Winter Snow Camping 2024/25

• Cost Details

  Cost: $345 + GST

  Included in course cost:
  • All instruction by Professional Guide/Instructor
  • 2.5 days of direct instruction
  • Use of our 4-season Mountain Tents
  • Instructional manuals (incl. CAA "Avaluator V.2")
  • Use of our avalanche beacons
  • Use of G3 probe
  • Use of G3 Avi-tech shovel
  • Use of G3 "Bonesaw" snowsaw

• Dates

  Dates for Winter Snow Camping 2024-25

  • Dec 14-15, 2024 (* Wed, Dec 11 evening session)
  • Jan 18-19, 2025 (* Wed, Jan 15 evening session)
  • Feb 22-23, 2025 (* Wed, Feb 19 evening session)
  • Mar 22-23, 2025 (* Wed, Mar 19 evening session)

  All dates marked with an asterisk (*) are evening seminars held on Zoom from 6-8 pm. If you cannot attend these sessions, please notify our office in order to make alternate arrangements to cover the required pre-trip material, including logistics.

• Location

  The evening classroom session is conducted via Zoom, you will need to be at a location with internet access and have a device capable of accessing Zoom. Sign-in details will be sent to you in advance of the course dates. If you cannot make this session please contact our office well in advance so that we can arrange all the course details with you directly.

  Specific field locations for the 2-days/overnight are decided approximately 1 week in advance of the course dates, and are based on current snow, weather and road conditions. Typical locations include Mt Seymour, Diamond Head and the Duffey Lake Rd regions.

  The group will meet on the first field day at a prearranged location that will be determined during the Zoom meeting. Please allow extra time in the morning in order to deal with unexpected delays, poor road conditions, etc.

  Students are responsible for getting to and from the course areas. If you require transportation, please let us know and we will discuss options with you regarding ride-share, public transport (if available), etc.

• Itinerary

  Our format includes one Zoom session held on the Wednesday evening prior to the two field days. This first 2-hour session from 6-8 pm, provides a chance for everyone to meet one another as well as an overview of the course including equipment selection and review, discussion of the specific location, hazard awareness, menu planning and food prep and logistics planning.

  The first field day is spent travelling into the backcountry to establish a base camp. Skills covered will include equipment use, route finding, track setting, avalanche safety, weather and snow-pack observations, campsite selection, winter camp set-up and backcountry hazard awareness.

  After camp is established on Day-1 there is usually time to head out and work on some avalanche skills, navigation technique and go for a short tour. For participants who are on skis, this is a good time to get some turns in!

  Day-2 will provide an opportunity to go for a 3-4 hour tour and work on more winter travel technique, route finding, avalanche skills and generally gain more backcountry experience under the guidance of your Instructor.

  Participants should plan on returning to the trail-head at approximately 3 or 4 pm at the end of Day-2

• Equipment

  Here is a link to the Gear List - Canada West Mountain School Winter Camping Course Gear List

  Participants are required to travel on backcountry touring skis, splitboards, or snowshoes. Rentals are available on request.

• 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