So you have done BITS or AST 1 for skiers/splitboarders and are now wondering what’s next, or you are thinking you want to become a Calgary Section Trip Leader but are not feeling entirely ready. The Calgary Section AMP (Alpine Mentorship Program) Ski Progression is probably right for you!
This program is designed for a group of skiers/splitboarders who want to meet regularly throughout the ski season: November through to April (possible add on in May, if conditions permit), with a steady progression of skills and gaining experience required to lead groups of skiers/splitboarders in the backcountry.
This AMP Ski Progression Day 1 will consist of an AST 1 refresher. This will not count towards an AST 1 certification if you are not already qualified but it will serve as a baseline and cover what we need you to know for subsequent days of the AMP Ski Progression. The day will start in a classroom with theory and assignments based on the Avalanche Canada AST 1 curriculum, and will move outside in the afternoon to practice companion rescue skills.
Aim
Develop snowpack, terrain, and weather awareness to make informed decisions for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Build the skills needed to assess risks and navigate backcountry environments confidently.
Objectives
Confident identifying avalanche terrain and using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
Confident using companion rescue equipment
Comfortable identifying inputs that cause avalanches
Comfortable interpreting the public avalanche bulletin
Comfortable using the Avaluator 2.0 as a decision making tool
Understand how to conduct terrain analysis using Google Earth and route photos
Understand Peak Planning Procedure™ and debriefing
Understand identifying and locating persistent weak layers in snowpack structure
Understand how the inputs that cause avalanches change the snowpack throughout the season
Prerequisites
While it is not a prerequisite for this day it is recommended to have completed BITS and/or an AST 1 course prior to participating. However this day will not be on skis so bring comfortable footwear and clothing for classroom and some field time.
The AMP Ski Progression Day 1 Avalanche Skills Training refresher should serve as a refresher to allow you to recognize avalanche terrain and how to self rescue. It is designed for skiers, snowboarders who want to travel in the backcountry around snow. To be a safe backcountry user, it is important to gain and master these skills.
AMP Ski Progression groups will be lead by Jeff McKeough, an ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide and Apprentice Rock Guide. Jeff has been a past ski and rock trip leader for the ACC Calgary Section
Required Items to Bring:
Participants should have their own avalanche safety equipment ie: 3 Antenna Transceiver, shovel and probe as well as an appropriate ski pack. No rental avy gear - other than in emergencies - and please ensure all gear fits & is in working order.
Bring comfortable footwear, food and water, and weather appropriate clothing for classroom and some field time outdoors.
Notes:
Communication and Rescue
What are the Risks
Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available| Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field
If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow|
Hazard Mitigation
First Aid / Rescue Training| Satellite Communications |
Terrain
What are the Risks
Cornices | Crevasses | Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps | Cliffs | Creeks | Rocks and Boulders |Holes and depressions below the snow surface| Variable and difficult snow conditions | Fences and other man-made structures | Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects | Encounters with domestic or wild animals | Loss of balance or control | Becoming lost or separated from the group | Slips, trips, and falls|
Hazard Mitigation
Mitigated by Trained and experienced Guide| Radios
General Hazards
What are the Risks
Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor| Equipment failure| Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact| Negligence of other persons, including other guests| Negligent first aid| Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities|
Hazard Mitigation
Developed safety plans and procedures with decades of experience managing risk.
Cancellation Policy If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
Trip Feedback If you have any feedback, positive or negative, concerning this trip or any other, we want to hear from you! You can send any feedback you may have to the Section Chair.
Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed
ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.
A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your
membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings
without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.
The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.
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