Ski Mountaineering

$425.00 plus GST. The cost of the course includes:

• All Instruction services by ACMG certified Instructors
• use of all technical climbing gear as required
• all organization and pre-trip planning
• course materials and handouts

The Ski Mountaineering course is held behind Whistler or Blackcomb mountains. The course fee does not include lift access. Students can use their existing ski passes, or an optional Backcountry Lift pass can be purchased.

Participants are responsible for the following:

• Personal gear and ski equipment (please see Ski Mountaineering Gear List)
• Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel are required for each person)
• Food
• Transportation to/from Whistler
• Lift access, as noted above

• Advanced level or better skiing or snowboarding ability with previous backcountry experience
• Previous Avalanche skills course (AST-1 or equivalent)
• Participants are strongly encouraged to practice basic rope handling skills in advance of the field session (knots, belays, etc).
• Snowboarders must be on a Split-board and have experience split board touring with a pack on.

When you register, a Pre-Trip Package will be sent to you detailing how to prepare for your Canada West Mountain School Ski Mountaineering course.

This 2-day course is a skills-intensive program designed to introduce you to a variety of techniques that will give you the confidence and skills to travel into some of the big-mountain terrain in the South Coast Mountains. The course is designed to give you the best combination of learning and practice in backcountry terrain.

The course is held in the backcountry behind Blackcomb Mountain, accessing some of the ridgelines and couloirs in the area that allow for the most effective use of time. Diseased Ridge, the Finger Chutes on the West Ridge of Decker, and Cham Chutes in the Spearheads are all areas that are often used for training areas, though specific locations will be decided based on current snow, avalanche, and weather conditions.

The 2025 season Ski Mountaineering course is conducted as 2 separate 1-day field sessions in the Whistler/Blackcomb backcountry.

Training topics include the following:

• identification of winter hazards specific to ski mountaineering
• risk management for big mountain terrain
• avalanche hazard awareness and management
• cornice management
• route finding and line selection
• steep snow climbing techniques
• rope systems for ski mountaineering
• rappelling and rope techniques for couloir entrances
• techniques for managing your group
• glacier travel and crevasse rescue review

Gain the confidence and skills required for Ski Mountaineering so that you can head out on your own to tackle some big-mountain ski objectives and traverses!

Gear List – Canada West Mountain School Ski Mountaineering Course Gear List

Please review the Gear List for Ski Mountaineering and contact our office with any questions. Each participant will receive a pre-trip training package in advance of the course to ensure everyone is properly prepared for gear and logistics.

If you require rental gear, please ensure that you arrange this with a rental agency well in advance of your course date!

Here are a few stores in the region that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment. If you need to purchase or rent equipment, please contact the store well in advance of the course to ensure that what you require is available!

Valhalla Pure Squamish (https://vpo.ca/stores/vpo-squamish)
Station Square, Squamish 604-892-9092 (rentals available)

Mountain Equipment Co-op (www.mec.ca)
111 East 2nd Ave, Vancouver 604-872-7858
1341 Main St, N. Vancouver 604-990-4417

Climb On Equipment (www.climbonequipment.com)
38165 2nd Avenue   Squamish, BC 604-892-2243 (rentals available)

Evo Backcountry – Whistler (www.evo.com – Whistler)
Suite 106-4154 Village Green, Whistler, 604-932-6409 (rentals available)

Waiver & Medical Disclosure

Complete the required Waiver and Medical disclosure form in advance of your program. Click on the link and navigate to the specific program and date that you are registered for:
• Canada West Mountain School Waiver and Medical disclosure form

Cancellation & Transfer policy

Review the CWMS cancellation and transfer policy:
• Canada West Mountain School Refund/transfer Policy