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Custom Avalanche Courses
Looking for a Customized Avalanche Safety training Program? With a group Custom Avalanche course you can choose your own dates, learn with your friends or colleagues, go at your own pace and provide input into the actual course structure (plus, it is usually cheaper!).

Avalanche Training courses can be developed for any group - for school groups, clubs, ski patrols, SAR teams, Government and private groups.

We offer 4 options for Custom Avalanche Safety training courses:

AST-1 PLUS (20 hrs)
AST-1 (16 hrs)
AST-2 Advanced (40 hrs)
Private Avalanche training


AST-1 PLUS (20 hours)
This is our Classic Avalanche Safety course that we pioneered in 1988. With two full days in the field plus 6 hours of classroom theory sessions, this course has set the standard for over 20 years.

The CWMS Classic AST-1 earns it's reputation by giving students two full days in the field in two completely separate regions. We use the backcountry regions behind Whistler/Blackcomb and Mt Seymour to provide a contrast in terrain, snowpack and weather patterns to provide the best possible learning environment.

Recommended for:
  • Anyone who wants to learn the most they can about avalanche safety
  • Skiers/boarders looking to travel into un-rated terrain
  • Climbers needing more "slope-specific" terrain and snowpack observation skills
  • People with some previous basic avalanche skills already
  • People looking for a course with maximum practical time in the field

Included:

  • 20 hours of instruction by CAA Professional or Active members (6 hrs theory + 14 hours field work over 2.5 days)
  • Instruction at 2 separate regional areas in order to experience different terrain and snowpack conditions
  • Increased field time for in-depth snow observations techniques
  • CAA approved curriculum for AST-1 course
  • Avalanche manual and handouts
  • CAA Industry-recognized Certificate of completion

Pre-requisites:
Intermediate skier or boarder; or, experienced snowshoer. No previous avalanche training required.

Cost**:
$195 per person (based on group sizes of 8)

** Cost does not include transportation to/from course areas; lift access fees (if applicable); food; accommodation; avalanche safety equipment; or, personal equipment except as noted. Limited rentals are available.

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AST-1(16 hours)
This course is suitable for skiers, boarders, snow-mobilers and snowshoers looking for a solid foundation of Avalanche safety skills. The Basic AST-1 course can be held completely in Whistler, Vancouver/Mt Seymour or at any one location of your choice*.

The Basic AST-1 course includes:

  • 16 hours of instruction by CAA Professional or Active members
  • CAA approved curriculum for AST-1 course
  • Avalanche manual
  • CAA Industry-recognized Certificate of completion

Cost**: $175 per person (based on group size of 8)

* All courses held at locations other than Vancouver/Mt. Seymour may have additional costs associated with travel and classrooms.

** Cost does not include transportation to/from course areas; lift access fees (if applicable); food; accommodation; avalanche safety equipment; or, personal equipment except as noted. Limited rentals are available.

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Advanced AST-2(40 hours)
For people with previous Avalanche safety training, this course is suitable for skiers and boarders wanting to progress to more in-depth evaluation of terrain, snowpack weather and decision making. The Advanced AST-2 courses is ideally conducted using a variety of different terrain locations - typically Whistler, Vancouver/Mt Seymour and/or a backcountry location off teh Duffey Lake rd.

We can also conduct this course at any location of your choice throughout BC *.

The Advanced AST-2 course includes:

  • 40 hours of instruction by CAA Professional members
  • CAA approved curriculum for AST-2 course
  • Avalanche manual
  • CAA Industry-recognized Certificate of completion

Cost**: $495 per person (based on group size of 6)

* All courses held at locations other than Vancouver/Mt. Seymour may have additional costs associated with travel and classrooms.

** Cost does not include transportation to/from course areas; lift access fees (if applicable); food; accommodation; avalanche safety equipment; or, personal equipment except as noted. Limited rentals are available.

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Private Avalanche training - Custom Pricing
We will work with your team to develop exactly the right program in terms of content, delivery, schedule, student to instructor ratios, location and anything else that you want to customize.

Recommended for:

  • Small groups (less than 6)
  • People who wish to focus on specific areas of expertise (e.g. Search and Rescue; extreme terrain; expeditionary concerns, etc.)
  • People with previous avalanche skills already looking for a modified course format
  • Anyone wishing to combine skills such as Winter or Ice Climbing, Ski instruction, etc.
  • Students requiring a 1-day Avalanche Awareness course or Refresher course.

Cost:
Contact our office directly to discuss this program option

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Related Programs
Check out these other Avalanche Training programs - as well, feel free to contact our office to discuss other course options.

Avalanche Clinic
Avalanche Safety Weekend (Vancouver)
Avalanche Safety Weekend (Whistler)
Advanced Avalanche
Private Ski guiding

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Canada West Mountain School
47 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V5Y 1P1

Information/registration please call: 604-878-7007
Toll free in North America: 1-888-892-2266

E-mail CWMS

This Custom Avalanche Skills course page last updated on December 3, 2009 7:13 AM->->->->->