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learn outdoor skills on a winter overnight

Winter Overnight

Description
Rates & Booking
FAQ

Photo: Travel Alberta

Winter Overnight

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

The Winter Overnight Program can be booked from January to March.

This program is offered in two formats:

  • 2 days / 1 night
  • 3 days / 2 nights

Take your student’s winter experience to the next level with an overnight adventure in Kananaskis Country! This winter overnight program is based out of the Ribbon Creek  hostel. This location is literally surrounded by scenery that can only be described as world class and wild.

Students will receive a lesson on winter hiking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing on day 1, and enjoy the trails in the Kananaskis area the rest of the time. After spending the day outside, we relax inside the hostel with hot chocolate, and play games by the warmth of the fire. 

*You can choose your preference of the main activity between winter hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing while booking. Please note, your choice of activity may need to be altered based on weather and snow conditions.

- Grades 4 to 12

- Mountain Travel
- Certified Guides

The teachers can choose 2 of the following skill building activity options that will be facilitated on Day 1 of the program.

The 3-day, 2 night version of this program allows us to offer all the activity stations listed below. This is a great opportunity for students to learn a multitude of outdoor skills on different subjects.

Activities

Fire Lighting - In this activity station, the students will learn about the key ingredients of fire and experiment with Ferro Rods. They’ll put their new skills to the test in a friendly competition where they will need to combine strategy and technique to light a fire.

Orientation - In this activity station, students will become familiar with the different parts of a compass and how to take and follow bearings. In small groups, they’ll create and navigate a course using a sequence of bearings.

Avalanche awareness - Our Avalanche Awareness program is designed to introduce students to snow science through beacon search 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. 

Quinzee building - Believe it or not, you can be cozy in a home made from snow! This station teaches students the proper way to construct a Quinzee, also known as a snow cave. This type of shelter has long been used by indigenous people and survivalists for its simplicity and ability to keep its inhabitants warm even during the coldest Canadian winter nights.  

Winter tracking - Just like us, animals are still out and about during the cold months. We might not see them, but winter is the perfect time to pay attention to signs of their presence. In this activity, students will learn to notice and identify some of the common tracks left behind by wildlife.

Itinerary

Times displayed are flexible

Location

Click here to view the location of the Ribbon Creek Hostel

Teacher and volunteer expectations
  • Teachers will provide lead guide with any medical or behavioural concerns amongst group members
  • Teachers are expected to be present at all activities and during meal times
  • Teachers are responsible for supervising and organizing meal preparations and clean-ups
  • Teachers will be required to arrange for volunteers to comply with standards 
  • 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 guides are not responsible for overnight supervision
  • COA guides will not be able to bunk with students
  • 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 or alter any scheduled activity/program due to any safety or unresolved discipline issues. This includes students that arrive with inadequate gear, which may present a risk to their personal safety
  • Programming will be discussed ahead of time
What is included in the program

Your program fee includes all activity supplies, snowshoes, shovels, on site emergency vehicle, and potable water), recycling and garbage bins, all equipment for games and 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., A full kitchen will be available in the hostel for the group to prepare/store food.

If you choose the winter hiking option; spikes are provided by COA

If you choose the snowshoeing option; snowshoes are provided by COA

If you choose the cross-country skiing option; You are responsible for providing your own. Cross-country skis can be rented from Kananaskis Outfitters located next to the Ribbon Creek Hostel or at the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary.

What is not included in the program

COA does not provide food!

COA does not provide transportation!

COA does not provide Cross-Country Skis!

Groups are responsible for providing and transporting personal gear and all meals.

Students personal gear should include (REQUIRED!):

PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANY COTTON HOODIES OR PANTS.

  • Long underwear 
  • Other layers of clothing
  • Wool or fleece pants
  • Underwear as needed
  • Wool or other warm synthetic socks
  • Fleece or wool jacket
  • Winter Jacket
  • Snow Pants
  • Toque & mitts or gloves
  • Sturdy Winter Boots
  • Personal items toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lenses, etc.
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses 
  • Water bottle  
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Day Pack

        Rates & Availability

        • 2 Days 1 Night $200 Per Student
        • 3 Days 2 Nights $300 Per Student
        • Program fee Includes Hostel Accommodation 
        • Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free (max 4)
        • Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 28
        • Inquire for smaller or bigger groups
        • Program does not include transportation

        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 hostel fees incurred. 
        • There is a NO REFUND policy on hostel 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

        Click here to fill in our booking form

        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.
        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!

        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.