Avalanche Search and Rescue 1 (AvSAR1) course
Important: As of winter 2024-2025, the Avalanche Search and Rescue 1 course (AvSAR1) has become a prerequisite for the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course. Students who have already completed the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course prior to 2024-2025 will not be required to take the AvSAR1 course. If you have any questions about the changes, please visit the CAA FAQ page.
The Avalanche Search and Rescue 1 course (AvSAR1) is the first step of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) industry training program. It focuses on the fundamental concepts, techniques, and strategies of avalanche search and rescue. AvSAR1 is intended for avalanche industry workers who may respond to an avalanche incident as a first responder or as part of a team. This intensive four-day technical course is primarily taught in the field with a combination of demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Students will be required to achieve a significant amount of reading (approximately 20 hours) prior to the start of the course.
This training may also be suitable for snowmobilers, provided they are able to travel in variable snow conditions and on various terrains using snowshoes, skis, or splitboard. while carrying a backpack. Specific courses for snowmobilers, with travel on snowmobiles, are available in Western Canada in English.
- Incident Command System 100 course (ICS 100). The course must be completed and the electronic certificate must be provided as proof of completion. Available online from ICS Canada or the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
- Must be 18 years of age or older;
- Advanced experience in backcountry skiing or splitboarding and good physical condition: ability to use alpine touring equipment (bindings, skins, and skis/splitboard), ability to navigate in variable conditions and terrain (such as deep snow, crusty snow, wind slabs, and dense trees) while carrying a backpack;
- Recreational avalanche safety trainings (ASTs) are no longer mandatory, but are still recommended.
Course Goals
At the end of the course, students should be able to :
- Describe risk management in avalanche search and rescue (AvSAR);
- Demonstrate the skills of a competent initial responder and team member;
- Describe avalanche incident-site organization using the Incident Command System (ICS);
- Apply search techniques and strategies;
- Apply rescue techniques and strategies;
- Contribute to postresponse activities.
Language
The course will be taught in French in Quebec. Readings, exercises, the student manual, and the final exam will be in French. However, some videos or resources presented during the course will be in English only. Bilingual instructors will be available to help you with technical terms and their equivalents in both languages.
Recommended courses
- Wilderness First Aid (40 or 80 hours);
- Avalanche safety training course (AST1 or AST2) from Avalanche Canada;
- Avalanche Canada’s Companion Rescue Skills Training recreational course.
What to expect
Students will receive instructions on how to register for the online pre-course when they register. The pre-course online assignments are mandatory and require an estimated 20 hours of work. A percentage of the final grade for the AvSAR1 course corresponds to the pre-course quizzes.
A sample schedule for this course provides an overview of each day. Course days are long, and students are responsible for their own needs. This includes food, drinks, appropriate clothing, and ensuring that they are well rested and ready to learn. There are no scheduled meal breaks. Participants should be prepared to eat and drink throughout the day.
The AvSAR1 course is a mix of classroom and field learning. Students will alternate between indoor and outdoor activities each day.
MATERIALS
Upon registration, students will receive an email with the course logistics, including times and locations. A detailed list of required materials will be provided. Participants must be familiar with the functions of their avalanche transceiver and be comfortable using its basic features.
Finally, a hard copy of the Avalanche Search and Rescue 1 (AvSAR1) manual will be sent to the student’s mailing address. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the CAA office if they have not received this package one month before the start of the course.
ASSESSMENT
The assessment of participants is divided into three categories: quizzes on fundamental search and rescue concepts taken during the online course, a written exam, and practical skills tests (four scenarios). Students will receive grades based on the following criteria: below standard (<70%), standard (70% – 85%), and above standard (86% – 100%). A standard grade is required to obtain the AvSAR1 certificate.
Registration
As of 2024-2025, only individuals who have secured a spot in the AvSAR1 course will be allowed to register for the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course. The AvSAR1 course must be planned and completed prior to the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course.
January 7–10 at Forêt Montmorency (Quebec) in French. 12 spots available, $1,410. (If the course is full, we strongly encourage you to sign up for the waiting list.)
A 50% partial payment option is available at the time of registration. The final payment must be made 45 days before the start of the course.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the Avalanche Search and Rescue 1 course (price, date, location, etc.), please contact the Canadian Avalanche Association (studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca).
