CSGI Level 1

goals

To have candidates attain a basic understanding of mountain awareness and guiding principles. To become proficient with the technical and practical skills needed to work as apprentice ski guides within a mechanized backcountry operation.

PREREQUISITES

  • Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 course
  • Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Level 1 course or equivalent
  • Current 80 hour First Aid Certificate
  • Resume showing previous industry or related experience
  • Back country ski touring resume or trip log documenting experience

evaluation criteria

These are the criteria that participants will be evaluated on for successful completion of this program.

  • Basic proficiency demonstrated by finding 4 transceivers buried 60 cm deep in a 30m x 30m area within ten minutes. Transceivers can be turned off. Probe targets are to be used. The targets can measure up to 30cm x 30cm.
  • Demonstrate ability to build anchors, perform a lower, rappel a fixed line and ascend it.
  • Understand the fundamentals of a crevasse rescue system and be able to assist in an organized rescue. To be able to demonstrate a single rope system in the field within a timed period. The timed period will be at the discretion of the instructor/examiner depending on the site.
  • Understanding the fundamentals of a self rescue and be able to take charge, organize and participate in a search.
  • To be able to interpret basic terrain features in the field onto a map and from the map into the field.
  • To use a compass to shoot bearings for resection and route planning
  • To dig snow profiles and make observations within the time constraints of a mechanized skiing operation.
  • To adequately assess significant terrain features.
  • To identify hazards and hazard potential.
  • To route-find through terrain identifying safe and suitable routes.
  • To identify the safest routes in any given piece of terrain
  • To understand the fundamentals of guest management and be able to effectively communicate directions.
  • To understand the application of specialized guiding techniques.
  • Document daily observations and activities for reference and liability using a blank paged field book.
  • Demonstrate back-country awareness and the fundamentals of safe decision making.
  • Ability to work on a team, be open to new concepts, strategies, and demonstrate good leadership qualities.

Example of Level 1 schedule

The present outline is dependent on the weather and specific local details. Some changes will be necessary; the Instructors will announce daily scheduling.

Arrival, 5:00pm
Introductions and Overview
Course Outline, Manuals, Evaluation Criteria
Field Books (observations & info)
Transceiver Orientation and Practice
Helicopter Orientation

Morning Meeting
Navigation Basics
IntrTour
Navigation
Terrain & Hazards
Review Day
Discussion – Snowpack Observation

Morning Meeting
Navigation
Tour;
Snowpack Observation
Information Gathering
Navigation
Avalanche rescue – Demo
Review Day
Discussion – Decision Making 3×3

Morning Meeting
Rope Rescue;
Equipment and Knots
Anchors
Lowers
Ascending
Crevasse Rescue
Avalanche rescue
Review Day
Discussion – Introduction tMechanized Skiing

Morning Meeting
Mechanized Ski Guiding;
Route Selection
Guest Instruction
Regrouping
Avalanche Rescue
Review Day
Discussion – Mechanized Ski Guiding

Morning Meeting
Mechanized Ski Guiding / Tail Guiding;
Route Selection
Group Management
Hazard Evaluation
Review Day
Practice Session – Skill Development
Mid-course Evaluation

Morning Meeting
Ski Tour
Terrain Assessment
Hazard Evaluation
Avalanche Rescue
Review Day
Discussion – Avalanche Case Study

Morning Meeting
Mechanized Ski Guiding
Tail Guiding
Group Management
Client Care
Avalanche Rescue
Discussion – Mountain Sense

Morning Meeting
Rescue Practice
Lost Skiers
Injured Skier Evacuation
Bivi Sac
Toboggan
Improvised Sled
Review Challenging Concepts

 

Morning Meeting
Transceiver Scenario
Rope Rescue Scenario
Avalanche Rescue
Review Day
Discussion – Rescue Gear

Course Evaluation Questionnaires
Candidate Evaluations