Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Outline
Goals
The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is:
• Based on the most advanced knowledge available.
• Suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.
In addition, the course will:
• Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
• Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.
Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
• Identify avalanche terrain.
• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
• Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
• Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
• Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
• Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
• Carry out a companion rescue.
• Understand the limits of their training.
Minimum Classroom Time Requirement
A minimum of six hours classroom time is required.
Minimum Field Time Requirement
A minimum of one day in the field is required.
Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Outline
Goals
The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course will provide an intermediate level decision-making framework that is:
• Based on the most advanced knowledge available.
• Suitable for use by people with a moderate degree of training and experience.
In addition, the course will:
• Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
• Introduce and promote the Canadian Avalanche Association Industry Training Program as the accepted standard for advanced avalanche training.
Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Use the Avaluator™ as a filtering tool to determine when additional planning and travel techniques are required to travel safely.
• Be familiar with Avalanche Danger Ratings verification techniques for personal use on a local scale.
• Be familiar with the ATES technical model as a means to develop personal, local terrain ratings.
• Use routefinding to take advantage of nuances in terrain to manage personal risk.
• Use travel techniques in avalanche terrain appropriate to the avalanche conditions.
• Proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
• Understand the limits of their training.
Minimum Classroom Time Requirement
A minimum of eight hours classroom time is required.
Minimum Field Time Requirement
A minimum of three days in the field is required.