Recreational Avalanche Course
It is a good idea for anyone who is interested in traveling in the backcountry to take an avalanche course. Each year the VOC organizes one or two entry-level avalanche courses for members, so that our members can get a group rate for the course. Avalanche course students learn about some snow science basics, terrain, route finding, snow stability testing and rescue.
Avalanche Course 2006
The course is being provided through the Canada West Mountain School. There will be space in this course for 16 students. If more than 16 students would like to take the course then we might be able to arrange for one more instructor, bringing the total up to 24 spaces. However, if we cannot get another instructor, or if there is a lot of demand, then the VOC will organize another course in January or February 2007. This wiki page will be updated as details for this course become available -- if you have questions that cannot be answered here then contact Sandra Nicol (sandra DOT nicol AT telus DOT net).
Cost
The price for this course will be $X. You need to pay this amount to the VOC in cash to sign-up for a spot. The sign-up will be on a first-paid, first-served basis (i.e. you cannot reserve a spot). You will also need to purchase a Whistler backcountry pass for ~$35. The Whistler-Blackcomb website makes the price strangely difficult to find. Other costs for this course will be gas money for your driver and any equipment rentals that you require.
How to Sign Up
To sign up you will need to pay in advance, in cash. The VOC is no longer accepting cheques for avalanche school, as too many have bounced in the past. Details on where to give this money will come shortly.
When and Where
First classroom session:
Field Day 1: December 2, 2006, at Seymour
Field Day 2: December 3, 2006, at Whistler
Second classroom session: December 4, 2006
Equipment
The following equipment will be provided for you:
You will be responsible for this equipment:
- lunch for Saturday and Sunday
Rides
Rides will be determined at the classroom session preceeding the field days.