Winter Hiking Field Leader Course

Overview
– Name: OCC Winters and Hiking Combination Field Leader Certification
– Location: Canmore, Alberta
– Duration: 2 days
– Price: CAD $200 (registration fee; may not include personal gear, lodging, or meals)
– Format: Two-day, hands-on field course integrating winter field leadership with hiking field leadership competencies in Canmore Alberta. Outdoor training both days!
– Target credential: Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader certification, with a combined Winter + Hiking credential for Group Management requirement for Alberta Parks and Rocky Mountain National Parks.
– Upgrade option: Field Leaders with Hiking Certification can join for a one-day upgrade on Day 2 to advance to the combined Winter + Hiking Field Leader credential.

What the program covers
– Core competencies (4 Season Field Leader Group Management)
– Planning and risk assessment for winter trips
– Winter navigation and route finding in snow
– Movement techniques in winter terrain (e.g., snow travel, footing, self-arrest basics)
– Layering and clothing systems; equipment selection and use
– Group leadership, communication, and decision making in cold conditions
– Basic winter emergency response and shelter concepts
– Winter hazard awareness (hypothermia, frostbite, weather interpretation)
– Hiking Field Leader portion (Day 2 upgrade for eligible participants)
– Hiking-specific trip planning and risk management
– Group management, pacing, and leadership in non-winter environments
– Leave No Trace, ethical considerations, and environmental stewardship
– Route selection, terrain assessment, and emergency planning in milder seasons
– Walk-through of the bridging process between winter and hiking competencies

Upgrade option for Hiking Field Leaders
– Eligibility: Hiking Field Leaders who already hold the FLH credential may participate in a one-day upgrade on Day 2 to upgrade to 4 season Winter Field Leader.
– Outcome: Upon successful completion of Day 2 upgrade, participants earn the combined Winter + Hiking Field Leader credentials

Who this is for
– New and aspiring field leaders seeking formal OCC certification in 4 season hiking leadership and group management.
– Existing Hiking Field Leaders seeking to add winter leadership competencies
– Outdoor educators, guides, program coordinators, club volunteers, and youth leaders in Canmore or the surrounding region

Prerequisites and recommendations
– Basic fitness suitable for winter field activity
– Hiking Field Leader status or equivalent is required to participate in the Day 2 upgrade (4 season Winter Hiking Field Leader)
– Personal winter-appropriate clothing and gear (a detailed gear list is provided upon registration)
– Attendance and active participation in both days, with successful completion of practical assessments

What you get
– OCC credential recognition (Winter Field Leader, and the combined Winter + Hiking Field Leader if you complete the Day 2 upgrade)
– A certificate of completion and assessment records from the OCC pathway
– Practical field skills and decision-making tools applicable to winter hiking contexts
– Guidance on ongoing professional development and recertification pathways

Logistics and notes
– Venue: Canmore, Alberta (site details provided upon registration)
– Schedule: Typically two consecutive days with morning to afternoon sessions and field-based exercises. 50% classroom on day one, all day outdoors on day two. 9-5pm daily.
– What’s included: Instruction, course materials, and OCC assessment/credentialing processes
– What’s not included: Personal gear, specialized avalanche training, meals, lodging (glasses of water provided; confirm catering options with organizers)
– Weather and safety: Course delivery is weather-dependent; safety protocols will be in place, and participants must adhere to safety instructions at all times

How to enroll
– Use the link and book directly online at www.canmoretrailsandtales.com/courses
– Provide any required documentation showing Hiking Field Leader status (for the Day 2 upgrade)
– We will contact you a week prior with information and a two day course schedule and gear check list.