Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 2 (AvSAR 2) course
Important information : The Avalanche Search and Rescue 2 (AvSAR 2) course replaces the former AvSAR Advanced Skills course. Students who have already completed the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course before 2025 will not be required to take AvSAR 1, and may enroll directly in AvSAR 2. However, they may begin the AvSAR course progression with AvSAR 1, at the student’s discretion.
This course is a prerequisite for the Avalanche Operations Level 2 course. If you have any questions about the changes, please consult the CAA FAQ page.
AvSAR 2 is the second avalanche search and rescue course. The course introduces students to the skills, techniques and leadership strategies of avalanche search and rescue. It is designed for industry professionals who can act as incident commanders at avalanche incidents.
This intensive three-day technical course is essentially taught in the field, with a combination of demonstrations and practical workshops. Students will be required to do a significant amount of reading and quizzing (approx. 20 hours) before the course starts.
This training may also be suitable for snowmobilers if they are able to travel in variable snow conditions and on various terrains using snowshoes/skis/splitboards while carrying a backpack. Specific courses for snowmobilers, with travel on snowmobiles, are available in Western Canada in English.
- Avalanche Operations Level 1 course;
- 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 backcountry skiing orsplitboardingexperience and good physical fitness: able to use alpine touring equipment (bindings, skins and skis/splitboard), able to travel in variable conditions and over diverse terrain (such as deep snow, brittle crust, wind patches and dense trees) while carrying a backpack.
Course Goals
At the end of the course, students should be able to :
- Demonstrate the skills of an avalanche rescue leader
- Apply advanced search techniques and strategies
- Apply advanced rescue techniques
- Implement post-accident 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 online pre-course tasks are compulsory and require an investment of around 20 hours. A percentage of the final AvSAR 2 course grade corresponds to the pre-course quizzes.
A sample timetable for this course gives an idea of how each day will unfold. Course days are long, and it’s the student’s responsibility to take care of his or her personal needs. This includes food, drink, appropriate clothing and making sure you’re well rested and ready to learn. There are no meal breaks. Participants must be prepared to eat and drink throughout the day.
The AvSAR 2 course is a mix of classroom and field learning. Students will alternate between indoors and outdoors each day.
MATERIALS
At the time of registration, an e-mail will be sent to the student with logistical details of the course, announcing times and locations. The detailed list of mandatory equipment describes the essentials for the course. Participants should be familiar with the functions of their avalanche transceiver (ATD) and its basic functions.
Finally, a hard copy of the Search and Rescue 2 (AvSAR 2) manual will be delivered to the student’s mailing address. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ACA office if he or she has not received this package one month before the start of the course.
ASSESSMENT
Studentassessment is divided into three categories: quizzes on advanced search and rescue concepts taken during the online course, a technical skills sheet and an assessment as a response leader on a large-scale practical scenario. Students will receive marks based on the following criteria: below standard (<70%), standard (70% – 85%) and above standard (86% – 100%). A grade in line with the standard is required to obtain the AvSAR 2 certificate.
Registration
March 13 to 15, 2026 in the Chic-Chocs in French.
12 places available, $1,495. Lodging available in a nearby refuge ($). Contact Avalanche Québec for more information. (If the course is full, we strongly encourage you to join 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 2 course (price, date, location, etc.), please contact the Canadian Avalanche Association (studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca), please.
