Canada West Mountain School

Our glaciers in the Coast Mountains have been changing dramatically and quickly over the past few years. We cannot expect conditions to be the same as previous seasons, and "local knowledge" is only as good, as it is current. These recent images of the North Face of Trorey Mountain in the Spearhead Range highlights the underlying impact changing glacial landscapes have on our activities; this shows the upper route on the standard Spearhead Traverse, now much steeper and peppered with large crevasses, moats, and holes. Watch out during early-season ski tours with shallow snowpacks, and be sure that everyone in your group knows crevasse rescue and glacier travel skills! https://themountainschool.com/program/crevasse-rescue-2020/

We are wrapping up an excellent summer of rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking and great times in the mountains with all you awesome people! Thanks to everyone who joined one of our many programs - our Guides and Instructors enjoyed every day out there!

There is still time to get out end enjoy the great fall weather, but it is also time to start planning for the winter. Our Ski Touring (https://themountainschool.com/product-category/backcountry-skiing-and-snowshoeing/) and Avalanche Safety (https://themountainschool.com/product-category/avalanche-training/) programs are already starting to book up, so be sure to check out our line-up of AST-1 and AST-2 course, Winter Camping, Ski Touring, and Custom program for you and your backcountry partners!

Backcountry Skiing, splitboarding and Snowshoeing programs Archives Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and winter travel courses based in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler, BC, Canada.

New AST mid-week dates just added, everyone is so excited about our new AST with 2 field days plus Virtual Classroom experience, we had to add extras! AST Seymour (http://ow.ly/kdLd50CKiQ5) and AST Whistler (http://ow.ly/prAG50CKiVF) Get your training done now!

We are looking forward to the launch of the Canada West Mountain School "Virtual Classroom" in November, providing exceptional E-Learning and support to our practical, field-based courses and guided trips! More info here
http://ow.ly/SYV650BVhMt

Keep your distance this summer and avoid the crowds on a guided wilderness adventure -

South Chilcotin Wilderness Backpacking | Coast Mountains, BC South Chilcotin wilderness backpacking adventure in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia near Lillooet, Whistler and Pemberton

Climbing courses are now back on track! We have added a new Rock Rescue date this weekend http://themountainschool.com/program/rock-rescue-2/

Rock Rescue and Rope systems for climbers | Squamish, BC Rope Rescue systems for Rock Climbers in Squamish, BC, Canada teaching high angle rope rescue systems

The BC Government has announced today, June 24th, that we have entered into Phase-3 of the BC Restart Plan! This means that restrictions on non-essential travel within BC have been relaxed and we can get out and enjoy our mountains and climbing crags again!

All Canada West Mountain School programs will continue to operate under our strict Covid-19 Protocols (see https://themountainschool.com/covid-19-protocols-for-summer-2020/), but now that we are in Phase 3 we are able to welcome everyone to join our programs.

Thanks again for the support and patience of everyone as we all move forward in dealing with the pandemic. If we continue to keep up the habits and practices we have developed over the past few months, we should all be able to enjoy a great summer of climbing, hiking and mountaineering!

Covid-19 Protocols for Summer 2020 - Canada West Mountain School Canada West Mountain School Covid-19 safety protocols for operating courses, guided trips and programs for the Summer of 2020.

Everyone is getting excited to start climbing, mountaineering, hiking (and maybe even a bit of late-season spring ski touring). Summer is almost here and we share your enthusiasm! However, the Covid-19 pandemic is still happening, and as much as we are primed and ready to get out with you, the guidance from Health and Tourism authorities is still to avoid non-essential travel between communities. For more on how Canada West Mountain School is moving forward, check out our Covid-19 Update Blog here - https://themountainschool.com/40351-2/

COVID-19 update
During this time of concern surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, the highest priority of Canada West Mountain School has been the health and safety of our participants, staff and the general public. As a result, in order to help with efforts to slow the spread of this virus, we have made the decision to cancel all Canada West Mountain School scheduled programs for the remainder of March, 2020.

However, on March 27th, we will re-evaluate the status of April programs and events. Currently, we are planning to operate all programs and events from April and into the future as usual, but of course this may change with any new developments.

We are still considering offering specific Private Custom programs on a case-by-case basis for groups and individuals who are already in close contact with one another (family groups or friends). Please contact us directly for information regarding booking a Custom Program.

As far as the remainder of the winter and ski-based programs, it is still possible that we will conduct avalanche safety training and backcountry touring programs from early April through till late May as well, pending direction from health authorities – there is at least 3+ meters of snow in the alpine, so no worries about winter ending soon!

I apologise for the inconvenience this may cause, however everyone must do what we can to help slow this outbreak. We all look forward to a return to normalcy and I hope that you, your family and close ones stay healthy during these times.

If you are currently registered on a Canada West Mountain School program, please contact our office directly regarding refunds and rescheduling options.

Sincerely,

Brian Jones,
Canada West Mountain School