personal medications, Ibuprofen, etc...)
  •  Sunblock
  •  Headlamp, it's good to bring a headlamp in your pack in case we have an
    issue, for example, a broken binding later in the day.

Crevasse Rescue Equipment 


  • Helmet - ski helmet or climbing helmet 
  • Harness - small touring harness or regular climbing harness
  • Cordaletts - 2 - 7mm x 5 m climbing accessory cord 
  • Personal Prussic -  1 - 7mm x 1.75m climbing accessory cord
  • 4 locking carabiners 
  • 4 non - locking carabiners
  • 120 sewn sling
  • 240 sewn sling
  • Belay/rappel device
  • 2 ski straps 
  • Ice screw 

Do I need to sign a waiver?

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.

WAIVER

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