Introduction to Weather Course
This introductory course focuses on the fundamental theoretical concepts essential to understanding weather forecasts and the resources available on the Internet. It is designed for anyone interested in learning more about weather, its influence in the mountains, and its impact on the snowpack.
Students are introduced to public tools and methods that help assess different climate scenarios in mountains here and elsewhere. Emphasis is placed on interpreting large-scale regional forecasts in order to adapt them to the operational context.
Places are filling up quickly for this course. Visit the CAA website to find out about online and in-person options. An in-person course in French in Quebec is planned for spring 2026.
You must be 18 years of age or older, and it is recommended that you have completed the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course.
Course Goals
At the end of the course, students should be able to :
- Define common weather terms and give examples;
- Describe basic weather principles and observations;
- Describe basic weather patterns in the global, synoptic, and regional scale;
- Interpret weather resources ;
- Explain how weather conditions affect avalanche danger.
Language
The course will be taught in French (in-person in Quebec) or English (virtual). However, readings, the course manual, and the final exam will be in English only. For courses in Quebec, bilingual instructors will be available to help you with technical terms and their equivalents in both languages.
MATERIALS
Students must bring a laptop to class. The course manual (in English) will be sent by mail one month before the course start date. All preparatory material must be completed prior to the course.
ASSESSMENT
There is an assessment component at the end of the course. A passing grade of 71% or higher must be obtained to successfully complete the course. This exam is in English.
Registration
Two options are available:
1) In person over two days in French in Quebec or in English elsewhere in Canada
2) In virtual mode in English over eight weeks. The content for each topic will be made available to students, and a weekly one-hour virtual session with the instructor will be scheduled.
The next course scheduled in Quebec in French will be in spring 2026.
To view the full range of weather courses (online, in-person, English or French) or to register, click here.
What’s next?
Since 2013, it has been necessary to have successfully completed the Introduction to Weather course in order to register for the Avalanche Operations Level 2 course.
Finally, for those who are still hungry for more, there is an advanced weather course (in English only) to continue learning about the topic.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the Intro to Weather course (price, date, location, etc.), please contact the Canadian Avalanche Association (studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca).
