Winter Programs

Custom dates available for your schedule

Thinking of taking an AST Level 1 or 2 educational course? If so, why would you take it with anything less than a Professional Educator? Each course that is offered is based on the curriculum of Avalanche Canada, and has a certification upon completion. From this frame work I customize the deliverables so that you get exactly what you are looking for. A course that is as unique as you are - every time.

My Winter Background

I have more than thirty years of experience teaching both AST 1 and AST 2 courses. My professional training includes a Level 2 Professional standing with the Canadian Avalanche Association,(presently participating in Level 3), a Master's degree in Leadership and Training, Life Coach, Ski Guide, Professor at Capilano University, and Advanced Wilderness First Aid. My philosophy on education and learning is that you learn the most by being experientially engaged, by asking questions, and making the decisions in a supportive and empowering learning environment. There needs to be an environment of trust, respect and a willingness to be engaged by both the educator and the student. We all have something to teach one another.

Both of these courses follow the format developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association, and upon successful completion you will receive a certificate of completion.

Avalanche Skills Training 1

$305

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
    •    Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
    •    Identify avalanche terrain.
    •    Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
    •    Use the Avaluator 2.0 as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where avalanche bulletins are available.
    •    Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
    •    Find resources for obtaining avalanche danger ratings and avalanche bulletins if these are not available.
    •    Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
    •    Carry out a companion rescue.
    •    Understand the limits of their training.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2

$650

This is an experientially based course delivered over four days in a variety of field locations, in either a two week end delivery format, or four days sequentially.

AST 2 Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
    •    Use the Avaluator 2.0 as a filtering tool to determine when additional planning and travel techniques are required to travel safely.
    •    Be familiar with Avalanche Danger Ratings verification techniques for personal use on a local scale.
    •    Be familiar with the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) technical model as a means to develop personal, local terrain ratings.
    •    Use route finding to take advantage of nuances in terrain to manage personal risk.
    •    Use travel techniques in avalanche terrain appropriate to the avalanche conditions.
    •    Proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
    •    Understand the limits of their training.

Decision Making and Creating High Performance Groups

$150

Time and time again the reason why most people get caught in an avalanche is due to human error! This is a one day course that is a combination of an indoor session, and an active outdoor afternoon session. The course is progressional and sequential from developing a better understanding of who you are in a  group context, the development stages of groups, and how to fast track the development of high performing groups.

Decision Making Guru - "the art of making decisions that keep you alive"

$215

Why do we make the decisions that we do, and how to increase the odds in our favour of making the right decision. A one day course that will provide you with tools and the practical experience to increase the effectiveness of your decision making strategies, in all circumstances and situations. Find out why you make the decisions that you do, and how to reduce reacting to situations and becoming more responsive to what is. 

Home of the Winter Spirit

Day trip $400

There is a place just north of here that is considered to be the home of the "winter spirit". Every time that I have been here, which are now many, I can feel the power and the presence of something so much bigger than who I am. Join me on a day tour by ski to this mystical place where ravens soar, the wind tells a story and a deep sense of peace is felt within. Also some great turns and memories to be created.

We will do a small ceremony in our time here to honour this and to feel the connection to a truly sacred place.

                                             “The Only Constant in Life is Change”

Heraclitus               

 1 Day Fundamentals Workshop - Squamish BC - 4 hours / Including tea, coffee, snacks $125 April 13 / May 11 2024

Put yourself in the expert hands of a certified WHM Instructor to learn the 3 pillars of the Wim Hof Method: Breathing Technique, Cold Exposure & Commitment. Find out how you can utilize oxygen and cold exposure to optimize body & mind, and learn about the underlying physiology.

This workshops is limited to 10 participants. The intimate quality allows for ample personal attention, and feedback tailored to your specific situation. Whether you are looking to improve mental or physical performance, relieve symptoms related to an illness, or are just curious to find out what the Wim Hof Method is all about— a WHM workshop offers something for everyone.

The program generally kicks off with an introduction to the Wim Hof Method, and always includes a breathing session and an (optional) ice bath. At the end there is ample room for reflection, and the Instructor is there to answer questions throughout the workshop.

The WIM HOF Method is based on three components that reinforce each other. These three components include: breathing techniques, the training of mindset/focus, and gradual exposure to the cold. Although there are various methods that separately deal with either breathing techniques, the training of mindset/concentration or exposure to the cold, no other technique, as far as we know, is based on the interactive basis between these components. It is the very interaction of these components that appear to provide proof of the positive effects on the body

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/activities/category/fundamentals-workshop

This one day workshop will introduce you to the techniques involved for increasing your breath awareness and effectiveness. A cold immersion experience coached, some stretching techniques, a healthy lunch, and hot tea.

Wild Water Immersion Preparation Course $100 (Course includes immersion and Mindset training)

Cold water immersion in the winter can be an exhilarating experience. It can also be very challenging if things don’t go as planned. Take this four hour course to learn how to plan for the unexpected. Topics to be covered. Tarp set up. Fire starting. Warming techiniques. What to bring with you. Emergency response protocols. Risk management and decision making under duress.

My background is a certified Association of Mountain Guides Hiking Guide, Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Instructor of Risk Management Capilano University, Avalanche course Instructor, Survival course Instructor and Wim How Instructor.