Callaghan Lodge - Intro to Alpine Ski Touring
Dec 21 – 23 / 2011 (3.5 Day Course)
Jan 16 – 18/ 2012 (3.5 Day Course)
- Journeyman Peak / Solitude Glacier / Morning Glory
An early season opportunity focusing on the basics of skiing in the backcountry. The perfect Christmas present! This is a course for those just branching out from downhill skiing and wishing to acquire appropriate entry level safety skills, proper instruction in uphill skinning techniques, assessing mountain environments and of course, the fun of powder snow skiing.
Learning outcome: AST lv 1 certificate, Intro to Alpine Ski Touring certificate, developed understanding of winter hazards with increased confidence in decision making in avalanche terrain.
Course Outline:
- Understanding the basics of avalanche formation and release.
- Identifying avalanche terrain.
- Planning and carrying out a trip.
- Using the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool
- Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
- Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins
- Evaluating snowpack stability
- Mountain weather forecasting
- Risk management plan
- Using appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
- Carrying out a companion rescue
Location: Unlike other programs available within the coast mountain range, this course takes place at a backcountry lodge nestled deep in the pristine setting of the Callaghan valley. This location is ideal for hands-on learning, providing ample opportunities for our students to apply course theory in the field.
Duration: 3.5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Simple to Challenging
Total Distance: approx.. 8-11 km. per day
Elevation Gain: 650m + per day
Ratio: 6:1
Prerequisites: Strong intermediate skier/boarder comfortable on
blue runs and variable snow conditions. Good fitness level.
No previous Backcountry experience required
Cost: $ 799 per person + HST % 
Includes: Parking, trail passes, snowmobile transportation to the lodge, luggage transfers, overnight accommodation at Callaghan Country Lodge
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All meals: Day of check-in: lunch, Après-ski appetizers and a 4-course dinner, Full lodge days: Continental breakfast, bagged lunch, après-ski appetizers and a 4-course dinner, Day of check-out: Continental breakfast and bagged lunch, Non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, milk, juice & hot chocolate – please note we do not serve soda but you are welcome to bring your own)
- 3.5 days of direct instructions by professional certified guides
- Avaluator (CAA), student book, handouts, student web page, free phone app
- Media CD taken by guides
- Use of Callaghan Lodge’s very own Scandinavian sauna
Rentals: Backcountry ski/splitboards and avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel available at a prefered rate.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to arrival date will forfeit the 30% deposit.
Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival date are 100% non-refundable.
Callaghan Country reserves the right to cancel Backcountry Ski Touring trips due to insufficient bookings. Refunds are guaranteed in these circumstances.
Sample Course Itinerary & Important Information- Intro to Alpine Ski Touring >
*all participants will be required to sign a Waiver/Release of liability form - WCMG Waiver 2012 >
