CSPS Mountain Division

Avalanches & the Canadian Ski Patrol System
The CSPS has a small but enthusiastic group of patrollers who are interested in avalanche safety and education. This group has members primarily in Calgary, Whitehorse and southern British Columbia. Our aim is to spread the avalanche safety message to all patrollers that patrol at ski areas with avalanche potential.

One of our current projects is to completely revise the Avalanche section of the Patrollers Manual (On Snow Operations - Chapter 11). The goal is to have it ready for the 2011 edition of the manual. In addition to this rewrite, there will be an Instructor manual and related resource materials.

Avalanches Skills Training Programs
The prime focus of our education programs is providing the Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 1 & 2 courses to fellow patrollers. All the AST courses follow the guidelines established by the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC). For more information contact the Ken Lukawy (Mountain Division Avalanche Education Coordinator) at

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
The first step in your formal avalanche education. A minimum 16 hour course, which combines classroom theory and practical field exercises. Typically taught over 1 full weekend, it can be conducted at your local ski area or in the backcountry. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to avalanche safety; primarily to understand and use basic safety procedures. Limited stability evaluation and route finding skills are covered. Course fee is approximately $50 to $75 per person. These courses are limited to 16 persons. Courses are open to patrollers, family members and friends. Patrollers have first priority.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2
A comprehensive, advanced avalanche skills course for non-professionals. A minimum 30 hour course spread over 4 days, usually two full weekends. Emphasis is on practical field skills, including terrain recognition, route finding, safe travel, group management, stability evaluation, small party self rescue. The field sessions are in the backcountry, so appropriate touring equipment and skills are required! This course requires the course leader to be a CAA Professional Member. The instructors hired for these courses are Parks Canada Public Safety personnel and/or ACMG certified Guides.

AST Level 2 courses are run on a cost recovery basis – typical cost is $250 to $270. Class size is restricted to a maximum of 8 persons, with a minimum of 5 persons. Prerequisites include having taken an AST Level 1 course previously and hopefully some time touring. It is not recommended to do a Level 1 and a Level 2 course in the same season.

Avalanche First Response Training Program
Have you taken an avalanche course previously and feel in need of an update or refresher course? New to the backcountry/off piste skiing and not sure of what avalanche safety is all about? Not sure of what you think you know or don't know about travel in avalanche terrain? The Avalanche First Response Training Program is for you! A highly recommended course that discusses the fundamentals of backcountry avalanche awareness and companion rescue. To check it out, CLICK HERE!

Course Funding
Mountain Division, in its Education portfolio, does have a budget item to assist Mountain Division patrollers in attending Avalanche related workshops and courses. For more information on how to access this funding, please contact Ken Lukawy at

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