Grades 8 - 12 - The Canadian Avalanche Centre’s online learning course is designed to help learners acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to rescue themselves and their companions in an avalanche. To give this course a try, go to our Online Avalanche Course
The online course can also be obtained on CD for use in educational institutions where access to the internet is impossible or impractical. For information on how to order an Online Course CD please contact programservices@avalanche.ca
Avalanche Safety Classroom Kit
The Canadian Avalanche Centre can provide educators with an Avalanche Safety Classroom Kit that will include:
To order an Avalanche Safety Classroom Kit for your event please contact the CAC at programservices@avalanche.ca. When ordering please provide the following information:
Name of school, contact person, email and phone, shipping address, how many students and which grade(s).
Educational Resources
Below is a list of resources distributed by the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
The Fine Line
DVD - $20
Produced in 2008 by the Rocky Mountain Sherpas, this feature film (@50 minutes) unites winter action sports with youth education about responsible backcountry use. Geared towards youth, it is fast-paced with amazing imagery and footage. The feature film is followed by 4 teaching units where leading avalanche professionals join with snow sport athletes to educate people about Understanding Avalanche Bulletins , Choosing Terrain, Predicting Avalanches, and Emergency Self Rescue. The total time for the teaching units is @ 55 minutes.
A Dozen More Turns
DVD - $10
A documentary about backcountry skiing, avalanches and how the "human factor" - non-scientific, emotionally-spurred miscalculations - can have dire consequences. Based on a true story about five friends, experienced outdoorsmen who collectively possessed significant avalanche training and experience, who venture off on a multi-day hut trip in southwestern Montana. The film powerfully depicts how their pursuit of powder and desire to eek out a few extra turns results in tragedy. (30 minutes)
Know Before You Go
DVD - $10
A film created to introduce avalanche education to high school and university aged backcountry users. Amazing footage (Teton Gravity Research) of professional skiers, boarders and snowmobilers caught in avalanches is shown. This film illustrates that professional backcountry skiers and boarders have knowledge and experience about avalanches which helps them decide when it is safe to ride big terrain and when it is not. This film promotes becoming "Avalanche Smart" by taking an avalanche course and practicing with avalanche equipment. (17 minutes)
Intro Avalanche Awareness
DVD - Included in the Avalanche Safety Classroom kit. Extra copies: $10 each
This short (9 minutes) DVD is an excellent introduction to anyone new or unfamiliar with backcountry avalanche awareness and education. A good place to start.
Take Charge, Leading a Companion Rescue
DVD - $10
This DVD is produced by Backcountry Access and addresses how to respond to an avalanche and how to deal with a backcountry rescue. (20 minutes)
Little Respect
DVD - $10
Little Respect is appropriate for elementary school students. Covers alpine responsibility code. This is a great DVD to view for a school group that is going to the ski hill. (Has both French and English versions on the same disk).
Respect
DVD - $10
More indepth than "Little Respect," good for grades 5 or 6 through 12. Covers the alpine responsibility code, how to ski and board responsibly and hill safety. Narrated by professionals with good backcountry stories. (English)
Thrill Brochure
The CAC produces 2 brochures: one geared towards backcountry skiers and boarders and the other geared toward snowmobilers, on preparing yourself for avalanche terrain, reducing the risk, having the proper equipment and getting training. (Available in French and English).
Companion Rescue Cards
This small card can be laminated and fit in a notebook. Appropriate for high school students who are venturing into the backcountry. Gives step by step instructions for a companion rescue.
Danger Cards
These small cards can fit in a pocket or notebook and give the avalanche hazard rating used throughout Canada.
Avalanche Stickers
Gives the website address.
In the Path of an Avalanche
True story by Vivien Bowers about a group of 6 skiers that get caught in an avalanche in the Selkirk Mountains and die. The book is a good discussion start on human fallibility, risk tolerance and decision making.
Backcountry Avalanche Awareness, 7th edition, Bruce Jamieson
$10
This is required material for the Avalanche Skills Training level 1 course and is an excellent primer for anyone interested in skiing in the backcountry and learning more about avalanches.
Freeriding in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Jamieson and Jennie McDonald
$10
This book is similar in nature and information to Backcountry Avalanche Awareness but is geared towards snowboarders (photos).
Sledding in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Jamieson, Darcy Svederus, Lori Zacaruk
$10
The backcountry avalanche handbook for sledders. Similar in nature and information to Backcountry Avalanche Awareness.
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Tremper, 2nd edition
$24.95
Suggested resource material for anyone serious about pursuing the backcountry. Offers technical skills, practical advice and common sense approaches to dealing with avalanches.
Warning to All Freeriders Educators may be interested in these YouTube Video Clips
Warning to All FreeridersYellow Mountain Avalanche Fatality The following clips are produced by the "Avalanche Guys" in Bozeman, Montana and can be used to facilitate discussion regarding avalanche safety
Yellow Mountain Avalanche FatalityStay Alive Excellent teaching tool for skiers desiring to go out of bounds at the resort
Stay Alive
