Fall lineup of mountain safety presentations from the ACC

 

The ACC is very excited to present our fall lineup of mountain safety presentations for our members and for the larger mountain community. 

Doug Latimer, ACC Lead Winter Guide, will be presenting these sessions on The Alpine Club of Canada’s YouTube channel, live, on the dates listed below. All times are Mountain Standard Time. 

All of these YouTube livestream presentations are open to the public and are offered free of charge as part of The Alpine Club of Canada’s commitment to education, mountain safety and investment in our community. Similar material will be presented in separate sessions specifically for ACC members. 

*Please note that these knowledge sessions, while valuable, are only a beginning and are not intended to be a replacement for in-person and in-the-field training. 


Introduction to Backcountry Skiing 

Wednesday, November 8, 7:00pm (MST) 

Backcountry skiing is the first step into the world of winter mountain travel. This YouTube livestream presentation is designed for individuals who are interested in gaining the knowledge required to ski to spectacular mountain locations and discover untouched powder slopes. As personal skills develop, it is possible to ascend to the summit of peaks and travel safely across glaciers and icefields. The basic equipment, travel skills, and managing hazards will be introduced in this session.  

Session for ACC members 

Doug Latimer will be giving a related online presentation specifically for ACC sections on updating and sharing the Rocky Mountain Section’s successful Backcountry Skiers in Training (BIT) program. Contact your local section if you would like to participate in this ACC members session.  

>>> Applicable ACC skills courses 

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding 


Intro to Avalanche Safety – updates to current best practices 

Wednesday, November 15, 7:00pm (MST) 

This YouTube livestream session will introduce the characteristics of avalanche formation, the resources available to identify avalanche hazards and present the latest standards for search and rescue. As time permits, participants can ask questions using chat.  

Session for ACC members  

Doug will be giving a related video presentation on avalanche safety for ACC members – specifically aimed at volunteer leaders at ACC sections not in western Canada who have limited access to in-person avalanche safety courses. Please contact your local section if you would like to participate in this ACC members session. 

>>> Applicable ACC skills courses 

Avalanche Skills Training Level I 

Avalanche Basics Course 

Avalanche Skills Training Level II 


Winter Trip Planning and Emergency Responses 

Wednesday, November 22, 7:00pm (MST) 

This YouTube livestream will address the process of planning winter trips and being prepared for the possible incidents and accidents. Taking the time to plan a trip based on the weather, avalanche hazard, and the group is much more likely to produce a safe and enjoyable trip. Having a simple emergency response plan can dramatically improve your response to a situation and keep a minor accident from becoming a serious emergency.  

Session for ACC members

The ACC-section-related material for this topic will include trip and emergency response planning specifically for section outings. ACC members can contact their local section for more information and to be included in this session. 


Introduction to Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue 

Tuesday December 12, 7:00pm 

The tools and skills needed for glacier travel and crevasse rescue have been steadily evolving over the last 10 years. Join this YouTube livestream and learn the current best practices and the easiest and most efficient method to extract a roped team member from a crevasse.  

Session for ACC members 

Doug Latimer will be giving a similar presentation specifically for ACC members. Contact your local section for details. 

Monday December 11, 7:00pm 

>>> Applicable ACC skills courses 

Winter Crevasse Rescue 

Advanced Crevasse Rescue