Home » Training » Avalanche Operations Level 2
Training

Avalanche Operations Level 2.

The Avalanche Operations Level 2 course is an advanced-level course within the Canadian Avalanche Association’s Industry Training Program. This course is designed for people who work full time with avalanche safety and control operations and may take on increased operational responsibility. 

The course builds on foundational avalanche operations skills and focuses on advanced decision making, applied risk management, and leadership within operational teams. Learners develop the knowledge and skills required to contribute effectively to daily avalanche operations and to support supervisory and planning functions within an avalanche safety program. 

The Level 2 program is divided into two components. Each component includes significant pre-readings, questions, and recommended activities to be completed before the course begins. There is a lot of material to cover during the course, and learners may be assigned work to complete outside of class hours. It is recommended to keep evenings free for the duration.  

Level 2 Course 
Delivery Format: online pre-course, 50% classroom, 50% field  
Duration: 8-9 days  

Level 2 Assessment 
Delivery Format: online pre-assessment, primarily field-based  
Duration: 6 days 

For courses requiring lift access, lift tickets are provided. Students with a season pass are encouraged to bring it.

Lodge-based courses include meals, lodging, and transportation from the staging area to the lodge. The proximity to field study locations provides an enhanced learning environment and direct access to backcountry terrain. Students are also expected to participate in daily lodge duties. 

For more details, including learning objectives and assessment information, download the course outline. 

Upon applying to the Level 2 Program applicants must prove completion of the following: 

  1. Avalanche Operations Level 1
  2. Introduction to Weather  
  3. Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 2
  4. Thorough working knowledge of the CAA Observation Guidelines & Recording Standards (OGRS 2024), including a minimum of:
    • 50 recorded weather observations (study plot, field, and/or telemetry); 
    • 30 recorded weather observations (study plot, field, and/or telemetry); 
    • 30 recorded weather observations (study plot, field, and/or telemetry); 
  5. 100 Operational Days days after completion of Avalanche Operations Level 1
  6.  Advanced backcountry skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling skills, and good fitness.
  7. A minimum of two letters of reference from CAA Avalanche Professionals.

Level 2 Courses
Golden, BC
Registration & Application Fee: $475.00 (Non- refundable)
Course Materials $155.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $2044.00
Total: $2674.00

Lodge-based:

Monashee Powder Snowcats, Coldstream, BC
Registration & Application Fee: $475.00 (Non- refundable)
Course Materials $155.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $1844.00
Hut Fee: $1450.99 (Non- refundable)
Hut Fee Tax: $129.45 (Non- refundable)
Total: $4054.44

Purcell Mountain Lodge, Golden, BC
Registration & Application Fee: $475.00 (Non- refundable)
Course Materials $155.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $1844.00
Hut Fee: $2032.84 (Non- refundable)
Hut Fee Tax: $132.36 (Non- refundable)
Total: $4639.20

Level 2 Assessments
Town Based: Golden or Whistler, BC
Registration & Application Fee: $325.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $1928.00
Helicopter Fee: $425.00 (Non- refundable)
GST: $21.25 (Non- refundable)
Total: $2700.00

Lodge-Based: Purcell Mountain Lodge, Golden, BC
Registration & Application Fee: $325.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $1950.00
Hut Fee: $1385.36 (Non- refundable)
Hut Fee Tax: $90.20 (Non- refundable)
Total: $3750.56

Student Prep  
Upon registration, students will receive a detailed preparation guide, including access to the Operations Level 2 online pre-course. 

The pre-course introduces advanced concepts so students arrive prepared for discussion, informed questions, and practical learning. It includes three units: Prerequisite Knowledge Review, New Content, and Preparatory Activities, and takes approximately 20 hours to complete. 

Students will also complete an online pre-assessment assignment before arriving to the Level 2 Assessment 

Students are: 

  • required to bring all items listed on the Student Equipment List (PDF) 
  • responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the course and field locations.

Application & Registration Process

Prior to submitting your application the following guidance documents should be reviewed:

The application form includes the following questions, we recommend preparing your responses ahead of time.

Question 1:
Level 2 students are required to have 100 days minimum of work experience after their Operations Level 1 and over at least two operating seasons in weather, snowpack & avalanche occurrence observations & analysis. This includes participation as a team member, attending daily operations meetings and participation in operational activities that require avalanche risk management.

a) Based on the prerequisite listed above, describe where and how you have obtained your 100 days of work by specifying: the operation, the number of days per season worked at that operation (include winter season), and what your specific avalanche-related job duties were.

For example:
Operation: Waist Deep Powder, Avalanche Technician
Number of days: 100 days, Winter 2015/16.
Duties: AM/PM operational meetings. Observe and record weather data (study plot and telemetry). Snow profile (dig, record, and plot). Monitor snow, weather, and avalanche conditions. Avalanche control work.

b) In addition, list any additional pertinent training and certificates you currently have that are related to your job(s).

Question #2:
Students are required to have completed the following observations to OGRS standards:
50 recorded weather observations (study plot, field, and/or telemetry)
30 snow profiles (test and full profiles, including densities and temperatures)
30 avalanche occurrence observations.

Based on the above prerequisite, indicate how many of each of the above observations you have accomplished during your employment so far. Include a comment on your familiarization with the CAA’s Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards. (Max length 800 Characters)

Question #3:
Advanced backcountry skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling skills, AND good fitness.

Describe your current level of backcountry travel skills, fitness level and experience. Briefly summarize the objectives you have accomplished over the past two winter seasons.

  1. Cover letter
    A one-page cover letter introducing yourself and outlining your current and future aspirations in the avalanche industry.
  2. Professional resume
    A one- to two-page professional resume outlining your educational background and work history.
  3. Certificates
    A digital copy of all pertinent certificates including:
    • Avalanche Operations Level 1
    • Avalanche Search & Rescue Level 2
    • Introduction to Weather
    • Other ITP course certificates if applicable (i.e. Advanced Weather, Snow Avalanche Mapping, Avalanche Control Blasting etc.)
  4. Sample snow profiles
    Please submit seven recorded snow profiles from your field books. They must have been completed within the last three years to OGRS standard to demonstrate the progression from year-to-year.
    • Four test profiles
    • Three full profiles, including one completed within the most recent winter season. Each full snow profile must be accompanied by either a hand-drafted or digitally-drafted profile.

Each application must be accompanied by a minimum of two references from CAA Avalanche Professionals. References must complete the online Level 2 CAA Avalanche Professional Reference Form.
Students, who do not have an affiliation with a CAA Professional Member may provide references from their current avalanche industry employer or supervisor, mentor, a fellow industry professional, and/or a Level 2 graduate who is familiar with the candidate’s avalanche resume. These references must complete the online Level 2 Non-CAA Professional Member Reference Form.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure their reference letters are submitted. Reference letters may be submitted after submitting your application; however, the application will remain incomplete until both references have been received and reviewed by the CAA.

The 2026/27 Level 2 Application intake period is now closed.

Have all the documents listed above ready before proceeding, please make sure to compress your files. The platform will not accept a total accumulation of files exceeding 30MB.

If you begin the application and close your browser or time-out before completing the full application, your work will not be saved

Please note: It is recommended you use Google Chrome and restart your computer and/or clear your browser history before beginning the online application form.

  • Ensure your application is complete before submitting it, incomplete applications will be returned
  • Applications and accompanying reference letters will be reviewed as quickly as possible. We aim for a two-week turnaround, but this is not always possible.
  • Applicants will be contacted with their results via email. Unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback to help them be successful in the future.
  • Applications can be submitted at any point during the two-month intake period, timing of applications within this window will not affect likelihood of approval or whether a student is able to register on their desired course.
  • Applications will be accepted between March 1st and April 30th each year.
  • Those who meet the requirements outlined above will be accepted into the Level 2 Program. An accepted application does not guarantee a place on a Course/ Assessment.
  • Accepted applications are reviewed according to a point scheme system. With limited spots available the best qualified applicants will be selected and offered the opportunity to register.
  • Considerations include:
    • Years of professional work experience since completing Avalanche Operations Level 1
    • CAA Membership
    • Related certificates (i.e. ACMG ski guide, CSGA, CMBGA etc.)
    • Additional CAA ITP courses (i.e. Advanced Weather, Snow Avalanche Mapping, Avalanche Control Blasting etc.)
  • Students will be provided with information on the registration process in early June.
  • Accepted applicants who are not offered a space on a course will be prioritized the following season.
  • Students must complete the entire Level 2 Program within a maximum of two seasons from acceptance into the program. For example, a student accepted in the spring of 2026 could take the Level 2 Course in 2026-27 and the Level 2 Assessment in the 2026-27 season. Students may defer beginning the program by up to one year after acceptance. Any student who defers is still allowed a maximum of two seasons to complete the program. For example, a student accepted in spring 2026 could defer entry into the program until the 2027-28 season but must complete the Level 2 Assessment in the 2028-29 season. In the case where a student is unsuccessful on the Level 2 Assessment, we defer to the Retest Policy.

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.

The application intake period for the 2026/27 season is now closed.

Applications will be accepted between March 1, 2027 and April 30, 2027. Students must be have an approved application to be eligible for registration.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Date: Nov 20, 2026 – Nov 29, 2026
    Location: Purcell Mountain Lodge
    Price: $4,639.20
  • Date: Nov 26, 2026 – Dec 4, 2026
    Location: Monashee Powder Snowcats
    Price: $4,054.44
  • Date: Dec 12, 2026 – Dec 19, 2026
    Price: $2,674.00
  • Date: Jan 9, 2027 – Jan 16, 2027
    Price: $2,674.00
  • Date: Jan 18, 2027 – Jan 23, 2027
    Price: $2,700.00
  • Date: Mar 1, 2027 – Mar 6, 2027
    Price: $2,700.00
  • Date: Mar 21, 2027 – Mar 26, 2027
    Price: $2,700.00
  • Date: Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 5, 2027
    Price: $3,750.56

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