Understand the complexities and dangers of avalanches

Avalanche Awareness

FAQ

Avalanche Awareness

A full auditory, visual, and kinesthetic experience enables your students to maximize understanding of this subject.

The Canadian Rockies are a world-class destination for winter recreation. With that being said, there are numerous safety hazards that need to be understood and considered before any backcountry winter travel. Our Avalanche Awareness program is designed to introduce students to snow science through performing beacon and snow profile stations, with the primary goal of helping them understand the complexities and dangers of avalanches. This program is not designed to certify students in backcountry travel, but is instead meant to introduce the basic concepts of snow safety.

- Grades 7 to 12

- Mountain Travel

- Certified Guides

We offer a full auditory, visual, and kinesthetic experience for your students to maximize understanding of the subject at hand. In addition to studying snow and the cause for Avalanches, students will have the opportunity to learn Avalanche Search and Rescue techniques in a safe and simulated environment.

This program is designed as an introduction into the intricacies of backcountry winter travel in a mountainous environment. We encourage and recommend anyone who would like to become a recreational user of mountain snow terrain to take accredited courses such as the Avalanche Skills Training courses, administered by the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Itinerary

Times displayed are flexible

Location

Click here to view the location of Hogarth Lakes

Teacher and volunteer expectations

Teachers will provide lead guide with any medical or behavioural concerns among group members
Teachers are expected to be present at all activities and during meal times
Teachers are expected to ride on the bus with the students
Teachers are expected to organize transportation to and from program location
Teachers will be required to arrange for volunteers to comply with standards
Transportation and costs associated with it, to and from the program location, are the Teachers responsibility.
Teachers are not expected to pay program fees
Teachers and volunteers are also included in the program fee, as long as they do not exceed a 1:10 ratio. If more volunteers are being included they will be charged the student program fee
Volunteers will be expected to comply with this list of expectations
Teachers will be responsible for any behavioral discipline during the trip
COA guides are not responsible for any additional discipline action required beyond scheduled activities
COA cannot be relied on to meet female and male ratios for adults vs. students
COA guides must be informed of any incidents or medical concerns during trip
COA reserves the right to cancel a scheduled activity/program due to any safety or unresolved discipline issues
COA reserves the right to deny student participation in an activity due to safety concerns, therefore students are expected to have the adequate gear and clothing for participation in the prevailing weather conditions
Programming will be discussed ahead of time
Questions should be directed to the Program Director via phone or email. Listed below.

What is included in the program

Your program fee includes snowshoes, all avalanche equipment, all equipment for games/ COA educational sessions, and COA guides with a maximum ratio of 1:14. Guides will carry a first aid kit, 2-way radios, bear spray, In Reach communication device, maps of the area, and guide tarps.

what is not included in the program

“Plan for the worst, hope for the best” is the rule to follow when planning what clothing to bring. Use layers to adjust to the air temperature and level at which your body is producing heat. Please avoid jeans and other heavy cotton clothes if at all possible. These absorb water like a sponge and are very cold when wet. Remember to bring warm winter boots, please do not allow students to come with only running shoes. Our snowshoes accommodate almost any type of winter boot. Everyone needs a winter jacket and snow pants. Listed below are required items to bring for the day:

Day pack
Winter Jacket
Garbage-free lunch
Snow Pants and Winter Boots
1 (litre) Water bottle
Extra wool sweater or polar fleece
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat or toque & gloves or mitts
Extra wool socks (for wet feet!)

Trips will go rain or shine although we may alter distances traveled if the weather is inclement.

Rates & Availability

$50 Per Student
Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free
Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 45
Inquire for smaller or bigger groups
Program does not include transportation
Program includes snowshoes and avalanche gear

Contact our Youth Program Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about our program.

Cancellation Policy

Notice of cancellation is required no later than 30 calendar days prior to the program start date. Cancellations after this deadline will result in forfeiture of a $250 cancellation fee, plus any campground fees incurred.

There is a NO REFUND policy on camping fees 30 Days prior to your outing. If canceling your trip after 30 days it will result in a fee specific to each campground and length of trip.

Please confirm your final group size at least 14 days prior to your program date so that we can make sure enough guides are on hand for your group. The minimum number you will be charged for is the number of confirmed participants. Decreases of 10% will be permitted up to 24 hours prior to the departure date.

Book Here

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Frequently Asked Questions

What training do your guides have to have?

Our guides are your adventure specialists and are trained to competently and confidently make your experience a fun and safe success. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid (80 hrs) in order to respond to any situation that might crop up. Our professional outdoor leadership skills will mitigate many of the risks that are inherent to playing in the mountains. All of our guides have university degrees in outdoor leadership and ecotourism as well as accreditation with the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) or the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Guides are also certified and registered interpreters through the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA), giving you access to knowledge about topics like glaciers and geology, local floral and fauna, and regionally history to further enrich your adventure. Check out our guide profiles to learn more about our amazing staff!

What is COA’s safety policy? How will participants be safe on a program?

Our number one goal here at COA has been and always will be your safety. No matter which program you attend our guide team will ensure yours and your student’s safety. While there are certain risks involved in some of the activities you may choose to participate in our guides are certified advanced adventure medics, so you know you are in good hands. All COA staff have been trained with our emergency plans. All guides carry a group sized first aid kit, tarp, bear spray and high frequency radio for communication. On top of this, all lead guides carry a satellite phone if needed.

Who supplies meals during COA programs?

Food is to be supplied by the teacher or students. COA is not responsible for providing or cooking food for clients. COA supplies kitchen needs such as stoves,cooking and cleaning equipment.

I don’t see any programs that suit my needs. Can I book a custom program with COA?

Of course! We’d love to design the perfect educational program for you and your group. The sky is virtually the limit! Please contact us directly to discuss and create your custom adventure today!

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