 
mountain adventures
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
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Mountaineering, Climbing, and Skiing In The Canadian Rockies
Avalanche is the
greatest hazard facing the backcountry skier. To fully enjoy
backcountry skiing it's crucial to be able to understand the
phenomena, to recognize the terrain where avalanches occur and
to be able to find routes that minimize risk. It's very much a 'hands-on' program featuring extensive practical field experience augmented with evening theory sessions. The curriculum is designed to give a solid grounding in the essentials; the instructors are guides seasoned in touring, heliskiing and forecasting. This program is suitable for those with little or no prior avalanche training! This course is designed for those based in Calgary, Edmonton or the Bow Valley. It incorporates our existing Introductory Recreational Avalanche Course (AST 1) course plus a 3-day session held on a subsequent weekend. It is ideal for those with limited time options. If coming from further away we also offer a five day Advanced Avalanche (AST 2) course based at Rogers Pass which is good for those wanting to do the course at one shot in a really exciting area. Contact us for details or check on our website. COURSE DETAILS
Fresh avalanche near Bow Summit 2008 DatesThis program will happen in 2 sections, first you will need to take a Yamnuska AST 1 course. These happen most weekends starting late November. Dates You then need to sign up for the second Section which is for 3 consecutive days running either:
Price$395 CDN includes 3 days of instruction, books and use of safety and snow study equipment. A certificate will be issued on successful completion. GST is extra. Cancellation Insurance can be purchased for an additional $25. Please note: the AST 1 course is an additional $140 CDN, for a total cost of $535 CDN. To be eligible for the AST 2 certificate participants must first register and successfully complete a Yamnuska AST 1 offered between November 2007 and February 2008. It is a requirement of the AST 2 certificate course that all training take place in the same season. If you have taken an AST 1 (formerly IRAC) course in a prior to this season you may still attend this program but you will not be able to get the AST 2 certificate. Please contact our office if you have any questions
More training & skiing: Yamnuska Guides and Instructors are also available for private training and ski tours after the program ... details . PrerequisitesAdvanced intermediate skier/ split boarder with high level of aerobic fitness. Previous avalanche training required (AST 1 or equivalent). To receive your AST 2 certificate you must have taken an AST 1 in the same season. CertificationThis program follows course guidelines established by the Canadian Avalanche Association. AST 2 (previously ARAC) Certificates will be issued to eligible participants who complete the program. LocationThe AST 1 sections start in either Calgary or Canmore: details The second section will be based from the Canmore office of Yamnuska. From there we will make daytrips, mainly to adjacent areas in the Canadian Rockies in Kananaskis and Banff National Park. AST 2 Meeting Times and PlaceAST 1 course as per info for that course: details Second section starts at the Yamnuska Office in Canmore at 8.00am on the first day. Please arrive dressed for the outdoors. Map CurriculumConsiderable
flexibility is built into the course delivery. Snow and
weather conditions may dictate the order of presentation to
some degree. Key topics will be constantly revisited during
the program.
Course AgendaDay 1 & 2: As per AST 1 course
outline. Details
Digging snow pit, Avalanche course. Instructors & Group SizeWe are very proud of the instructors who teach our avalanche courses. They are full-time senior mountain guides and forecasters who hold certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Canadian Avalanche Association. Most courses will be limited to 16 participants. There is a maximum of one instructor per 8 participants. Instructors include: Dave Stark, Associate Director of Yamnuska, a mountain guide and forecaster with 20 years experience in the field. Steve Blagbrough, mountain guide and director of the Yamnuska Semester program. Experience in Canada, Europe and Scotland. James Blench, mountain guide, CAA instructor with 25 years experience. TransportationTo keep prices down participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore and during the program. Canmore is a 1hour (100km) drive west from Calgary. If you are flying from afar for the program we suggest that you rent a car for your visit. In addition to getting you to the climbing locations it will allow you to explore our region a bit after program hours. For example you can visit Banff and enjoy the hot pools and sample the numerous restaurants. If you want we can put other participants in touch with you who may be interested in sharing the cost of a rental car or who may be willing to use their vehicles in a car pool. When booking please indicate if you are bringing a vehicle and, if so, whether your are willing or not to give other participants or instructors a ride in a car pool. If you are not driving here please indicate if you'd be willing to share the cost of a rental car or if you would prefer to car pool. Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 0300, 609 1490 or 609 8897 for taxis in Canmore. Accommodation and MealsThese are your responsibility. There are lots of options available including hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! Check accommodation options on our links page for our recommendations. The Alpine Club Clubhouse (403 678 3200) is a good hostel here in Canmore with good facilities and reasonable prices. Food is not supplied. You will need lunch and something to drink each day. Each day bring plenty to drink and a lunch plus energy snacks. We particularly suggest bringing a Thermos and hot drink. Equipment & ClothingYou will need to bring your own clothing, skis (snowboard), poles, climbing skins and backpack. We supply textbook, snow study equipment, avalanche beacons and other group safety items. The equipment and clothing you bring to this course will have a big impact upon the quality of your experience. Please be sure to bring all items listed. If unsure about anything please don't hesitate to call and ask us! Skis & BoardsThere
are two ski systems you can use: System 1
'Alpine Touring' skis are essentially 'downhill skis' with
a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst
going uphill or across the flats and then 'locks down' to
become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this
system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is
not already an advanced telemark skier.
System 2 'Telemark' skis. These should only be used for
this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate
telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system
is more difficult and less forgiving than the other. Equipment ListYou need to bring:
Optional Equipment Yamnuska supplies but feel free to bring anyway:
Clothing ListThere can be prolonged periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures on the field day. Don't be afraid to bring too much! We suggest bringing light clothing of varying thicknesses that can be 'layered' to achieve comfort and versatility. The most important consideration for clothing is the ability to regulate temperature as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet.
Rental InformationSkis, Boots, Boards, Skins & poles can be rented from:
InsuranceThere is no charge for rescue so long as you have a valid National Park Entry Pass which you can obtain on entry to Banff National Park (cost c. $9). It is wise, though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary. Booking InformationPlease book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on registration. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $25, this must accompany your deposit.
printer friendly program details (PDF version)
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Yamnuska Mountain
Adventures
