Home » Training » Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping
Training

Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping.

The Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping course provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for identifying, interpreting, and documenting avalanche terrain using standardized mapping methods. Students learn to analyze how terrain features influence avalanche formation and runout, interpret maps and aerial imagery, use digital mapping tools, and apply avalanche mapping conventions to real-world examples. 

The course is intended for individuals working in or around avalanche terrain who require a fundamental understanding of avalanche mapping to support operational planning, hazard assessment, and documentation. 

Contact Student Services for more info.

The course is delivered in the fall and includes travel to various locations in the surrounding region. Students must be fit and experienced in fall backcountry travel and should be prepared for bushwhacking in avalanche runout zones, long days, and wet fall weather.

Delivery Format: Blended classroom and field-based study.
Duration: 7 days

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

Mandatory:

Town-based courses:
Registration Fee: $275.00 (Non refundable)
Course materials: $135.00 (Non refundable)
Tuition: $2,424.00
Total: $2,834.00

Upon registration, students will receive a detailed preparation guide that includes required pre-course readings and assignments, equipment requirements, recommended reference materials, and guidance on preparing for the course. Pre-course assignments include a review of trigonometry, topographic map use, GPS and digital mapping tools, and other foundational mapping skills.

Students are:

  • required to bring all items listed on the Student Equipment List.
  • 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.

This course is offered every other year in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2027, 2029).

Upcoming Sessions

    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