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Introduction to Avalanche Operations.

Introduction to Avalanche Operations is a prerequisite for Avalanche Operations Level 1 and it is also available to anyone interested in learning more about avalanche safety in a professional context.

As a prerequisite to professional-level training, this course will provide a foundation for further learning across a variety of topics, including mountain weather, the mountain snowpack, and avalanche terrain fundamentals. This course is designed to provide each student with a broad understanding of some of the important subjects tackled in Avalanche Operations Level 1.

Le cours Introduction aux Opérations d’avalanche est également disponible en français. Une fois inscrit, vous serez redirigé vers la platforme de cours en ligne. Il suffit alors de cliquer sur l’icône de la planète en haut à droite et de sélectionner la langue Française. Tous les textes principaux du cours sont en français. Les images, vidéos, ressources et exercices de révision à la fin de chacune des unités sont en anglais. Un document pdf avec le contenu détaillé des 11 unités du cours sera aussi disponible en français, une fois le cours complété.

Contact Student Services for more info.

In Canada, please refer to the Canadian Ski Guide Association, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, or the Canadian Motorized Backcountry Guides Association. The CAA’s Industry Training Program (ITP) is designed for avalanche education and professional training, rather than guide certification.

This self-directed, 20-hour online course is available in both English and French, featuring 11 interactive units supported by peer discussion forums.

  • History of Avalanches in Canada
  • Avalanche Risk management Framework
  • Mountain Weather Fundamentals
  • Mountain Snowpack Fundamentals
  • Avalanche Formation and Characteristics
  • Avalanche Terrain Fundamentals
  • Avalanche Occurrence Observations and Recording
  • Snow Profile Observations
  • Communicating Hazard and Risk
  • Human Behaviour and Situational Awareness
  • Risk Mitigation and Mountain Travel

Students progress at their own pace, completing short end-of-unit quizzes with unlimited attempts until a 100% passing grade is achieved, earning a certificate of completion.

Delivery Format: Online

Recommended:
  • AST 1
  • AST 2

Course fee: $135.00 (Non-refundable)

Important: The Introduction to Avalanche Operations course fee is included in the Operations Level 1 course fee, so it does not need to be purchased separately. If you register for Operations Level 1 this season, you will receive a direct registration link for the Introduction to Avalanche Operations course.

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 runs annually from September 1 to May 31. All coursework must be completed by May 31.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Date: Sep 7, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027
    Location: Online
    Price: $135.00
    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