FAQ

Level 1

• Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 Operations course or equivalent
• Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance or Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 1 or equivalent
• Resume showing previous industry or related experience
• Backcountry ski touring resume or trip log documenting experience
• Current 80 hour first-aid certificate

Level 2

• Canadian Ski Guide Level 1
• Canadian Avalanche Association level 1
• Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance or Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 2 or equivalent
• Employment in a Helicopter or Cat Skiing operation with 2 years and 60 days experience
• An updated backcountry ski touring resume or trip log documenting experience
• Current 80 hour first-aid certificate
• Recommendation from mechanized ski industry operator
• Summer Glacier Skills Camp

Level 3

• Canadian Ski Guide Level 2
• Canadian Avalanche Association level 2
• Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance or Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 2 or equivalent
• Employment in a Helicopter or Snow Cat skiing operation with minimum of 4 years and 80 days guiding.
• Recommendation from mechanized ski industry operator
• Current 80 hour first-aid certificate
• Summer Glacier Skills Camp

No. You must meet all of the required prerequisites in order to be accepted for the courses.

• Equivalents for Ski / Snowboard Instructor Certification.
  • CSIA L1 = CASI L1, PSIA L1, NZSIA L1, APSI L1, CANSI L1
  • CSIA L2 = CASI L2, PSIA L2, NZSIA L2, APSI L2, CANSI L2
• First Aid: must have the required 80 hours of instruction.
  • 80hrs first aid courses = OFA L3, Wilderness First Aid (Responder), Outdoor Emergency Care
• CAA: We accept AIARE PRO 1 Courses, if the certification was completed in 2017 or later.
  • CAA OPS L1 = AIARIE PRO L1  (2017 or later)
  • CAA OPS L2 = AIARIE PRO L2

Yes, split boards are acceptable.

Equipment List

Daily field trips require walking or skiing to training sites in glaciated backcountry wilderness. All participants must be equipped with proper clothing and equipment, as follows:

• Overnight pack
• 35-55 litre guide’s pack
• Winter sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad (therma-rest)
• Climbing harness
• 6 carabiners (3 locking)
• 4 prussiks (7mm x 5 m)
• 2 prussiks (7mm x 70 cm)
• 2 anchor slings (5 m each of 1 in. tubular webbing)
• Folding pruning saw (min. 40 cm long)
• Avalanche probe and shovel
• Skis (touring) and skins
• Tent and/or bivy sac
• Cook set and eating utensils
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Clothing, hat, gloves, etc.
• Repair kit
• Backcountry first aid kit
• Climbing rope (50m x 11mm)
• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Headlamp
• Complete ski clothing (downhill and touring)
• Warm after-ski boots for tent
• Altimeter
• Compass
• Whistle
• 2 Tiblocs
• Mini traxion

All of the Operating Members of the CSGA recognize the CSGA qualifications, and the CSGA qualifications are recognized by WorkSafeBC and the major insurance companies.  Many other mechanized ski operations who are not Operating Members of the CSGA also hire CSGA guides, though there are still a few who do not.

• Currently 60% of all Level 1 Graduates are employed within the industry
• Currently 90% of all Level 2 Graduates are working within the industry
• Currently 100% of all Level 3 Graduates are employed in the industry