This AST refresher and companion rescue practice is designed for all winter backcountry users: skiers/splitboarders, snowshoers and ice climbers, who want to review and practice their essential knowledge and practical skills for safe winter activity in the mountains.
The day will start in the classroom reviewing theory and assignments based on the Avalanche Canada AST 1 curriculum. We will then move outside in the afternoon to practice companion rescue skills. To be as realistic with our practice as possible, we may drive to find suitable snow, ideally closer to Calgary in Kananaskis or if necessary towards Banff. If there is still inadequate snow cover we will do our practice around the clubhouse.
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 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
The Avalanche Skills Training refresher and companion rescue practice should serve as a review, to allow you to recognize avalanche terrain and how to conduct a rescue. It is designed for skiers, split boarders, snowshoers, ice climbers and anyone wanting to be active in the backcountry when winter conditions are present.
Instructor Ethan Woodside is an ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide and CAA Basic Avalanche Educator. He has been climbing and skiing in the Canadian Rockies for the past 9 years and calls Canmore home.
Required Items to Bring:
Participants should have their own avalanche safety equipment ie: 3 Antenna Transceiver, shovel and probe as well as an appropriate back 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.
For the companion rescue practice, please bring whatever set up you will be using to travel in the backcountry: ie. skis, split board, snowshoes, boots and poles. We will not be travelling far but this will make the practice a more realistic scenario.
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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