During SROM 184 Snow Safety/Ski Patrol Operations you will review the primary management issues and operational activities of the snow safety or ski patrol department, with a focus on managing avalanche hazards. You will examine the major elements of ski resort avalanche hazard assessment and safety including avalanche terrain, mountain weather, snow pack features, and avalanche rescue. As part of your study of avalanche hazards and safety, you may complete the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level I course. The AST course involves two full days of field study. In addition to examining avalanche hazard concerns and issues, you will examine several snow safety/ski patrol operations and management topics, including avalanche hazards and ski area planning, ski resort avalanche control, ski patrol operations, Hazard markings and signage, ski resort accident investigation and recording, ski lift evacuation, and ski patrol facilities and equipment.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 8 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | varies |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe avalanche phenomena and identify and assess weather factors, avalanche terrain, and mountain snowpack features
- Identify and apply avalanche hazard evaluation methods
- Identify, describe and practice avalanche safety and rescue measures
- Identify and describe various elements of ski patrol operations, including ski patrol job standards/skill profile, first aid requirements and standards, staffing and training, and skier safety measures
- Discuss and evaluate various methods and principles of on-mountain signage and hazard markings
- Identify and describe lift evacuation requirements, methods, and the elements of a lift evacuation plan
- Outline the techniques and tools of accident investigation and recording and conduct a mock accident investigation
- Identify and describe ski patrol facility and equipment requirements
Teaching and Learning Approach
This is a student-centered approach which will blend together theory and practice. Experiential opportunities will
be had within the classroom, and in an industry setting.Learning Resources
1. Floyer & Robine; Avalanche Skills Training Handbook, 1st Edition, Canadian Avalanche Association.
2. Course handouts.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Avalanche Skills Training - Classroom session
2. Avalanche Skills Training – Field day
3. Avalanche Skills Training – Field day
4. Ski patrol operations
5. Signage and markings Accident investigation
6. Avalanche control, Prep for on-mountain day
7. Practical accident investigation and signage/markings assignment, Lift evacuation demonstration
8. Accident investigation debrief, Lift evacuation
9. ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| CAC Avalanche Skills Training course or safety assignment | avalanche 1,2,3 | 40% |
| Accident investigation assignment | 7 | 20% |
| Ski patrol assignments | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | 10% |
| Final Exam | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.