UPDATE for April 8, 2022
The Province of BC has removed the requirement for proof of vaccination status to attend indoor events, and with the lifting of the mask mandate earlier this year, there are no mandated restrictions affecting the delivery of our programs.

However, we still encourage everyone on all programs to continue observing basic hygiene protocols to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses – handwashing, maintaining a respectful distance between everyone in your program, postponing your attendance if feeling sick or showing symptoms of Covid, etc.

Please review the most current Province of BC Covid-19 guidelines and protocols – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response.

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UPDATE for December 22, 2021
The latest update from the Province of BC has not changed any of the requirements for delivering our AST indoor or outdoor training sessions. The Provincial Health Order (PHO) issued on Dec 22, 2021, allows for indoor educational classes to continue as long as everyone provides proof of vaccination. This has already been the policy of Canada West Mountain School since October 2021.

Please review the most current Province of BC Covid-19 guidelines and protocols – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response.

To review the full PHO issued by Dr. Bonnie Henry on Dec 22 – Covid-19 PHO order for Gatherings & Events

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Vaccinations:
Canada West Mountain School has the following policy regarding vaccinations and testing:

Indoor classes and activities:
Participants in indoor programs will be required to be vaccinated. This will be in effect for the following programs:

• Avalanche Skills Training with indoor class sessions:
  • • AST-1 Seymour, AST-1 Snowshoes, and some AST-2 programs
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR training
• Private/Custom training that includes in-person, indoor class sessions

Outdoor activities:
Training courses, guided trips, and other activities that are conducted exclusively outdoors will not require proof of vaccination.

• Avalanche Skills Training without indoor class sessions:
  • • AST-1 Whistler, AST-1 PLUS, Custom AST-1 without class sessions, Avi refreshers
• Backcountry ski touring and guided trips
• Private/Custom training that does not include indoor sessions

We also continue to respect and abide by any requirements set by other facilities or service providers including Whistler/Blackcomb, Mount Seymour Resorts, any public facilities to meeting spaces, restaurants, cafes, and transportation companies.

Participants booked on Canada West programs will not be eligible for refunds if unable to provide proof of vaccination on a course requiring proof of vaccination. Please contact Canada West Mountain School directly with any questions regarding vaccination status for students and staff on our programs.

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Mask use on courses:
For all indoor, in-person instruction or activities, mask use is required by participants and instructors.

While mask use is not required for outdoor activities, Canada West Mountain School encourages students to use masks when distancing cannot be maintained.

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Hygiene protocols:
Canada West Mountain School continues to encourage proper hygiene, and safe distancing between all participants, staff, and members of the public while on our programs. All indoor spaces used include:

• ample ventilation
• access to running water and washing facilities
• have hand sanitation products available to everyone
• regular cleaning of surfaces and common areas

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Canada West Mountain School Covid-19 Protocols summary:

• For all indoor, in-person instruction, masks are required to be worn, as per PHO guidance.
• For all outdoor programs, masks are not required to be worn but encourage mask use in any situation that proper physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Every participant, Instructor, and Guide will continue to be asked to complete a pre-trip screening questionnaire to identify and disclose any existing Covid-19 symptoms and current or prior contact with Covid-19 positive persons. This Screening Questionnaire is part of the required Waiver and Medical Disclosure form that each participant is required to complete before each program
• There is a screening discussion at the start of each program to ensure that everyone is free of Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone exhibiting symptoms (at any time during the program) may be asked to remove themselves from the program.
• Anyone (participants or CWMS staff) who has Covid-19 symptoms, or has been in direct contact with another person who has tested positive for Covid-19 is asked to postpone their participation.
• All programs continue to follow existing Federal and/or Provincial Health Orders or other health guidance.
• Instructors, Guides, and Staff on all CWMS programs are trained in current industry best practices for protecting the health and safety of everyone on our programs, as well as to continue to limit the spread of Covid-19.

 Some modifications we have incorporated into our programs:

• Training activities continue to focus on maintaining physical distancing of 2 meters when appropriate.
• Programs are run with a maximum group size of 10 people with 1 Guide/Instructor; most programs are run with smaller groups.
• Most activities are conducted in a manner to minimize close physical contact. However, standard safety protocols have not been sacrificed or compromised – we ensure that safety levels are maintained at the same time as physical distancing.
• Class lectures and theory sessions continue to be held through our Canada West Mountain School Virtual Classroom where appropriate.
• Online training through our Virtual Classroom will be the first priority for theory instruction. Programs with in-person theory sessions, such as Wilderness First Aid training, are held in classrooms with ample ventilation and physical distancing, wearing of masks, and proper hygiene.
• Canada West Mountain School follows BC Public Health Guidelines where applicable regarding our indoor classroom instruction.
• Programs with overnight camping are conducted in a manner that avoids requiring participants to share cooking, tenting, or other activities. People may choose to share with others but are not required to do so.

Safe safe, stay healthy!