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Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 2.

The Avalanche Search and Rescue (AvSAR) Level 2 course instructs participants how to manage hazard and risk in AvSAR and how to apply advanced techniques and strategies. It is intended for industry professionals and advanced search and rescue volunteers. Students lead and participate in several practical scenarios, as well as a larger-scale rescue scenario. 

Contact Student Services for more info.

The Avalanche Search and Rescue (AvSAR) Level 2 has replaced the AvSAR Advanced Skills course as of winter 2024/25. 

The course schedule is intensive and includes a combination of classroom sessions and field exercises, leaving limited free time throughout the program. Expect long days that begin early, have no scheduled meal breaks and potentially challenging winter conditions. Students are expected to be able to safely travel in a variety of snow conditions and participate in physically demanding field exercises.

Delivery Format: Field-based
Duration: 3 days

For courses requiring lift access, lift tickets are provided. Students with a season pass are encouraged to bring it. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the classroom and field locations.

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

Mandatory:
  • Incident Command System (ICS) 100 course certificate. 
  • Avalanche Operations Level 1
  • Advanced backcountry skiing, splitboarding, or snowmobiling skills, and good fitness
  • Be 19 or older for courses in British Columbia, OR 18 or older for courses in Alberta and Quebec
Recommended:
  • 80-hour first aid certificate

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: $1,279.00
Total: $1,554.00

Upon registration, students will receive a detailed preparation guide that includes a mandatory online pre-course, transceiver questionnaire, and skills practice checklist. Students are expected to arrive proficient in foundational Team Member skills, including transceiver searching and probing, so course time can focus on applying these skills from a Team Leader perspective. 

Students are encouraged to review the resources available in the AvSAR Video Resource Library ahead of the course.  

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.

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 is now open.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Date: Jan 21, 2027 – Jan 23, 2027
    Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia
    Price: $1,554.00
    Register Now
  • Date: Jan 25, 2027 – Jan 27, 2027
    Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia
    Price: $1,554.00
    Register Now
  • Date: Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 4, 2027
    Location: Golden, British Columbia
    Price: $1,554.00
    Register Now
  • Date: Feb 22, 2027 – Feb 24, 2027
    Location: Fernie, British Columbia
    Price: $1,554.00
    Register Now
  • Date: Mar 16, 2027 – Mar 18, 2027
    Location: Whistler, British Columbia
    Price: $1,554.00
    Register Now
  • Date: Mar 30, 2027 – Apr 1, 2027
    Location: Lake Louise, Alberta
    Price: $1,554.00
    Register Now
  • Date: Apr 3, 2027 – Apr 5, 2027
    Location: Lake Louise, Alberta
    Price: $1,554.00
    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