Avalanche Skills Training 1 & Ski touring

Online course

You will start by taking our Avalanche Skills Training 1 theory course, this consist of between 4-6hrs of online learning. The online course will introduce many of the concepts and skills that we will further develop and practice in the field. The online component can be done at your own pace although must be complete prior to the field days. You can see the online curriculum here.

Once you have finished the online material we will have a short group review and preparation discussion via zoom.

Field Days

Our day starts at a TBD meeting location at 8 am, you should arrive there with food, water & all equipment and lift pass for the day, you are ready to ski or board with your boots on. We will meet and look at a series of resources that can give us information about what sort of weather, snow & avalanche conditions to expect in the backcountry. 

We will then use the ski resort to access the backcountry.  Expect to be in the elements for most of the day and until we re enter the ski resort. This could be anything from wind & snowing to sunshine, be sure to check the day's forecast before leaving home to be prepared for the conditions.

Lift tickets 

Backcountry ski or Boarding equipment 

Avalanche rescue equipment 

Transportation to the mountain 

Food/water/tea for the day

Escape Route in Whistler Village has an excellent supply backcountry touring equipment

https://www.escaperoute.ca/winter-rentals/#rentskis

Prior to the course, you are required to complete some online learning material. 

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Day 1

8 am -  Information gathering & condition assessment session - Whistler Village 

9 am - Depart for the backcountry 

Day 2

8 am -  Information gathering & condition assessment session - Whistler Village 

9 am - Depart for the backcountry

Downloadable Ski Touring Equipment List 

This is a list that you can consult anytime you go touring, keep in mind that packing light is also critical.

Touring Equipment

• Ski Touring boots or snowboard boots - no regular ski boots
• Skis - over 100mm waist is recommended
• Touring Bindings - Pin or tech bindings are highly recommended (track binding are heavy and their ergonomics make for much more difficult travel)
• Split board
• Ski poles with powder baskets - adjustable type recommended
• Adhesive climbing skins - Fitted to the width and length of your skis or board
• Backpack capacity: 30-40 litre
  
  

Avalanche Hardware

• Avalanche probe 
• Snow Shovel - no plastic shovels
• Avalanche Transceiver (457 KHz single frequency)
• Spare transceiver batteries (purchase new ones & check for correct size)
  

Other essentials

• Ski goggles, x 2 if you like dunking your head in the snow.
• Sunglasses - even if it’s not sunny the snow is bright
• Insulated water bottle or regular water bottle (No Camelback or other hydration
  systems they will freeze) 1L unless you are a sweety fish!
• Food and snacks for the day - that are easy to eat on the go or in a snowy environment
• Small thermos (good option to warm the insides)
  
  Ski Clothing
• Ski pants gortex
• Long underwear, shirt and bottoms (poly-pro/wool blends)
• Fleece tops and bottoms (wind-stopper)
• Ski socks 
• Ski gloves / Mitts - Ideally one pair thinner and another pair thick
• Gore-tex outer jacket/parka (with hood)
• Down/Synthetic jacket (warm, “puffy” type jacket)
• Neck gaiter/tube or buff - if its windy
• Toque (ski hat)
• Lightweight helmet and carrying system (optional)
• Sun hat/powder hat - baseball caps work well
  
  Other Important Stuff
• Personal first-Aid & blister Kit (second skin, compeed, athletic tape, personal medications, Ibuprofen, etc...)
•  Sunblock
• Headlamp, it's good to bring a headlamp in your pack in case we have an issue, for example, a broken binding later in the day.

All participants must read, understand, and sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement. Those under the age of 19 years must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their waiver. Medical conditions that may affect your or other participants’ safety must be declared during the reservation process. The participation of any person in any program at any time is always subject to the discretion of OneLife Adventures and its guides. Please click on the waiver button below to read. An electronic wavier will be sent to you once your booking is complete.

WAIVER