Basing this course out of the luxury of the renowned Whitecap Alpine Lodge in McGillivray Pass in the Southern Chilcotin Mountains is an added bonus, with excellent snow, great alpine terrain and gourmet food - this alone makes the course worth taking!

Dates Cost Prerequisites Location Guide/Instructor Itinerary/Objectives Equipment Logistics Related programs Registration

This course is designed as a Leadership program for people pursuing training as either Guides or Trip Leaders, though previous ski-guiding or winter leading experience is not essential.

An AST-1 course or equivalent Avalanche Safety training is required.

Development of the course curriculum has been conducted by Colin Zacharias, long-time ACMG Lead examiner and past Technical Director of the ACMG. Colin has been at the forefront of progressive development of the ACMG course and technical standards over the past 15 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this program.

Everyone should come prepared with the typical equipment that they would expect to be using on a multi-day ski mountaineering expedition.

• Touring Ski equipment - Alpine Touring or Telemark ski equipment with appropriate skins, poles and boots.
  
• Backpack - 35+ liters capacity, big enough to hold all gear for day trips plus extra safety/communal gear
  
• Light weight hut shoes/booties
• Outer layer jacket with hood - Gore-Tex style
  
• Outer layer waterproof pants or bibs, full-zip legs are ideal - Gore-Tex style
• Lightweight thermal layers - top & bottom, Polypro, Capilene, etc.
  
• Climbing/skiing pants - nylon, Schoeller, etc. (1 pr)
• Gaiters - optional if ski pants do not cover boots
• Gloves (medium weight) - wool or poly-pro (1 pr)
  
• Waterproof ski gloves w/removable liners (1 pr)
• Overmitts to fit over gloves for cold weather use (1 pr)
• Warm parka/jacket - down, synthetic, fleece or pile (1)
  
• Sweater or vest - wool, synthetic, fleece or down (1)
  
• Socks - wool or synthetic blend (2-3 prs)
• Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece (1)
  
• Sunglasses - 100% UV block and with side shields (1 pr)
  
• Ski goggles
  
• Headlamp with extra set of batteries and extra bulb
  
• Personal 1st aid (blister kit, toothbrush, blister kit, medications, etc.)
  
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
  
• Sunscreen - minimum 30 spf
• Water bottles/hydration system - minimum 1 litres
  
• Small "thermos" for hot drinks (optional but recommended)
  
• Knife - Swiss army style
  
• Avalanche beacon/transceiver
• Collapsible avalanche Shovel
• Snow Probe
• Snow saw
• Snow study kit
  
• Compass and map (map #'s to be detailed in advance)
• Hut clothes (swim suit for sauna, casual clothes, etc)

Technical equipment:
(required to be supplied by each individual)
• Crampons - adjusted to your boots (1 pr)
  
• 2 x 5 meter lengths of 7mm accessory climbing cord
• 1 x 1.75 meter length of 7mm accessory climbing cord
• 1 x double shoulder sling, full strength - sewn or non-sewn

Technical equipment:
(required for each individual but supplied by CWMS if needed)
• Ice ax
  
• Climbing harness - seat harness only
  
• 3 locking 'biners
• 4 non-locking 'biners

In addition, Canada West Mountain School supplies all other technical and safety gear, including ropes, carabiners, protection, etc.

Please go over this list before the course to ensure that you are properly prepared and feel free to contact our office if you have any questions. Keep in mind that you will be spending all of your time outdoors in all weather. All of your time will be spent on snow, with temperatures ranging from -30 at night to 0 during the day. The weather can vary from one extreme to the other, so plan your gear appropriately. It is recommended that you also have regular "street" clothes for the end of the program.

Here are a few stores in the lower mainland region that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment. If you need to purchase or rent equipment, please contact the store well in advance of the course to ensure that what you require is available!

Climb On Equipment
Squamish 604-892-2243
Coast Mountain Sports
2201 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver 604-731-6181
Park Royal store - West Vancouver 604 926-6126
Mountain Equipment Co-op www.mec.ca
130 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-872-7858 (rentals available)
1341 Main St, N. Vancouver 604-990-4417 (rentals available) Valhalla Pure
Station Square, Squamish 604-892-9092 (rentals available)
3 Vets
2200 Yukon Street, Vancouver 604-872-5475

Everyone is responsible for all transportation to and from the course meeting location. If you wish to arrange carpools please contact our office directly.

All accommodation while on the course is in the Lodge.