Ski Mountaineering 2023

• Cost Details

  $385.00 plus GST
  

  The cost of the course includes:
  • all Guiding/Instruction services by ACMG cerified Instructors at a 1:4 maximum ratio
  • 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 Gear List)
  • Avalanche safety gear, required for each person (beacon, probe, shovel)
  • Food
  • Transportation to/from Whistler
  • Lift access, as noted

• Pre Requisites

  Strong intermediate 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). 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.

  Snowboarders must be on a Split-board and have experience split boarding with a pack on

• Equipment

  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.

• Course Content

  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 2021 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!

• Links, Documents and Paperwork

  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

   

  Equipment List
  Review the CWMS Gear List:
  • Canada West Mountain School Ski Mountaineering Gear List