learn winter overnight survival skills

Winter Camping

Description
Rates & Booking
FAQ & Packing List

Photo: Travel Alberta

Winter Camping

The old adage holds true - some dance in the winter, and others just get cold.

Join us as we help you enjoy a full winter camping experience. On this action-packed adventure, your students will gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of winter camping, and gain a deeper appreciation for the northern forests of the Canadian Rockies.

Participants can choose to sleep in a Hostel, or they can fully-immerse themselves in the winter survival experience and sleep in a snow shelter they build themselves.

- All Ages/Abilities
- Mountain Travel
- Certified Guides
We operate themed experiences that focus on winter shelter building and survival skills, combined with a ton of fun.
Rates & Booking

Rates & Availability

Snow Shelter-Based:

  • 2 Days 1 Night $145 Per Student
  • 3 Days 2 Nights $220 Per Student
  • Program Includes Campground Accommodation
  • Minimum 18 participants
  • Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free
  • Minimum 18 participants, Maximum 45
  • Program does not include transportation

Hostel-Based:

  • 2 Days 1 Night $190 Per Student
  • 3 Days 2 Nights $290 Per Student
  • Program Includes Hostel Accommodation
  • Minimum 18 participants
  • Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free
  • Minimum 18 participants, Maximum 45
  • Program does not include transportation

Please call 403-242-8725 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book today, or fill out our inquiry form:

Inquiry Form

Everything you will need

Recomended Packing List

Students must carry ALL items on the trail.
PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANY COTTON HOODIES OR PANTS.
  • Warm Sleeping Bag
    The rating of a bag states the temperature of survival, not comfort. Please make sure the sleeping bag is ample warm enough or bring an extra blanket or liner
  • Sleeping Pad
    Closed cell pads are best
  • Pillow
    (if desired)
  • Spare Socks
  • Bagged Lunch
    Extra snacks are always nice!
  • Long underwear
    2-3 sets of tops and bottoms: 1 for sleeping, 1 for daytime use
  • Other layers
    Clothing that can be combined in layers to keep you warm with changing temperatures (i.e. vest, wool sweater, etc.)
  • Wool, pile or fleece pants
    No jeans or sweats - these absorb water and do not provide warmth.
  • Underwear
  • Wool or wicking socks (NO cotton)
    Several pairs. Avoid ankle socks as these will leave your ankles exposed to blisters and do not provide any warmth
  • Pile, fleece or wool jacket
  • Toque and scarf
  • Mitts or gloves
    And at least one extra pair
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants or snow pants
  • Sturdy hiking boots or snow boots
    Waterproof, have been worn before and broken in
  • Camp Shoes
    these are to give feet a break from their closed toed shoes, and let their hiking shoes dry/air out. An extra pair of runners, sandals, crocs, camp booties etc.
  • Personal toiletries
    toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lenses, etc. Please place these items in a separate small bag or Zip-loc, as they will be stored separate from all other items. NO PERFUMES OR COLOGNES!
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
    With brim, to protect from sun exposure
  • Headlamp or Flashlight
    New batteries
  • Day Pack
    large enough to carry lunch, 1 litre water bottle, and extra clothes, etc.
Please download and print the packing list below. The PDF list contains even more detailed packing instructions and guidelines.
If you have any additional questions about what items to bring on your snowshoe adventure please contact us.
Contact Program Director
Download Packing List

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 kind of accommodations do Students stay in on multi-day trips?
All of our multi-day trips are customizable depending on the instructor’s goals. We stay in anything from hand made shelters to hostels.
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.
How big are your program groups?
Company of Adventurers strives for group intimacy. We always keep hiking and activity groups at or below 15 per group. Due to Covid - 19, all groups during the active pandemic will be reduced to 7 following strict social distancing guidelines.
Does COA supply bussing to and from program locations?
COA does not supply transportation for teachers or students. Teachers will be required to book and pay for their transportation.
Where do you run your programs?
COA is based in Calgary, Alberta and has been offering programs since 1990. Due to our proximity to the mountains, we are able to run programs in Kananaskis country, YOHO-Banff- Kootenai National Parks, as well as the Kettle Valley Region. We also offer a variety of at-school programs and inner city programs if this suits your needs better!
What kinds of activities are offered during a COA program?
Our outdoor based programs offer a variety of learning experiences on programs. We offer hard skills such as; shelter and fire building, knot tying and tarp set up, and winter and summer survival techniques. On top of this, all members of the COA guide team are Apprentice interpreters or Professional Interpreters with the Interpretive Guides Association. This allows for countless teachable moments along the trail and during a program.
What should I bring on a program?
Please review the gear list section on our website. If you have already signed up for a program, you will receive an itinerary and gear list in your email for your program.
Does COA operate year round or just during the summer?
COA is ready to get outside with you no matter the season! All year round COA is here to facilitate your educational adventure in the Rockies. Check out a list of our programs to decide which season you’d like to experience the mountains.
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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