Introduction to Avalanche Operations online course
The Introduction to Avalanche Operations course is a prerequisite for the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course, but is also available to anyone interested in furthering their knowledge of avalanche safety, particularly in a professional context (ski areas, commercial backcountry activities, transport routes or public services). The course covers topics such as mountain weather, snow metamorphosis, snowpack stratigraphy, and avalanche terrain. It has been designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the topics that will be covered in the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course.
What to expect
This course is self-directed and comprises 12 units, all of which are available in French and English. Students can move through the course at their own pace and should expect to take approximately 25 hours to successfully complete it. Online forums are provided at each unit where students can discuss questions or topics with each other.
The 12 units are :
- History of Avalanches in Canada;
- Avalanche Risk Management Framework;
- Mountain Weather Fundamentals;
- Mountain Snowpack Fundamentals;
- Avalanche Formation and Characteristics;
- Avalanche Terrain Fundamentals;
- Avalanche Occurrence Observations and Recording;
- Snow Profile Observations;
- Communicating Hazard and Risk;
- Human Behaviour and Situational Awareness;
- Risk Mitigation and Mountain Travel;
- Professional Avalanche Rescue.
Language
Almost the entire Introduction to Avalanche Operations course is available in French, but also in English. To change the course language, click on the globe icon in the upper right corner of your classroom on the CAA portal.
Continuation of the curriculum
Before starting your Avalanche Operations Level 1 course, you must complete the Introduction to Avalanche Operations course. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate. Be sure to keep a copy, as it will be required on the first day of the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course. Learn more about the reasons for this change.
ASSESSMENT
Short quizzes are presented at the end of each module. A score of 100% is required to complete the course, but it is possible to retake the quizzes several times in order to achieve the required result.
Registration
The registration fee for 2024-2025 is $135.
Available from September 1ᵉʳ, 2024 to April 30, 2025.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the Intro to Avalanche Operations course (price, date, location, etc.), please contact the Canadian Avalanche Association (studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca).
