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Avalanche Operations Level 3:
Applied Avalanche Risk Management.

Avalanche Operations Level 3 is the senior-level professional course and final step in the CAA’s training progression. It is designed for experienced avalanche professionals working in forecasting, risk management, planning, and program supervision.


The curriculum emphasizes building a risk management framework derived from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 31000 standard and includes establishing context; communication and consultation strategies; techniques for monitoring and review; assessing risk (risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation); and risk treatment.  Students explore advanced concepts and real-world decision-making processes, preparing them to effectively analyze and communicate complex risk scenarios at both organizational and operational levels.

Avalanche Operations Level 3 consists of a classroom course in the fall, followed by an applied practicum completed over the remainder of the winter season. The practicum component must be completed by the spring following the classroom course. At this time, the report is submitted, and an oral presentation is delivered as part of the assessment process.


Delivery Format: Classroom, post-course applied assessment
Duration: 5 days


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

Upon applying to the Level 3 Program applicants must prove completion of the following: 

  • Avalanche Operations Level 2
  • Introduction to Weather
  • Minimum three seasons of employment/experience in avalanche work after completion of the Level 2 course
  • Minimum of two seasons as an avalanche technician working under the supervision of an avalanche forecaster
  • Active employment in the avalanche industry

Recommended Prerequisites:

Other Considerations:

  • Attendance/presentations at CAA annual general meetings, technical meetings or International Snow Science Workshops
  • Academic degree in a related field (i.e. engineering, meteorology, etc.)
  • Related certifications (ACMG Guide, UIAGM Guide, CSGA, CMBGA Guide)
  • Additional years of professional experience

Level 3 Course
Registration & Application Fee: $325.00 (Non- refundable)
Course Materials $100.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $2427.00
Total: $2852.00

Level 3 Assessment:
Registration & Application Fee: $125.00 (Non- refundable)
Tuition: $1465.00
Total: $1590.00

Upon registration, students will receive a detailed preparation guide which includes the pre-course reading list. There is a significant amount of mandatory and supplementary reading. The concepts and terminology covered in these readings form the basis for in-class lessons, discussions and exercises. Demonstrating an understanding of concepts and the use of correct terminology is a core component of written and oral evaluations.

Application Process

Please make sure you have all the required documents ready to upload before starting the online application. If you start and close your browser or time out before completing it, your work will not be saved.

  • Cover letter: A one-page cover letter introducing yourself and outlining your current and future aspirations in the avalanche industry.
  • Professional resume: A two- to three-page professional resume outlining your educational background and work history, particularly as it relates to the above prerequisites.
  • Certificates: Include digital copies of all pertinent certificates; these can be scans or photos.

Applicants must provide letters of reference from two CAA Avalanche Professionals using the Level 3 CAA Avalanche Professional reference form.

Students without an affiliation with a CAA Avalanche Professional may provide references from their current avalanche industry employer or supervisor, their mentor, a fellow industry professional, and/or a Level 3 graduate who is familiar with the candidate’s avalanche resume. These sources should use the Level 3 non-CAA Avalanche Professional reference form .

The next course will be offered again in Fall 2028. Applications are now open and are considered on a rolling basis. We will give preference to applications received by June 1.

Level 3 Application Form

We review applications on a rolling basis until June 1 using a points-based system. We prioritize applicants with the highest scores for available seats. We assess applications received after June 1 on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.


We review all applications for completeness upon submission. Incomplete applications will be returned. We will notify applicants of the outcome by email. We aim for a four-week review timeline, though this may vary depending on volume.

The Level 3 program is offered every other season in even-numbered years (2026, 2028 etc.).
Due to limited capacity, admission is competitive. Accepted applicants will be invited to register in early July. Applicants who are not offered a spot on the course will be invited to reapply in the following intake period.

Accepted applicants may defer once; if they do not take the deferred course, they must submit a new application.
The program includes two separate registrations:

  • Fall:  Level 3 Applied Avalanche Risk Management Course
  • Spring: Level 3 Assessment

Separate fees apply to each component.

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.

This course is offered every other year in even-numbered years (e.g., 2028, 2030).

Students must be have an approved application to be eligible for registration. Applications are accepted until June 1 of the year the course is offered.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Date: Oct 5, 2026 – Oct 9, 2026
    Location: Kamloops, British Columbia
    Price: $2,852.00

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