Instructing in Avalanche Terrain – Basic.
Instructing in Avalanche Terrain- Basic (IAT-B) evaluates students’ risk management skills to safely deliver introductory recreational avalanche courses in simple terrain (e.g. AST 1). The course builds on competencies from previous CAA courses and focuses on developing a morning trip plan, preparing and delivering a lesson, identifying appropriate terrain, managing a student group, and applying the Guidelines for Instruction in Avalanche Terrain (GIAT). Participants demonstrate their ability to model industry-standard risk management practices, manage groups effectively, and make sound safety decisions in the field.
The course does not teach the specific Avalanche Canada Training curriculum. Instead, it evaluates whether students have demonstrated the competencies required for CAA Basic Avalanche Educator Membership. Successful completion is one step toward becoming an AST instructor; additional requirements must also be completed before teaching AST courses.
Contact Student Services for more info.
Expect long course days with field activities taking place in a variety of weather conditions, including cold, strong winds, heavy snowfall, or rain. Expect approximately 10 hours of homework throughout the course. There are no scheduled meal or snack breaks, so students should be prepared to eat and drink on the go and plan meals in advance.
Students must be advanced backcountry travellers, able to safely travel in a variety of snow and terrain conditions by ski, snowboard, or snowmobile. They must also be competent in selecting safe travel routes and making sound risk management decisions in simple terrain.
Delivery Format: Field-based
Duration: 3 days
For more details, including learning objectives and assessment information, download the course outline.
- Instructing in Avalanche Terrain—Foundations
- Avalanche Operations Level 1
- Be 19 or older for courses in British Columbia, or 18 or older for courses in Alberta and Quebec
- It is strongly recommended that applicants have observed an AST course prior to taking Instructing in Avalanche Terrain – Basic.
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: $1,211.00
Total: $1,486.00
Upon registration, students will receive a detailed preparation guide that includes a required pre-course workbook, the evaluation scheme and a detailed course schedule.
Students are required to complete two pre-course assignments, detailed and due at the beginning of day 1.
- 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.
