for Boarders, Skiers and Climbers


Snow avalanches are the greatest source of danger for winter mountain travelers.
They catch and often injure or kill the unwary travelers who literally trigger their own
destiny when they venture upon unsafe
snow slopes.


Rudi ski touring the North Glacier, Mt. Parpet, Wapta Mountains
 


Class 3 slab avalanche, Columbia Ice fields.

 

  

Introduction to Avalanche Safety and Advanced Avalanche Awareness

These courses have been designed for all winter recreational backcountry users.

They will help to provide you with the knowledge you need to reduce the risk in avalanche terrain; and they are also the prerequisite for the Canadian Avalanche Association professional level one program.

All courses are instructed by CAA level two avalanche forecasters who are  experienced ACMG ski guides.

 

Introduction to Avalanche Safety

For those who are new to backcountry winter travel.

This 2 day course includes: CAA Manual, classroom instruction, field day, certificate and the use of  shovel and probe. You must provide avalanche transceiver, suitable clothing, lunch, transportation and ski gear or snow shoes.
Course Content
- Formation, nature and mechanics of avalanches
- Avalanche terrain
- Mountain snow pack and its characteristics
- Recognizing avalanche danger
- Group management
- Emergency Response
- Risk Management and decision making
Location. Class room day in Canmore Alberta.
Field day held at Bow Summit, Banff Park or Tent Ridge Kananaskis Country

Dates (2008): This course is available to pre booked groups only. If you have a group of 4 or more we can custom fit a 2 day course for you at a preferred location.  E-mail for details.
Cost: $140.00 - $180.00 per person.
Max 8 participants.


Ron snowboarding fresh powder,
Rogers Pass		   Advanced Avalanche Awareness

This course is for winter backcountry users who have completed the ‘Introduction to Avalanche Safety’ course or feel they have a good grasp on the basic awareness skills. Experience using your basic avalanche skills and intermediate skiing or boarding skills are a must for this course.

This is a four day course. First day is eight hours classroom time followed by three days of backcountry touring and instruction in the field. The goals are to become more independent with your winter travel skills in avalanche terrain. The students will take a leadership role and try to develop advanced skills in order to increase their decision making abilities. A variety of terrain and snow packs will be explored.

This course includes CAA Manual, certificate and the use of  shovel and probe. You must provide avalanche transceiver, transportation, food, accommodation, suitable clothing and touring equipment. Maximum 6 students.
 
Class room day content:
-Emergency response
-Observation skills and snow pack evaluation
-Recognizing avalanche danger
-Avalanche terrain
-Risk management and decision making

Three field days content:
-Evaluation of avalanche terrain
-Route selection and track setting
-Slope stability tests and location
-Group management skills
-Advanced emergency response

Dates (2008): Jan 27-30, Feb 9-12, 23-26.Mar 1-4. Location: Class room day Canmore, Alberta. Field days are at Emerald Lake, Crow Foot Mountain Banff park and Commonwealth Creek Kananaskis. I also run this course at Rogers Pass out of the Best Western Hotel.

Cost. $460.00 per person. Specific dates can be requested for group bookings. A $100.00 deposit will book you a spot.
Maximum 6 participants.

 
Steve navigating the Vowl Glacier,
The Bugaboos

Private Avalanche Awareness Courses can be scheduled for groups of four or more at your convenience.

To book, call Mark Stewart at Cirrus Alpine Guides, Tel: 403-678-8567
or e-mail cirrus@shaw.ca


CIRRUS Alpine Guides
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
  Tel: (403) 678 8567  Fax: (403) 673 2254
e-mail: cirrus@shaw.ca