Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel
Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel
Glacier travel is a reality of ski touring in South Western British Columbia and can be one of the most dangerous and limiting parts of a skier or snowboarder’s day. Whether you are looking to develop safe travel skills for glaciated ski traverses or to reach new lines accessed via glaciated terrain, this is an essential course designed for experienced backcountry skiers and boarders.
The two-day program provides the foundations of roped glacier travel and crevasse rescue. If you intend to spend any amount of time traveling in glaciated terrain this intensive and comprehensive course will be an invaluable tool in your belt.
Rigging for glacier travel, travel techniques both up and downhill, snow anchor construction, Initial Load transfers, and self-rescue are the focus of day one. Raising systems (modern and improvised) with up to 6:1 mechanical advantage is the focus of the final day.
In addition to the standard AST gear list please review the equipment list below and ensure that you come ready with everything you need. Extremely Canadian will supply ropes and specific crevasse rescue mechanical devices.
Please note this course requires touring skis or splitboard, skins & avalanche safety gear. If you require Backcountry rentals please let us know. For complete equipment list see below.
Price:
$2000 + Taxes & Fees per group
Private courses are available for groups of 3-6 people.
DEAL ALERT: Ask us about discounted lift tickets
Dates:
Any two consecutive dates between Nov. 22, 2024 to Apr. 20, 2025.
Whistler Blackcomb Staff Deals:
WB staff can call 1-800-766-0449 or visit any Whistler Blackcomb Snow School Sales desk.
All participants will be required to sign the appropriate waivers for each adventure; please review the document thoroughly prior to signing.
What’s Included:
Glacier travel & routefinding
Learn the proper skills for roped travel in different types of glaciated terrain. Detect, avoid, and routefinding through crevasses.
Snow and Ice anchor construction
Essential knowledge before heading out on the glacier, these hard skills will teach you to set a trusted anchor in varying conditions.
Rope rescue systems
The bulk of the course will be spent learning techniques of how to companion rescue. These techniques will include load transfers, lifting a load using mechanical advantage (pulleys), efficient use of gear and ascending/descending techniques.
Two full days with a certified ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides)
Lift Line Priority
Ability Level:
Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders. Comfortable in variable conditions. With significant touring experience. Basic rope skills are recommended, but not required.
Give the gift of Adventure.
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Climbing Harness
A 120mm Sewn Sling
Four Locking Carabiners
Helmet (Ski or Climbing)
Two 5m x 7mm Nylon Cord
One Ice Screw (22cm Length)
A 1.75m x 7mm Nylon Cord
Three Non-Locking Carabiners
One Auto-block device (DMM Pivot, Petzl Reverso, Black Diamond ATC guide).
Basic Avalanche Safety Gear
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Q: What is the minimum ability I need to be?
A: If you can comfortably ski/ride an ungroomed black diamond then we have a group for you! Our programs are geared towards level 4-6 skiers and riders, from advanced-intermediate to Expert level.
Q: I don’t have all the rope gear required, what do we do?
A: We have a couple full kits that we are able to lend out to groups to use during the course.
Q: Does the price include a lift ticket?
A: The price does not include a lift ticket, but you cann purchase for a discounted price while skiing with Extremely Canadian.
Q: Where in the village can I find Backcountry rentals?
A: We highly recommend Evo Backcountry for all your backcountry rentals. Rent the full package, with a discount when booking with Extremely Canadian.
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Climbing harness
2 x 240cm Dyneema sewn slings
1 x ice screw (22cm length) OPTIONAL
Petzl Micro Traxion
T-blok
2 light weight pullies
1 x 1.75m x 7mm nylon cord
4x lockers
3 x non lockers
Rappel/belay device (DMM Pivot, Petal Reverso, Black Diamond ATC guide)
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The fine print.
Book in Advance
Guides are in high demand and low supply. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Payment & Confirmation
All rates are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to taxes. Full payment is due upon booking. Confirmation is made by email.
** Weather Conditions
Adventure travel involves risk and unpredictable weather conditions. Extremely Canadian does not purport to any guarantee of conditions. We retain the right to cancel at any time due to inclement weather or factors outside of our control. In this case the client will be entitled to a full refund.
Group Dynamics
We worry less about exact ratios but we endeavour to have a tight match of ability and inclination to provide tons of vertical and mileage while moving quickly and safely through terrain appropriate for the group. Ratios can be between 1:5 but are usually closer to 3:1. If we don’t have a group for you we will work to find another program that matches your ability or provide a full refund.
Insurance
We do not request proof of insurance coverage, but please ensure that you have appropriate coverage to ensure that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. We highly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to avoid penalties related to a change in plans.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
What you need to know before embarking on your day.
Meeting Time and Place
Meeting time is 8 AM on the deck of the Carleton Lodge in the main village between the gondolas unless otherwise noted in your confirmation.
Late Arrival or Departures
Extremely Canadian cannot accept responsibility for travellers inconvenienced by late, diverted, delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled travel arrangements. This also applies to missed connections or transfers. We intend to leave the Carleton Patio for 8:30 AM, there will be a 15 min grace period where we will wait and connect you to the group. If you arrive outside the 15mins, we are not responsible for connecting you to the group or providing a refund/reschedule.
Refunds
No refunds will be issued on whole or partially unused portions of packages. No refunds will be issued on day of lesson (medical reasons with a doctor’s note may be an exception).
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand if your plans change! Here's the scoop on our Avalanche Skills Training courses cancellation policy: Up to 7 days prior to your course, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your course dates or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 7 days prior to your online session date. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original course dates, refunds will not be allowed. If you are cancelling your course due to illness/injury within 7 days, you may be required to present medical documentation to complete the refund.
For private courses, up to 14 days prior to your activity date, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your course dates or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 14 days prior to the start of your course. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original course dates, refunds will not be allowed.
End of Day
Guides will determine the end of day. Many factors will be considered when doing so.
Behaviour Expectations
Guests are expected to behave in an orderly fashion and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests or in anyway harm the reputation of Extremely Canadian or its suppliers. Extremely Canadian reserves the right to decline accepting or retaining any guest whose health or actions impede the operation of a clinic or camp or the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests.
Underage Participants
Group programs are for guests aged 16 and older. All clients 18 & under must sign the safety voucher and wear a helmet.
Waiver
You will be required to sign multiple waivers and release of liability before your first day on the mountain. Below are copies of the waivers you will need to sign for your review.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
