Course Descriptions
For specific DATES AND LOCATIONS please click here to be redirected.
Zac’s Tracs and the Canadian Avalanche Centre
This season’s schedule include the following programs. Click on each program for more details.3 hr Avy Awareness Seminars hosted by the Canadian Avalanche Centre
3 hr Introductory Rescue Workshops
3 hr Advanced Rescue Workshops
4-5 day AST Level 2 Class & Field
40 hr Wilderness First Aid Course – Snowmobile Specific
Alberta Snowmobile Association’s SledSmart Program
AST 1 - Certificate Course
Avalanche Skills Training – Level 1 (AST 1)
The AST 1 course follows a curriculum developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association. Instructional materials & lesson plans are developed by the CAA.
Click here to go the www.avalanche.ca for more information.
The AST1 (16hr) class is recommended as the MINIMUM that any backcountry recreationalist should have.
The course demands a minimum of 16 hours. The AST is an excellent introduction to avalanche terrain recognition skills, snowpack theory, rescue skills and overall risk management. The classroom component includes lecture, powerpoint, videos, displays, demonstrations, and group exercises.
Because the class structure is highly interactive the participants gather more value out of the class sessions than on-line programs and books. The course structure invites serious participation by the students. Maximum learning results from listening to the experiences of other participants, their interpretations of the material, and group discussions that result from questions posed by your peers.
Participation is the key to learning in our classes.
There are no mistakes…only learning opportunities!
Classroom Exercises
- require 8 hours and can be completed over a full day or two 4-hour evening sessions.
What you can expect to learn
- 4 persistent weak layers and what you can do to avoid them
- why all hoars are bad, even the pretty ones ;-)
- why your long time local knowledge of a riding area isn’t always enough to keep you safe
- your snowmobile can be a tool or it can be a weapon. Learn to use its power to your advantage
- key webpages that should be accessed before each riding day
- FREE sources to gather and build your avy knowledge and experience
- why the blueprint changes season to season, even from day to day. What is this year’s blueprint?
- why rocks and trees are like icebergs
- eight killer terrain features
- the 5 most important questions to ask when organizing a rescue
- how to properly use an avalanche probe (no, I will not be quoting Cartman from Southpark but what I show you will probably surprise you)
- who in your riding group is an asset and who is a liability
- key benefits and limitations of beacons, probes, shovels, and airbags. Features you should look for in your friend’s gear. (Afterall, the gear that your friends carry is to SAVE YOUR LIFE. Make sure it is the best stuff!)
- and of course, how to use that beacon hanging around your neck.
All beacons have unique features and limitations. Learn the tips and tricks related to your unit. You aren’t just trying to locate a target, you are trying to save someone’s life. Minutes and even seconds count. Why not be prepared. ‘If only I had…’ That would be a terrible feeling to live with….
Following the classroom, students provide their own snowmobile to participate in eight hours of hands-on field exercises.
This is very important. Proper terrain travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually practicing the appropriate travel techniques (rather than just attending a lecture on them) the odds are better that safer riding styles will be adopted.
Field Exercises include:
•Single and multiple beacon searches using analog and digital technology
•SOS, Ortovox, Tracker, Pieps & Barryvox avalanche gear and SEAR snow study equipment are available for student use and demo. Test and compare before you buy.
•Act as a searcher and a witness during 2 or more timed mock rescues
•Practice rescues using life size dummies and probe targets
•Learn how to keep your group safe while trail riding or hill climbing
•Dig a pit to see weak & strong layers, snow crystals and slab formation – skills necessary to understand Public Avalanche Bulletins that are available at www.avalanche.ca or 1-800-667-1105
(Maximum student to instructor ratio for field exercises is 8:1)
(A Release of Liability must be signed before participating in any program.)
The classroom session must be completed first in order to be prepared for the field session. The classroom covers more of the info related to ‘how not to get caught’.
In the field session we practice what we learned in the classroom and then work on the rescue skills, which are no longer about safety, but how to reduce the loss of an accident. The ‘doing’ in the field session is what cements all the info together.
Participating in the rescue scenarios with your riding group gives your partners a taste of their level of competence and teamwork.
We encourage refreshers of the field session every 2 years. There are always new skills to learn and each time your group participates they will gather new tools to draw from should you ever be faced with a real rescue situation.
Discounts are available for the field refreshers.
CLICK HERE for an explanation of the discounts.
PLEASE NOTE the AST Level 1 replaces the Introductory Recreational Avalanche Course (IRAC). This change was made by the Canadian Avalanche Centre in 2006.
Follow this link for an explanation of the typical AST1 Course Schedule
What do you need to bring on the field day?
Typical AST 1 Course Schedule
The typical AST 1 class schedule includes a full day of classroom exercises. Registration at 8:30am, half hour lunch and finished by 5:30pm. When locations permit, it is recommended that the group reconvene in the evening for an informal discussion (over dinner and drinks…when appropriate for the group) of the various makes and models of avalanche rescue tools (beacons, etc.) and to watch a 45 minute training video.
Depending on daylight hours and distance to the staging area, the group should meet for the field exercises at 8:30am at the staging area with sleds full of fuel & oil, lunch packed, ready to ride. This is a hands-on work day in a mountain location on snowmobiles.
Follow this link for an alternative schedule for the AST1
Alternative Schedule for the AST Level 1
For a larger group, 24-64 people, the classroom work may be split over 2 or 3 evenings. This alternative is very economical for the participants as it allows the classroom exercises to be completed in the group’s hometown, often organized during the pre-season. The field exercises are scheduled in the mountains at a later date and the participants can then choose from a variety of dates and locations.
There are a couple of options for this year’s AST Level 1 (RAC):
Option 1: 2 Day Mountain Programs – participants will travel to the
mountains and complete the full 16+ hrs at once. These programs are
scheduled in various mountain communities from December – March.
Option 2: 16+ hour Split Programs – participants have many pre-season options within Alberta and Saskatchewan to attend the classroom work over 1 day or 2 evenings. The field exercises are then completed in the mountains at a later date. Organize a multi-day sled tour and then book one day to spend with us. A safety course…a pretty good excuse for a trip to the mountains. Even your boss or spouse will have to agree!
Rescue Workshops
You have got the gear…. Learn how to use it!
Tools are only as good as the operator…
Could you locate someone? …quickly?!
Could your friends find you? …in time?!
If you should ever find yourself in the situation to need it, the beacon search should be second nature, freeing your mind up for more complicated rescue needs. Learn how beacons operate and methods to use when searching for multiple signals.
Digital or analog….what is the best?
Single search, multiple search…learn tips to improve speed and quality.
Avalanche probes and shovels look pretty simple, but there are still important techniques to get the best performance out of the gear without destroying it. Avalanche snow can be brutal.
Finally, put this all together in a group scenario to discover 5 key questions that must be asked before any avy rescue.
Avalanche rescue is not a skill that you want to learn as you go. Training can give you the tools to save a life!
We encourage everyone to attend these workshops. These sessions offer a great head start whether you plan to learn at your own pace through practice and research or whether you intend to advance your skills with an AST 1 Mountain Field session.
This 3 hour presentation will cover all makes and models of beacons commonly available in Western Canada.
This will be an indoor / outdoor presentation. Please bring your personal beacon, probe, shovel and backpack if you already own these items, however it is not necessary. Demo units will be available. Please dress for the weather as we may take the opportunity to go outdoors for part of the program. Demo units will be available.
It is recommended that you label all personal gear with your name to prevent loss.
In this exercise each participant has a set of colored disks. With each step the searcher drops a colored disk on the floor as they follow the flux line into the transmitter in the middle of the circle.
Try to follow the trail on the floor created by each color as they converge on the transmitter at the center of the gymnasium.
To view available courses and to register CLICK HERE.
Avalanche Course Fees for Individuals
PRICES
Please contact Zac’s to quote a custom course.
These day rates and expenses will vary depending on the timing, size of the group, and the location of the program.
Actual course rates may be higher or lower than those quoted here.
In general rates usually work out to:
Classroom Session AST Level 1: $175 ~ 8+ hrs
includes GST, course manual, workbook, Avaluator card & guide book
Field Session AST Level 1: $175 ~ 8+ hrs
includes GST, snow study and rescue equipment for the day.
Beacon Workshop: ~ $ 50-75 ~ 2-4 hrs
includes GST & handouts.
This session may be run as an indoor presentation or an outdoor interactive session…depends on group size and logistics of the teaching location.
3 hour CAC Seminars: $50/pp or $65/family, donations accepted
includes a free Avaluator and Friends Membership to the CAC
Expenses supported by the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) Snowmobile Outreach Program.
2007-2008 Avalanche Programs & Fees for Course Hosts
It is awesome that you are viewing this so early in the season!
This is the best time to get your group organized and book an avalanche class. Sledders are highly motivated in the pre-season and the courses that run from October – December fill easily.
We are now taking deposits for custom courses for 2007-2008.
2 of the 10 weekends are still available.
There are many weekday opportunities as well.
If you are a business, club or individual seeking to organize a custom session for your community or riding group contact Zac’s for a quote.
403-938-5811 or lori@zacstracs.com
Training Options:
General Avalanche Awareness Presentation – 2-3 hours
Beacon Workshop – 2.5 hours
AST 1 Classroom Training – 8+ hours
AST 1 Hands-on Field Training – 8+ hours
(certificate issued upon completion of the 16 hr AST 1 class & field training program)
AST 2 – 4 day program
Customized Class – you choose the schedule & program length – 2 hrs to 4 days
As a Course Host, choose a course type, date and location and estimate the group size.
The course quotes are based on day rates plus expenses. The cost to your participants will depend on the group size and the travel expenses from Calgary, AB.
Keep the group size small to maximize instructor time
or gather up a larger group for a lower per person pricing.
Registration and promotion for these programs will be completed by the Course Hosts.
A fully transferable but non-refundable deposit of $500 will hold your chosen date until September 30th. After September 30th booking details will be completed with the Course Host and a deposit of $1000 confirms the program. Full payment is due prior to the training program.
Should a group cancel with less than 4 weeks notice, the deposit will be retained. This deposit is fully transferable and we encourage you to find another group to book in your space. Winter weekends are a non-renewable resource!
Individuals looking for training should scroll up to the Events Calendar. Some of the Course Hosts may have opened their programs up to the public.
Another option may be to participate in the open forum below. Post the number of riders interested in training and your preferred dates and locations. Hopefully groups can get organized on-line in this manner and successfully schedule the training that they are seeking.
Questions or comments? Contact Lori at 403-938-5811 or lori@zacstracs.com
Post your contact info here if you are looking to gather a group and schedule an avalanche class! [3]
Hands on Rescue Field Training - 4 hrs
This outdoor session is a modified AST1 field session. Hands on activities will be conducted in pairs and group situations to introduce search techniques and tips when working with beacons, probes, and shovels. Mock rescue scenarios will be conducted to highlight effective group management during high pressure situations.
Please bring your personal beacon if you already own one, however it is not necessary. Demo units will be available.
It is recommended that you label all personal gear with your name to prevent loss.
ASA SledSmart Program
Sled and ATV Smart into the New Season
The Alberta Snowmobile Association, Alberta Transportation, RCMP, and the Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research, along with strong corporate sponsorship, continue to enjoy a strong and co-operative partnership in promoting the Sled Smart and ATV Safety and Awareness Program.
SLED SMART centers on three key elements: information, education and community involvement. The focus of this campaign is to raise awareness of safe and environmentally responsible snowmobile and ATV operation to students.
We invite parents and community members to attend the presentations to support their youth and build a relationship of trust and confidence with respect to the safe and responsible operation of recreational vehicles.
To download our ‘Invitation to Attend’ please CLICK HERE.
Included in this package are a few questions to prepare your child for the activities during our presentation.
To download the pre-course questions, please CLICK HERE.
Click on this Google Map to see the schools that are participating this season!
View SledSmart LZ in a larger map
The 2009-10 SLED SMART Snowmobile and ATV Safety and Education Campaign will be delivered to participating schools throughout Alberta and will create greater community awareness and support of snowmobile and ATV safety. The ASA SLED SMART program has been deemed an outstanding success with presentations made to over 50,000 students across the province.
CLICK HERE to read feedback from our 2008-09 season.
“The sport of snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy Alberta’s wonderful winter landscape” says Chris Brookes, Executive Director of the ASA. “While snowmobiling is a perfect family activity for Albertans, it also takes place in the great outdoors, which can be challenging and unpredictable at times. Sled Smart offers a good, well rounded introduction to off highway riding in all seasons and is a valuable addition to school curriculums, which currently do not offer this important information to Alberta students.”
The Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA), founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization representing volunteer clubs, which operate, maintain and promote Alberta’s snowmobile trail network and riding across the province. The ASA is also affiliated with all other provincial and territorial snowmobile organizations, which represent organized snowmobiling through the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO). We join together in promoting safe, responsible snowmobiling in Canada.
For more information about snowmobile safety, contact the Alberta Snowmobile Association at (780) 427-2695 or visit www.altasnowmobile.ab.ca . To learn more about traffic safety, please contact the Traffic Safety Initiative at (780) 422-8839 or visit www.saferoads.com .
For general tips on snowmobile safety.
Alberta Snowmobile Association
11759 Groat Road Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6
Phone: 780.427.2695 Fax: 780.415.1779
email: info@altasnowmobile.ab.ca
www.altasnowmobile.ab.ca
Wilderness First Aid SNOWMOBILE SPECIFIC
Injuries on the mountain? Do you have the skills and gear to confidently stabilize someone? What about packaging and transporting out? Could you maintain a patient if you had to overnight?
This fall I took the first 40 hr of an 80 hr Wilderness First Aid course with Slipstream. Wow, what an eyeopener! We improvised and learned to work with supplies and gear that make sense to carry in the backcountry. The tricks we learned with webbing, rope, tarps, Thermarests™, and bandages were very cool. In a backcountry setting you could be the only medical attention that your friend or family member may receive for hours or even days.
Could you hold your cool in a dozen or more scenarios? Could you stabilize a broken pelvis or femur with the gear in your pack and your environment? What about dealing with shock? Hypothermia?
I am looking for 8 people that are keen to spend 3-4 days in a Wilderness First Aid course COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZED FOR MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILERS.
I am considering March. So far I have received interest from the Crowsnest Pass and Valemount.
Please email me. Until I know the level of interest, the number of days to cover the curriculum and the facility costs I won’t be able to give out a price. My best guess is between $600 (no certificate, fewer days) – $1200 (certificate, 4 days). We can influence the curriculum based on the group’s interests and needs, i.e. whether we want an industry recognized certificate or a completely customized course.
Many of you can write this safety training off. These skills are transferable to all areas of your lives….work, family, summer play and winter play.
