Avalanche Rescue Training

As low as:

$175.00 / person

(at 8:1 ratio) Next Trip: Dec 13, 2026 (day trip)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

IAG Cancellation Coverage $8.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

Island Turns and Tours Guidebook $69.00

Save on postage and have this indispensable trip planning guide delivered to you at your course. With well over 500 Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale rated Island tours, this guidebook allows you to apply the learning from your IAG/HVI course to doing real trips in the mountains.

Avi Kit Rental $25.00

Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Avi Kits once rented are non-refundable.

About

Being fast and effective at avalanche rescue can make all the difference to a buried person’s chance of survival — but rescue doesn’t end once someone’s out of the snow. Avalanche Rescue Training is an intensive day of hands-on, scenario-based practice that takes you beyond companion rescue basics and into what happens next: backcountry first aid, improvised toboggan builds, and the communication skills that keep a rescue organized when it matters most.

Working through realistic scenarios back-to-back, with detailed debriefs after each one, you’ll sharpen the skills that actually make a difference when things go wrong. Do this course for your touring partners, and for yourself.

Curriculum

Expanded companion rescue practice plus “after the rescue” skills: first aid, improvised toboggans, and other communication tools/techniques.

Included:

  • 1 day of instruction and coaching from a certified instructor
  • HVI Lifetime Learning Guarantee 

Not Included:

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment 
  • Avi Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe – available as an add-on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.
Location

This course typically take place near Mount Washington Alpine Resort meeting near Raven Lodge. Precise meetings time and location will be given in a pre-trip email sent about a week before your course.

Itinerary

A typical day starts at 08:30 and ends around 16:00. The order of curriculum delivery will entirely depend on factors such as weather, students and the instructor assigned to your course. That said, here is a typical breakdown: 

08:30  - Meet at the Paradise Meadows Trailhead near the Raven (Nordic) Lodge at  Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Here you will sign waivers, and your instructor will hand out any rental add-ons purchased when you booked.  After introductions, you will travel a short distance to the training area, where you will set up for the day.

16:00 - Finish the day with a debrief and gear rental return.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Requirements


Avalanche Skills Training 1 or 2 (AST1 or AST2) or equivalent training or experience are recommended but not required. Having participants with a variety of experience levels  actually makes for very good practice as it mimics the dynamics of a real group in a real rescue situation.

Pre-course study

To help you prepare and get the most out of your course, we recommend some pre-course study. Review companion rescue basics here: https://avysavvy.avalanche.ca/en-ca/companion-rescue and download, print and bring along a Companion Rescue Checklist. Laminate this card or put it in a ziploc bag so that it stays dry.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. We are always happy to help you find a suitable course or customize something to suit your needs whenever possible.

Gear List


The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. If you have any questions, please send us an email: [email protected]

Avalanche Safety Gear:

These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book, or by request for $30/day.

  • Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital three-antenna)
  • Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel
  • Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm

Hardware:

  • Snowshoes, touring skis or split board+ ski poles with big baskets
  • Warm boots to hike (Sorrels or hiking boots with gaiters), ski or snowboard boots
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Clothing:

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
  • Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
  • Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning 
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
  • Baselayers (top and bottom)

Other:

  • Water
  • Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go) 
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
  • Camera
  • Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended)

Rentals


Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.

Snowshoes, touring skis or split board: We can offer our client's a 25% discount on their gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut for course and trip dates with us. These discount codes are distributed directly by IAG to our clients upon request. Gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Please note, to validate you will be asked to show the booking confirmation email you received from us when you pick up your gear.

If you require other items from the personal gear list, we suggest checking with: Sports Rent based out of Victoria, Alberni Adventure Gear based in Port Alberni, Blue Toque Sports based in Courtenay, and/or social media mountaineering groups to name a few.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.

Testimonials

There are currently no testimonials for this trip yet.