Home » Training » Avalanche Control Blasting
Training

Avalanche Control Blasting.

Avalanche Control Blasting (ACB) provides foundational professional training in the safe and effective use of explosives for avalanche control. The course covers regulatory requirements, operational planning and documentation, blast placement and timing, and industry-endorsed procedures for hand charge, cornice, helicopter, and Avalauncher missions. Students also learn how blasting integrates into broader avalanche risk management programs.

Developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association with support from WorkSafeBC and leading industry experts, the course is appropriate for new practitioners and avalanche professionals seeking an update on government regulations, policies, procedures, and current best practices. This course alone does not certify students for blasting.

Contact Student Services for more info.

Avalanche Control Blasting does not certify students to handle explosives. For more information on WorkSafeBC Blasting Certification, visit:

 WorkSafeBC
WSBC Blasting Exam Calendar.

This is a classroom-based course with presentations, case studies, and applied operational examples. No live explosives are used during the course. One outdoor session is included, so students should bring a raincoat and suitable outdoor footwear. 

Delivery Format: Classroom-based
Duration: 2 days

For more details download the course outline (pdf).

Mandatory:

Important: Students who do not meet the above criteria on the first day of the course will be required to leave the course.

Registration Fee: $275.00 (Non-refundable)
Tuition: $459.00
Total: $584.00

Upon registration, students will receive a confirmation email with a link to the course logistics folder.

Students must complete approximately 15 hours of pre-course reading before the course. The student manual contains technical terms, procedures, and policies and should be reviewed over several study sessions rather than in one sitting. Students should also come prepared to take notes during presentations, with a laptop or pen and paper.

Student Resources

Please refer to the Refund and Cancellation Policy.

All student tuitions, except online, private and funded courses, are insured through the A.W.G Dewar Tuition Refund Plan. Please review the policy overview to better understand the coverage and its limitations. To initiate a tuition insurance claim, contact Student Service: studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca or 604-757-2113.

CAA partner, Acera Insurance, offers Industry Training Program students optional trip cancellation/interruption insurance for hut fees. To request a quote or purchase a policy online, get a quote from Acera. If you have further questions about coverage, contact travel@acera.ca or 1.877.542.8577 or 1.250.542.8577. 

There are several funding opportunities available to ITP students. Visit the Scholarships and Grants page to learn more.

For most courses, students will receive a digital copy of the course manual upon registration.

Students who prefer a hard copy can purchase course manuals through Kindle Direct Publishing. Manuals ship directly to students and typically arrive within 1–2 weeks.

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that allows individuals to gain recognition for their prior learning. The learning may be formal, informal, or experiential. The PLA process provides a template for determining whether an applicant has the training and experience necessary to:

a) Waive a CAA course prerequisite; or
b) Earn a CAA course certificate through equivalency

For more information visit our Prior Learning Assessment page  

Students are required to read and agree to the CAA Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement (the “Release of Liability and Waiver”) as a condition of participating in each course/retest. By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of the Occupiers Liability Act or claim compensation following an accident. The Release of Liability and Waiver will be available for completion at the beginning of each course/retest. If the Release of Liability and Waiver is not completed, the student will not be permitted to participate in the course/retest, and a refund will be provided. A copy of the Release of Liability and Waiver (2 pages) is available for review below. PLEASE READ THE WAIVER CAREFULLY before registering for a course/retest.

Registration opens September 10, 10am PT. Must be already already registered for OR have previously completed AvSAR Level 1.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Date: Oct 31, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026
    Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia
    Price: $584.00
    Register Now

No training sessions available for this program.

What our community is saying

  • Can’t thank them enough

    The instructors were very helpful with any question we had. They made a very comfortable and productive environment.
    AvSAR L1 Student

  • Amazing instructor

    I’m so thankful I had such amazing instructors that taught the course wonderfully. You could feel their passion when sharing their knowledge and experiences. They put a lot of effort into delivering a fantastic course. I am very satisfied with my experience and can’t wait to further my learning with the CAA. Thank you
    Ops 1 student

  • Very enjoyable

    The course was very enjoyable, educationally beneficial and a positive learning environment.
    AvSAR L2 Student

  • Thank you

    I can’t thank you all enough!
    What a great learning experience.
    Ops 2 Student

  • Fantastic instructors

    I would like to recognize the instructors for providing exceptional training. They are fantastic at breaking down processes and details to support learning every step of the way. Their passion for education made the experience fantastic. Thank you also to the office staff for their assistance and timely responses. You are all wicked, and I sincerely appreciate the energy and work you bring to the CAA and its students.
    Ops 2 Student