Have you taken an AST 2 and wonder what is next? This is the course for you. Two days of touring with one of the most experienced avalanche instructors in Canada will build on the observation, terrain, snowpack, and decision-making skills introduced on the AST programme. This is appropriate training for anyone who has toured in the backcountry for a few seasons and is looking to add to their experience base.
The course focuses on modern methods of risk assessment and management. We will utilize decision making frameworks that help students make consistent choices in avalanche terrain. This structured approach will help give you confidence in the backcountry.
Both days meet in Lake Louise, upstairs in the lounge at the Lake Louise International Hostel and Alpine Centre, at 7.30 AM. The exact location and time may change, if so this will be communicated shortly before the course.
Course Itinerary (both days)
Morning meeting. Students need to arrive prepared with the first 1.5 pages of their Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain Field Book filled out (or equivalent field book). Leave the Route Plan portion of the book blank, we will complete it together. This book may be purchased here: https://store.avalanche.ca/products/decision-making-in-avalanche-terrain-field-book The meeting will last about an hour.
Move to trailhead for the tour.
Field day. Discussions on how to reduce risk using travel techniques, observations, and terrain appropriate for the conditions.
Roadside debrief.
Possible Trips
Rockies: Crowfoot Trees, Observation Peak, Little Crowfoot Peak, Helen Shoulder, Crystal Ridge, Emerald Lake slide path, Chickadee Valley, etc
Possible Itinerary Changes
There is always the possibility of having to change this itinerary due to weather or snow conditions.
Notes:
Important
Each participant must fill out a Guest Information form and Acknowledgment of Risk BEFORE they pay you for the course. You will not be added to the participating list (and be able to pay) until this form is completed.
Participants will also need to fill a guide-specific waiver before the trip (this is in addition to the ACC waiver)
There will not be an organized carpool, but participants are welcome to coordinate among themselves.
POTENTIAL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EVENT
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING UP. By signing up for this trip you acknowledge these risks.
Wilderness Skiing
Avalanche
Avalanches can occur in the terrain in which we operate and can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. skiing/snowboarding). What are the risks? Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.
Terrain
Cornice fall, Crevasses,Cliffs,Trees, tree wells, forest deadfall, and tree stumps, Creeks, Rocks and Boulders, Holes and depressions below the snow surface, Variable and difficult snow conditions, Snowcat roads and road banks, Fences and other manmade structures, Snow immersion,
Impact or collision with other persons vehicles or objects,
Encounters with domestic or wild animals
Loss of balance or control, Slips trips and falls
Becoming lost or separated from one’s group
Communication, rescue and medical treatment
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
Boots and binding systems
Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding. Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.
Other
Slips, trips and falls both outdoors and indoors
Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact
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.
SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.