3 credit course; This course focuses on experiential learning and best practices for winter travel in mountain environments with an overarching goal of YOUTH ENGAGEMENT in STEWARDSHIP.
General Winter Travel 15 Course Information
- Winter Travel 15 is a locally developed course offered by Canadian Rockies Public Schools
- Winter Travel 15 is open to students in Grade 10-12.
- This is a 3-credit course with approximately 75 hours of instruction.
- Winter Travel 15 can accommodate up to 40 students.
- No prerequisite courses are necessary but please be aware that it is a prerequisite for this course that students be able to downhill ski or snowboard a green level run. Students without prior experience on downhill skis or snowboard should take a lesson(s) prior to the program. All students participating in the program will also take a lesson (included) with professional CSIA Ski Instructors on the first day of the program. This course involves full days of activity in an outdoor environment so a basic level of physical fitness is also recommended.
- Students are also expected to provide their own outdoor clothing and winter footwear suitable for the winter activities.
General Winter Travel 15 Learning Outcomes
The objective of this project are to build winter travel and navigation skills, an understanding of winter ecosystems and leadership in a context of critical thinking. We feel that this is particularly important as we strive to better educate youth for their own safety and as ambassadors of nature and our wild places. It also highlights a best practice method for inquiry research, problem solving, and analysis.
It is our intention that through this course students will:
- Display a level of familiarity with techniques and technology that allows them to confidently respond to emergency situations
- Demonstrate understanding of avalanche safety
- Develop familiarity with basic navigation and personal safety technology
- Develop informed decision making skills and build leadership capacity
- Access and apply online risk management resources
The aforementioned skills will be delivered in the context of the following:
- Teach and model high quality best practice risk management skills across the outdoor education community
- Foster and appreciation for terrain diversity
- Appreciate the global nature of environmental issues
- Demonstrate appropriate use of multiple technologies
Winter Travel
- Technique development
- Terrain evaluation
- Assessment for avalanche risk
- Emergency situations
Knowledge and Understanding
- The Rocky Mountain Natural Region
- Risk Management Process
Functional Fitness
- Personal awareness
- Nutrition
Leadership and Social Skills
- Taking charge
- Proactive intervention
- Self-reflection
Appreciation and Values
- Stewardship
- Role modeling
- Active ambassadorship
Career Exposure and Mentoring
Through the Winter Travel 15 course, students will be exposed to and mentored by a variety of professionals in the outdoor field including: Parks Canada Staff - Education and Public Safety Specialists, CSIA certified ski instructors, Lake Louise Ski Patrol and Emergency Responders, Canadian Avalanche Association instructors, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and Professional Interpreters with the Interpretive Guide Association.
This course encourages and exposes students to a variety of career and occupational paths. Through connection with role models from avalanche and public safety specialists, to mountain guides and ski patrol, students will develop an understanding of a range of future career options.