Winter Snow Camping
Spend a night in the backcountry this winter and build a snowshelter or snow cave! On this excellent and fun introduction to Winter Snow Camping you will learn skills needed for overnight winter camping, including winter survival techniques, snow shelter building techniques and basic Avalanche skills training. This is also a perfect course to prepare for larger mountaineering expeditions that requires extensive winter camping.
Open to snow-shoers, backcountry skiers and split-boarders.
Select Date to Register
6 in stock
5 in stock
6 in stock
Optional Add-Ons
Avi Kit (2 day) $40.00
Cost Details
- All instruction by Professional Guide/Instructors
- 2 days of direct instruction plus 2 hour prep session
- Use of our 4-season Mountain Tents (if required)
- Instructional manuals (incl. CAA “Avaluator”)
- Use of our avalanche beacons
- Use of Avalanche probe
- Use of avalanche shovel
- Use of snowsaw
Dates
- 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)
Pre-requisites
Location
Itinerary
Equipment
Waivers & Policies
Included in course cost:
Minimum 3 people required for the Winter Snow Camping course.
Dates for Winter Snow Camping 2024-25
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.
Basic skiing or snowshoeing experience; Previous summer overnight backpacking and camping experience. No previous avalanche training is required, though an Avalanche Skills course is recommended for anyone winter backcountry camping.
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.
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
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.
The Winter Camping course includes a pre-trip planning and preparation class session in advance of the field trip that will cover gear, food prep and logistics. Each participant will receive a thorough pre-trip planning package in advance of the course via email as well.
If you have any questions, please contact our office directly at any time to discuss with our staff.
Waiver & Medical Disclosure Forms
Participants on Canada West Mountain School programs must complete the following:
Cancellation & Transfer policy
Review the CWMS cancellation and transfer policy:
Related products
Footer
Policies
Gear Lists
Contact
Main office 604.878.7007
Squamish 604.815.3451
Toll Free 1.888.892.2266
1290 3rd St
West Vancouver, BC
V7S 2Y2
Canada