September 20, 2019 Guide's Training Season is Underway

Traditionally, Mother Nature switches from summer to winter in the BC backcountry, just in time for the annual Canadian Ski Guide Association’s (CSGA) Summer Glacier Skills Camp. As predicted, this year proved to be no exception.

According to MWHS Senior Lead Guide Mike Hainault, the 25th Anniversary of this CSGA skills camp, offered challenging conditions for the record books. After two days of class work in Blue River, five instructors, 25 students, set off for the Monashee Mountains on Sept. 10, while the mountain forecast was set to deliver the kind of weather only a seasoned guide could wish for – with ice, snow, wind and cold temperatures.

Hainault explained the entire team put on a brave face and worked diligently honing new skills – despite the adverse weather in the Monashee’s high alpine at 2000 to 3000 meters.

“This proved to be highly successful as the candidates could work through a variety of problems, multiple times, in a controlled environment,” said Hainault. “Once the new skills had been acquired, the participants then had the opportunity to practice in the field with “real” world challenges.”

For all levels of guides looking to either kick start or improve their backcountry skills development, the CSGA camp is a must for mountain safety. This course is a prerequisite for all CSGA programs and offers training for glacier travel, use of crampons and ice axe while travelling on snow and ice, rope techniques, protection, rescue techniques, navigation, route selection, trip preparation and mountaineering ethics. 

Mike Hainault, and fellow MWHS Senior Lead Guides Bill Mark, Crosby Johnston, Barry Widas, and Josh Slootweg made up the instructor team, with over sixty years of combined experience with this course – the teaching team dug deep to come up with productive solutions to the inclement weather.

“Hats off to our participants for braving the harsh weather and continuing to work through the problems presented to them by the experienced instructor pool.”

Another familiar face was amongst the team as 31-year MWHS Senior Lead Guide Barry Widas, came back to Blue River to support the landmark year of this course.

“Thank you Barry! For 25 years attendance and teaching at the SGSC, a significant milestone for him personally, and a testament to his dedication to the craft, and willingness to help others achieve their goals.”

According to Hainault, the guiding team are very much looking forward to the upcoming winter, and the entire roster of CSGI courses which lie ahead in the upcoming months.

Find out more information on CSGA and its programs at canskiguide.com