Winter in the Mountains (WIM) is an introductory course designed to introduce people to the skills required for traveling in the mountains on touring skis (or splitboard). It is taught by volunteers from ACC Edmonton. The course aims to cover topics including introductory winter travel and avalanche awareness, clothing systems and touring equipment, and cold weather risk and safety.  Please know that this course is not a replacement for Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) and while AST1 is not required to attend WIM, it is highly recommended that participants consider AST1 training either prior to (ideal) or following the course. 

Prerequisites for participants are:

• Proficient skier/snowboarder; able to confidently descend blue square runs and safely descend easier black diamond runs typical of Alberta ski resorts.  

• Physical conditioning for sustained uphill travel while carrying a load; comfortable completing 10km with 400m elevation gain in a day while carrying a full pack.

• A learning attitude that includes patience, sportsmanship, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

• Completion of this google form, along with your registration to the calendar event. 

• Prerequisites are in place so that participants can enjoy their learning experience and succeed at the trip objectives. If you have any uncertainty about if your ski ability or physical conditioning are a fit for this course, please contact an instructor.

The WIM 2025 course itinerary is: 

• Four evening sessions on January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024 (Wednesdays from 7-9pm) that will include three classroom sessions (at MEC Edmonton downtown) and one on-snow session (in Edmonton, TBD).

• One hostel based skills weekend (either* on Jan 31-Feb 2 out of the Canmore Clubhouse, or on Feb 7-9 out of the Lake Louise Alpine Centre)

• One ski-in hut based skills weekend (either* on Feb 15-16 to the Bow hut, or on Feb 22-23 to the Elizabeth Parker Hut)

• Potential for an optional downhill travel skills day (date TBD, in/near Edmonton)

• Potential for an optional winter camping weekend (date & destination TBD)

*: Participants are asked to keep all above weekends free as the group will be split in half according to fitness, ambition, and ability.  This will be done as best as possible at the organizers’ discretion.

The cost for the course is $300 per participant.  This fee includes hostel and hut accommodations for both you and your volunteer trip organizers (up to 4 per trip), and a modest course fee. This fee does not include required equipment, clothing, or rentals, food/beverage, transportation costs, or any other cost associated with the optional additional trips.

Equipment required includes:

• Avalanche equipment: transceiver, collapsible probe and shovel (note: some kits are available for loan through ACC Edmonton).

• Suitable winter clothing for periods of both activity and inactivity. 

• Skis or splitboard with touring bindings, skins, and boots.

• Ski helmet and goggles

• Ski poles (collapsible poles for splitboarders)

• Backpack 25L+ for daytrips

• Backpack 50L+ for hut trip

You may already have suitable equipment or may acquire it before outdoor sessions.  If you are unsure, the course includes orientation about clothing and gear selection.