This course is taught by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures by a professional ACMG certified guide. MSAA is offering a special price for BCMC members of $288.15 + GST (regular price for non-members: $339 + GST). 

Don't forget that all Active BCMC Member receive a 15% Discount on ALL MSAA Courses. To receive the discount please contact our office at info@msaa.ca with your valid membership number.  

Develop your "Backcountry Skills" with the Sea to Sky's leading mountain school. Obtain the complete required skill set & implementation through expert certified guides and our carefully crafted curriculum. Est. 1991 - Trip Advisor; Hall of Fame status,  beloved and trusted by BCMC members!

Course Details:

Course design and refinement by IMFGA/ACMG Mountain Guides/CAA Operations Level II Professionals of extensive experience. MSAA, the area's longest established provider (since 1991), proudly maintains 5 Star –Trip Advisor, Hall of Fame status for avalanche courses, is a Founding Member and Sponsor of Avalanche Canada. This in-depth course meets and surpasses the Canadian Avalanche Centre requirements with additional MSAA curriculum.

The course begins with an online digital pre-course video and questionnaire. The theory portion of the course is a full day and held in a comfortable classroom. Here we will provide our carefully crafted curriculum with an engaging interactive multimedia presentation.

The practical portion of the course is held in true backcountry, world class terrain that is easily accessible in a timely manner. This serves to maximize the time our student’s spend to develop their skills as well as provide the best quality terrain for an optimal learning environment.

Itinerary:

DAY ONE - Indoor Day

Meeting Place: Whistler Village Inn & Suites, 4429 Sundial Pl, Whistler, BC V8E 1G8. (unless otherwise specified in confirmation email)

Parking: Please note that the nearest parking for this course is located at the Whistler Day Lots

Duration: 9am-5pm (please arrive 15 minutes before start time)

Things to bring: Day One will take place indoors, so all you will need is writing materials and casual clothes. Food and drinks not included. *please note that masks are now mandatory in the classroom

DAY TWO - Outdoor Day

Meeting Place: Meeting Place: RMU Patio in the Upper Village, 113-4557 Blackcomb Way Le Chamois Hotel, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y2

Duration: 8:30am-4pm*

*Finish time is approximate based on fitness level, punctuality and the debrief time.

Lift Ticket:

If you do NOT currently have a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you MUST buy a Lift Ticket. If you purchase a ticket through MSAA, your guide will bring the ticket on the morning of your tour.  

Gear List:

Day 1: (Classroom Day)

• Pen
• Paper/notebook
• Lunch, snacks & water
• Laptop (optional)

Day 2: (Field Day): Dress appropriately for the conditions.

Clothing:

• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Mid layer fleece top
• Insulating top and bottom under layers and socks
• Warm hat/toque and balaclava
• 2 pairs of gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Equipment:

• Backpack-25-35 Litres
• Alpine touring skis/splitboard, skins, bindings, and boots
• Avalanche Safety Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Helmet
• Poles
• First Aid Kit with blister kit
• Rite in the Rain notebook and pencil (optional)
• Map, compass, GPS (optional)
• Lunch, snacks, and water

Curriculum:

Day 1 (Classroom):

• Snowpack: Crystals & Layers
• Terrain
• Environmental Factors in Avalanche Formation Terrain
• Avalanche Hazard Mitigation
• Avalanche Danger Resources
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Companion Rescue Technique Familiarization
• Pre-Trip Planning & Avalanche Bulletin/Avaluator
• Decision Making Competence

Day 2 (Outdoor):

• Trailhead Procedures
• Companion Rescue
• Avalanche Terrain Travel
• Snowpack and/or Avalanche Observations
• Snowpack Tests
• Avalanche Terrain Descent

Click HERE for the full curriculum

Payment:

Deposit Rule: Pay only 50% of the booking cost now to reserve your spot then pay the remainder 30 days before the course/trip start date. Select the option at checkout to redeem. 

On-line Registration process:

(1) Click “Join this trip” on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Waiting List

(2) Once on the Waiting List you will have access to the Course Online Payment on the left side of the page where you will find the promo code. Complete your payment directly with MSAA HERE  using the promo code. Be sure to select the right date in the drop down menu. You will receive a confirmation email from MSAA once your payment is completed.

(3) Forward your confirmation email to courses@bcmc.ca. You will then be added to the Confirmed List.

(4) Keep an eye on your email for further logistic details.

Please use the BCMC covid guidline for transporation. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact MSAA at +1 (604) 938-9242 or Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca.