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Avalanche Safety Pro
The Avalanche Safety Pro course is designed to bridge the gap between the traditional recreational offerings and the highly technical professional-level courses.
- Location
- Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, BC
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Guest Ratio
- 6 to 1
Starting at $1,400 per person
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The next step
Avalanche Safety Pro is a four-day advanced avalanche course for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders preparing for professional training, such as the CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1. You work to professional standards: Operations Level 1 transceiver searches, professional weather and snowpack data, and AM/PM guide meetings. Field days run in the Blackcomb backcountry, the Callaghan, the Duffey Lake area and a heli-assisted day in the Tantalus Range. Up to 6 students per ACMG guide, $1,400 + GST. Entry is by application.
We have created the most advanced avalanche skills training course available that meets that objective. In turn, professional candidates can feel confident taking that next step. This course caters to our most advanced clients, is based on industry training standards in preparation for operational level courses.
We offer intimate group sizes with more hands-on learning and feedback by ACMG Ski and Snowboard Guides, who are committed to their mountain craft and can offer mentorship while you are focused on learning to operate as a professional and travel safely in a backcountry setting.
1 day of heli-assisted ski touring is included in price
What does this course cover?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Part of the Advanced skill set.
Participants of the Avalanche Safety Progression course will shift from rule-based and experiential decision-making to a more formalized approach. We will focus on tools that will leverage your interpretation and execution of standardized snowpack tests, route-finding skills, and terrain assessment in avalanche terrain. The Backcountry Progression course covers more advanced risk assessment processes and hazard management, you can practice decision-making in a supervised environment with a certified ACMG guide, group management skills, and advanced travel techniques.
Avalanche Skills Training
- Introduction of the Conceptual Hazard Model, its definitions as a filtering tool to determine when additional planning and travel techniques are required to travel safely.
- Be familiar with Avalanche Danger Rating verification techniques for personal use on a local scale.
- Be familiar with the ATES technical model as a means to develop personal, local terrain ratings.
Ski Touring Training
- Route finding and navigation skills to move safely collect data and perform standardized snowpack tests.
- Use travel techniques in avalanche terrain appropriate to the avalanche conditions to meet the daily objectives and goals.
- Proficiently to carry out a companion rescue, act as rescue leader 4 transceivers probed and dug up in under 8 minutes with a close proximity burial.
Prerequisites
Is this course for me?
This course is what will prepare you for the next step into applying and being accepted into a professional-level course. We provide access to professional weather products and data. You will become familiar with the operational guidelines and recording standards that are used internationally. Participants must have completed an AST Level 2 or equivalent, have 3 years of ski touring or splitboarding experience, regularly travel uphill 1200-1500m a day, possess an expert level of skiing or snowboarding on any surface condition.
Includes
- Course material (Decision-making handbook)
- 4 days of instruction from CAA members and ACMG guide
- Heli flight to and from mountains.*
*In the event we are unable to fly students are refunded $250
Does Not Include
- Avalanche rescue equipment
- Backcountry lift ticket
Itinerary
Day 1
8:00 am - 4:00 pm field day
Blackcomb Backcountry
Day 2
8:00 am - 4:00 pm field day
Callaghan Backcountry
Day 3
8:00 am - 4:00 pm field day
Duffey Lake area
Day 4
8:00 am - 4:00 pm field day
Heli Assisted - Tantalus
2026/2027 Season
Frequently Asked Questions
Gear List
Avalanche Safety Gear
Avalanche Transceiver
Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel.
Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm.
Hardware
Ski touring skis: bindings, skins, poles or split board+skins
Ski touring/snowboard boots
Snow saw (optional)
Suitable day pack 30 - 40L
Clothing
Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
Lightweight breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning
Warm gloves
Warm hats
Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
Base layers
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Goggles
Sun screen
Sun hat
ski strap
small personal ski repair kit
personal first aid, medication
Camera
Booking Policy
Making a booking
Greater than 14 days from start date
20% deposit is required to secure your guides and or trip. Remaining trip cost is due 14 days
Less than 14 days from start date
Trip cost must be paid in full
*Subject to change based on particular trip
Forms of payment
Credit card: Visa, Mastercard
Email transfer: info@altusmountainguides.com
Cheque: Only accepted 30 days prior to trip commencement
Cancellations
Greater than 30 days from start date
Deposit will be refunded in full
30 to 14 days prior to trip commencement
Deposit amount will be forfeited
Less than 14 days
Full trip amount will be forfeited
*Subject to change based on particular trip
*All cancellations must be received in writing
Cancellations by Altus Mountain Guides
Upon confirming your booking we guarantee the trip departure. If we cancel a trip for any reason prior to the start date a full refund will be provided. If we are forced to cancel a trip for any reason after the trip start date, a full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be provided.
Trip cancellation insurance
Upon confirmation of your trip Altus Mountain Guides enters into financial obligation and cannot refund payment or release you from your contractual obligation except for condition stated below in “Cancellations” Therefore in an effort to avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties, cancellation insurance is strongly recommended in the event you can not participate or if your trip is interrupted “for any reason”. This is available from most travel companies. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding our policy or obtaining insurance.
Cancellation insurance
Tugo
Medical/Evacuation Insurance
All participants must have personal internationally accepted medical insurance for all activities pertaining to your trip that also includes emergency rescue and evacuation. With your insurance please ensure you will be covered for “roped travel” if booking a technical trip.
*The required insurance depends on location
Canada
Insurance is free in entire country
USA
Private insurance is recommended
France
Mountain climbing rescue is free
Switzerland, Italy, Austria
Privates or alpine club insurance is required.
*Europe: We recommend the following: Austrian alpine club membership, REGA
Additional fees
Longer & more involved routes may have additional premiums, driving, accommodation,& food costs are trip dependent.
Please contact us for details and a full quote.
Who is Avalanche Safety Pro for?
Experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders who want to work toward professional avalanche training. You need AST 2 (or equivalent), three full seasons of touring, the fitness for 1,200–1,500 m days, and expert skiing or riding in any snow. Entry is by application.
How much does the course cost?
$1,400 per person plus GST, including the heli flight for the Tantalus day. If we can’t fly, you are refunded $250. Avalanche rescue gear and the backcountry lift ticket are not included.
Where does the course run?
Day 1 in the Blackcomb backcountry, day 2 in the Callaghan Valley, day 3 in the Duffey Lake area and day 4 heli-assisted in the Tantalus Range, subject to conditions. Each day runs 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
What's the guide-to-student ratio?
Up to 6 students per ACMG guide.
Is this a professional qualification?
No. It prepares you for professional courses such as the CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1, but it is not a CAA certification itself.
