WINTER CREVASSE RESCUE & GLACIER TRAVEL

FOR BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS & SPLITBOARDERS TO LEARN EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, LIGHT AND FAST CREVASSE RESCUE SYSTEMS.

BOOK NOW Starting from: $349.00 /per person Book Now

BOOK NOW Starting from: $349.00 /per person

Book Now

WINTER CREVASSE RESCUE & GLACIER TRAVEL

Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Logo

Join one of our Professionally Certified ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) guides and let them share their passion for this sport. 

Visit our Guides Page to find out more about your guide.

Book online or contact our office to ask any questions: 1-604-938-9242 or info@mountainskillsacademy.com

COURSE INFORMATION

From experience garnered worldwide and testing many different systems, ours combines the best elements of safety, lightness and ease of use.

An important point that differentiates our course from others is the un-roped victim course component. This includes rappelling and ascending into and out of a crevasse to perform rescue of an un-roped victim – an essential skill considering over 85% of glacier skiing is performed un-roped.

In order to be self-sufficient, backcountry skiers and alpine climbers learn the three all-important components: rope ascension, crevasse rescue and glacier travel.

Practice the following key knots to prepare for the course: Figure 8 on a Bite; Clove-Hitch; Munter-Hitch; Girth-Hitch; Auto-Block; and Munter-Mule.

Did you know we also run a Women's Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel Course. Find out more.

Lift Ticket *Day 2 only: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a Lift Ticket through our office at checkout.

**All Courses subject to a minimum number of participants. 48 hour notice will be given if the minimum number has not been reached.

Day 1: Meet at 8:30am. The guide will have everyone sign a waiver and give a brief safety briefing along with discussing the day's objectives. This day will take place in the valley, and the guide will take you to an appropriate location to practice rope ascension.

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a short debrief of the day

Day 2: Meet at 8:30am. The guide will start a discussion on the previous day, current conditions and glacier morphology. The group will then head to a local glacier (using the Whistler Blackcomb lift system) for the rest of the day.

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a course debrief and discussion of next steps for the students.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals we have teamed up with local rental companies to provide discounted rentals. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Equipment:
  • Touring skis or splitboard with skins, poles, and appropriate boots – Day 2 only
  • Avalanche safety equipment – shovel, probe and beacon – Day 2 only
  • Mountaineering/Ice Axe - Day 2 (optional - necessary for those looking at mountaineering objectives)
  • Lift Ticket - Day 2
  • Harness
  • Helmet

A Crevasse rescue kit required* (see complete list below) – both days. Kit can be rented from MSAA

Crevasse Rescue Kit:
  • Locking Carabiners x 4
  • Non-locking Carabiners x 4
  • Sewn Sling 1 x 120cm
  • Cordalette’s: 2 x 5m (7mm) for ropes 9mm and up (5mm for 8mm ropes or less, i.e. Petzl Rad Line) if using skinny ropes or Rad line, add 2 locking carabiners, stamped as opposed to round aluminum stock best.
  • Cordalette 1 x 1.5m (7mm)
  • Ratchet: 1 x Auto-Block Device or Ratcheting pulley (Petzl Reverso, BD ATC Guide, Petzl Micro-traxion (best)). If using micro-traxion, add 1 munter/pearshaped locking carabiner, stamped as opposed to round aluminum stock best.
Clothing:
  • Warm clothing (wool/synthetic recommended)
  • Warm socks (wool/synthetic recommended)
  • Insulating jacket (down or similar)
  • Shell jacket (Gore-tex or similar)
  • Shell trousers (Gore-tex or similar)
  • Warm gloves and shell gloves
  • Warm Hat
  • Goggles
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Lunch/Snacks
  • Water (approx. 1-2L)
  • Hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate in a thermos (optional)

Food and water are not included. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

If you do not have your own equipment please contact us to arrange to rent helmet or harness.

It is beneficial to practice using your own equipment under the supervision of a professional.

Topics Covered:
  • Introduction to Glacier Kit and equipment check
  • Situational awareness, review hazards
  • Arresting the fall, holding the victim and anchor building
  • Crevasse rescue system
  • Incorporating a ratchet
  • First raise method
  • Crevasse Rescue Scenario
  • Glacier morphology, physiology, terminology
  • Glacier travel, rope handling, route finding & track setting
  • Belaying from an anchor over a bridge
  • Downhill glacier skiing safety strategy discussion

Click HERE for the full curriculum

The important details:

Season: Nov – Apr

Duration: 2 Days (8:30am – 4:30pm)

Location: Whistler

Max Ratio: 8 Clients to 1 Guide

Minimum Age: 16 yrs

Prerequisites: Strong Intermediate Ski/Board Level

BOOK COURSE:

Price: Weekend: $379 | Mideeek: $349 | $1599/private (up to 6ppl)

Book Now

Request Alternative Dates:

Have a date in mind that is not available to book? Request an alternative date and if we have more than 4 participants interested we will open the date. 

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