Rescue Dynamics - Winter Climbing Courses


[ Ice Climber ]

Introductory Waterfall Ice Climbing

A two day course to introduce the fundamentals of waterfall ice climbing and related ropework. Moving on ice from French technique to "full - on" front pointing will be introduced. Basics of ice anchors and belays are part of the program. Technical gear including crampons, ice tools, harness & helmet are provided. A basic rock climbing course or some previous rock climbing background is a definite asset. Add a third day for a guided waterfall ascent. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to all applicants.

Intermediate Waterfall Ice Climbing

For those people who have already taken basic waterfall ice (prerequisite) and have gone on a few climbs , this is the next step. Learn more about ice anchors, including the techniques used to begin leading and more. Improve your ice skills and learn about multi-pitch climbing. Pick up valuable knowledge on safety and other important considerations. Add a third day for more multi-pitch ice climbing. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to all applicants.

The Complete Introduction to Waterfall Ice - Beyond the Basics - Winter

This five day course includes Introductory Waterfall Ice, Intermediate Waterfall Ice plus an additional day of guided ice climbing. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to all applicants.

Advanced Waterfall Ice Climbing

Leading on ice is the name of this weekend. Small groups and good student : instructor ratios get you safely on your way to more serious climbing. Offered on demand.

Youth Waterfall Ice Climbing I & Youth Waterfall Ice Climbing II

We no longer offer youth ice climbing programs

Avalanche Skills Training 1 - AST1

avalanche discussionThis two day course will introduce participants to the avalanche phenomenon. It follows the Avalanche Canada curriculum and an AST certificate is provided upon completion The winter snowpack, avalanche terrain, safety measures and rescue procedures will be covered in a mix of classroom and field sessions. An absolute must if you are going to head out ski touring in the mountains. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to all applicants.

Speaking of ski touring and ice climbing... don't forget to check out the avalanche bulletins before you go.

Avalanche Skills Training 2 - AST2

This four to five day course will go beyond the introduction and spend more days primarily in the field practicing moving in terrain, snowpack analysis and stability tests. It follows the Avalanche Canada curriculum and an AST2 certificate is provided upon completion. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to all applicants.

The Complete Introduction to Avalanche Safety

This course provides total immersion in the avalanche phenomenon. (Taught over seven days.) It is a combination of AST1 and 2 courses back to back! An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to applicants.

Special Note on Ski Touring Courses: Participants must be in good physical condition and able to ski uphill and downhill in control with a full day pack in variable off trail snow conditions.

Introductory Ski Touring & Winter Glacier Travel

[ Ski Touring ]A two day course to introduce persons already familiar with cross country skiing or ski touring to the techniques necessary for safe travel on glaciated terrain. The course deals with glacier hazards, crevasse rescue, winter snow & ice anchors, roped glacier travel, track setting and routefinding on glaciers in winter. An introductory letter containing further details will be provided to applicants.

Introductory Backcountry Touring & Ski Techniques

A new two day course that focuses on skiing in non - glaciated alpine terrain on either telemark or randonee (alpine touring) equipment. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to applicants.

The Complete Introduction to Winter Ski Touring

This relatively new offering is a combination of Introductory Avalanche, Introductory Ski Touring and Ski Techniques and Introductory Ski Touring and Winter Glacier Travel. Seven consecutive days of solid grounding in the fundamentals of safe travel on skis or snowboard in the winter. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to applicants.

Ski Mountaineering

A five day introduction to overnight mountain ski touring on non-glaciated terrain. Trip & menu planning, routefinding, track setting, winter camping, group management, hazard evaluation and much, much more. A super way to get started, capped off with a multi-day ski tour. Only offered on demand. Prerequisite: AST1.

Winter Mountaineering

A five day introduction to overnight glacier ski touring. Roped skiing, glacier travel, advanced crevasse rescue, winter camping, short roping, trip planning, hazard evaluation, route finding & navigation, a multi-day ski tour and (if weather permits) a summit ascent are packed into this course. Don't miss it.Only offered on demand. Prerequisite: AST1.

[ Winter Camping]Winter Camping & Snow Shelters

Camping tips and construction techniques for Tents, Igloos, Snow Caves, Quinzees and A-frame trenches are on the menu for this course. The group will build these shelters, then you pick one to sleep in. An introductory letter containing further details will be sent to applicants.

Wilderness First Aid

Essential for everyone in the mountains. See the Emergency Care section for details.

Other Courses: We offer a number of other courses including combinations of those listed. Custom courses in Climbing, Rescue & First Aid, as well as private guiding services are available. We can offer anything from weekend trips to classic tours like the Wapta traverse or Columbia Icefields.


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Rescue Dynamics
Edmonton, AB, Canada T6L 1K5

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Last updated Monday, June 5, 2023