Course Summary 2009-10
View Zac’s Tracs 2009-10 Avalanche Course locations in a larger map
ZAC’S TRACS WILL BE WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER SNOWMOBILE AVALANCHE INSTRUCTORS AGAIN THIS SEASON IN ORDER TO OFFER A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS IN MANY AREAS OF WESTERN CANADA AND THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES.
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Tentative Calendar of Events for Zac’s Tracs and the Canadian Avalanche Centre’s Snowmobile Safety Program 2009 – 2010 Season
To view course details please scroll down this list and click on each date to be redirected to the event details.
CLICK HERE to view completed classes for 2009-2010
The classes below have been scheduled….however at this time there ARE NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE REGISTERED TO RUN any of the sessions.
Therefore, if you have a group interested in training, contact us. We may be able to reschedule locations and dates to suit your group.
February 26-28 – Valemount, BC – AST 1 Classroom and Field Session
February 26, 27, 28 – Valemount, BC – AST 1 Field Sessions
March 5-7 – Golden, BC – AST 1 Evening Classroom Sessions
March 5, 6, or 7 – Golden, BC – AST 1 Field Sessions
February/March – Whitehorse, YK
March/April – Valdez, Fairbanks, Alaska
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2010-2011 Season – Zac’s Tracs
October 18-21 – Fort McMurray, AB – combination of: AST 1 classroom, Beacon Workshop, CAC Outreach & ASA Sled Smart school programsOct 22-24 – Edmonton, AB – Alberta Snowmobile Association Snowmobile Show
Oct 25 – Edmonton, AB area – CAC Avy Awareness and Beacon Seminar
Oct 26-27 – Edmonton, AB area – AST 1 Classroom Session
Nov 23 – Taber, AB – CAC Avy Awareness and Beacon Seminar
Nov 24-25 – Swift Current, SK – AST 1 Classroom Session
Nov 26 – Regina, SK – Rescue Workshop
Nov 27 – Regina, SK – AST 1 Classroom Session
Nov 28 – Saskatoon, SK – AST 1 Classroom Session and Rescue Workshop
Dec 18-19 & Jan 22-23 – Valemount, BC – 4.5 day AST 2 ADVANCED class
Late January – Dawson Creek, BC – AST 1 Class & Field Sessions
Early February – Grande Prairie/Kakwa – 4.5 day AST 2 ADVANCED class
AVALANCHE SAFETY SOLUTIONS
Feb 12,13,14 – Golden, BC – 3 day AST 2
Field Sessions
CLICK HERE to view available field sessions.Golden, Valemount, Fernie, Revelstoke, McBride.
CLICK ON THE POSTER BELOW to download a general flyer for 2009-2010
While we work hard to maintain this flyer, please note that the most current data will be available in the chronological event listing above.
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To Register
CLICK HERE to be redirected to the registration area.Field Sessions
CLICK HERE to view available field sessions.Golden, Valemount, Fernie, Revelstoke.
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What course shall I take?
For an explanation of the various programs please CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW.AST 1 Class & Field, 2-day Course content – Links to the CAA can be found here
CAC Avy Awareness Seminar & Beacon Orientation
AST Level 2, 4-day Advanced Course
PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT ZACS. ”
CLICK HERE for a list of 2009-2010 supporters.


Grande Prairie, AB
COURSE HOST – SWAN CITY SNOWMOBILE CLUB
http://www.swancitysnowmobileclub.org/

Thanks to all the Swan City Club members and sledders from the areas surrounding GP for their support of Zac’s Tracs 2009 Avy Training.
And a special thanks to….
CLICK HERE to read about our awesome program last season in Grande Prairie – February 2009. Over 110 sledders participated.
All programs are open to the public. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATES HAVE CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL POSTING
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AST 1 Classroom sessions – 8 hr minimum
CLICK HERE to download a course flyer
Meeting Time – Wed/Thu, February 3rd & 4th, 2010
Doors open – 5:30pm
6:00pm – 10:30pm
Meeting Location – Quality Hotel & Conference Centre
11201 – 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) North Rockies Avalanche Report
3) The Avaluator
*PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan
Discuss the unique needs and resources available to backcountry users of riding areas like the Kakwa, Chetwynd, Tumbler, Pine Pass….
AST 1 Field sessions – 8 hr minimum
Choose ONE field dayKAKWA, AB
Sat, February 6, 2010
Sun, February 7, 2010
Meeting Time: 9:30 am – at the Kakwa cabin see the note below
Please bring your AVALUATOR cards with you. (The AVALUATOR cards will be included in the course materials that you will receive on Wednesday evening.)
Return Time: ~5:30 pm
Directions to Kakwa: Travel South of Grande Prairie on the Two Lakes Road to km 2-161.
*Please budget ~2 hrs to travel by truck and then 1 hr to travel by sled to the Kakwa cabins.
Maps will be available at the classroom session.
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To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zac’s Tracs courses please click here
Valemount, BC
What a pleasant surprise!

The board of VARDA (Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association) recently approved a motion to reduce trail pass fees to avalanche course participants to just $10. It is wonderful to see the community support for avalanche training. Every little bit helps!
Thanks to Curtis Pawliuk and the Board of VARDA!
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CLICK BELOW to download a .pdf flyer for more information.

AST 1 Classroom sessions – 8 hr minimum
Fri-Sat, Feb 26-27, 2010 2 evenings5:30pm – Doors open
6:00pm – 10:30pm – Class
Meeting Location: BEST WESTERN VALEMOUNT INN & SUITES
1950 Hwy. 5 South, Valemount, BC
1-866-777-1120
http://www.bestwesternvalemount.com/
This is a full service facility with good parking.
Let them know that you are with the avalanche course when you book in order that you get the best rate!
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION, PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) Nouth Columbia Avalanche Bulletin
3) The Avaluator
*PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan
Valemount – AST Field session
Following the classroom, students provide their own snowmobile to participate in eight hours of hands-on field exercises.This is very important. Proper terrain travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Choose ONE field day
Sun February 28
Mon March 1, 2010 (overflow)
Meeting Location – Clemina Creek
Approx Arrival Time – ~8:00am unload, sign out gear, purchase trail passes
Class Start – 8:30 am – Please be geared up and ready to ride for this time.
Return Time ~ 5:30 pm
What should we bring on the field day? CLICK HERE
Accommodation Options
BEST WESTERN VALEMOUNT INN & SUITES
1950 Hwy. 5 South, Valemount, BC
1-866-777-1120
(Formally the Holiday Inn.)
http://www.bestwesternvalemount.com/
This is a full service facility with good parking.
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Contact the Terracana Ranch Resort for great rates on their all inclusive packages.
TERRACANA RANCH RESORT
12155 Hwy 16, British Columbia
Box 909; Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0
Tel: 250.968.4304 Fax: 250.968.4445
Toll Free: 1.866.968.4304
CLICK HERE to view the details. Mid-week VIP rates apply.
CLICK HERE to view the Terracana’s Facebook albums.

To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click hereTo return to the Course Schedule
CLICK HERE
Edmonton area
AST 1 Classroom sessions – 8.5 hr minimum
It is possible to participate in the classroom only and take the field session at a later date.CLICK ON THE POSTER to download a .pdf flyer for the course information.
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Lakeview Inns & Suites, Main Banquet Room
10115 88 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 4K1
Sat, February 13, 2010
8:30am – Doors open
9:00am – 6:00pm – Class
IMPORTANT For the weekend sessions, please bring $20 cash for lunch, beverages and snacks. We will order in food for lunch. There is a course video to watch over the lunch hour.
The AST Level 1 is considered the minimum level of training that backcountry riders should have. The AST 1 is an excellent introduction to “how not to get caught”...avalanche terrain recognition skills, snowpack theory, rescue skills and overall risk management…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION, PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) North Columbia Avalanche Bulletin
3) The Avaluator
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AST 1 Field sessions – 8 hr minimum
Choose ONE field day.CLICK HERE to view all available Field Sessions
A certificate of completion for the AST1 is awarded to those riders that complete the hands-on mountain field session.
Mountain training is very important. Understanding the signs of unstable snow, choosing terrain and proper travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan

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To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click hereTo return to the Course Schedule
CLICK HERE
Tumbler Ridge, BC
CLICK on left image to download a .pdf flyer for Tumbler Ridge
Hosted by:

709A 103rd Ave, Dawson Creek, BC
250-782-6685 Dane Smith & Kevin Miller
For info related to AST 1 & AST 2 programs in Grande Prairie, please CLICK HERE
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AST 1 Classroom sessions – 8 hr minimum
Meeting Time – Sat, January 30, 20108:30am Doors open
9:00am – 5:30pm Class
6 SPACES AVAILABLE FOR SAT/SUNDAY
16 SPACES AVAILABLE FOR SAT/MONDAY
Meeting Location
Northern Lights College
180 Southgate, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
CLICK HERE to download a course flyer
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) North Rockies Avalanche Report
3) The Avaluator
The AST Level 1 is considered the minimum level of training that backcountry riders should have. The AST 1 is an excellent introduction to “how not to get caught”...avalanche terrain recognition skills, snowpack theory, rescue skills and overall risk management…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
AST 1 Field sessions – 8 hr minimum
Choose ONE field dayTUMBLER RIDGE, BC
Sun, January 31, 2010
Mon, February 1, 2010
Meeting Time: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Following the classroom, students provide their own snowmobile to participate in eight hours of hands-on field exercises.
This is very important. Proper terrain travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
What to bring on the field day? CLICK HERE
Please bring your AVALUATOR cards with you. (The AVALUATOR cards will be included in the classroom course materials.)
*PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan
Discuss the unique needs and resources available to backcountry users of riding areas like the Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Pine Pass, Kakwa….
To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click here
Prince George, BC
CLICK BELOW to download a .pdf flyer for more information.

Hosted by: Prince George Snowmobile Club

Prince George, BC – AST Classroom session
Meeting TimeJanuary 26 & 27, 2010
6:00pm – 10:15pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
This is a class that is dependent on 16 registered participants by January 15th.
Meeting Location – Prince George Snowmobile Club, clubhouse
12000 Scott Road
Prince George, B.C.
For more maps and Club information CLICK HERE.
The AST Level 1 is considered the minimum level of training that backcountry riders should have. The AST 1 is an excellent introduction to “how not to get caught”...avalanche terrain recognition skills, snowpack theory, rescue skills and overall risk management…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION, PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) North Columbia Avalanche Report
3) The Avaluator
*PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan

AST 1 Field sessions – 8 hr minimum
Choose ONE field day.CLICK HERE to view all available Field Sessions
A certificate of completion for the AST1 is awarded to those riders that complete the hands-on mountain field session.
Mountain training is very important. Understanding the signs of unstable snow, choosing terrain and proper travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
What do we need to bring on the field day?? CLICK HERE
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To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Prince George Snowmobile Club Members are recommended to register as a ‘Group’ and indicate their PGSC member # to qualify for the $50 early registration discount for group.
Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click hereTo return to the Course Schedule
CLICK HERE
Calgary, AB
AST 1 Classroom sessions – 8.5 hr minimum
It is possible to participate in the classroom only and take the field session at a later date.CLICK ON THE POSTER to download a .pdf flyer for the Calgary course information.
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Meeting Time – Wed-Thu, February 17-18, 2010
5:30pm – Doors open
6:00pm – 10:30pm – Class
Meeting Location – Holiday Inn Express
12025 Lake Fraser Drive SE
Calgary, AB
View Zac’s Tracs 2009-10 Avalanche Course locations in a larger map
The AST Level 1 is considered the minimum level of training that backcountry riders should have. The AST 1 is an excellent introduction to “how not to get caught”...avalanche terrain recognition skills, snowpack theory, rescue skills and overall risk management…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION, PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) South Columbia Avalanche Report
3) The Avaluator
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AST 1 Field sessions – 8 hr minimum
Choose ONE field day.CLICK HERE to view all available Field Sessions
The most convenient field dates for this Calgary class are scheduled for Golden, BC on March 5, 6, 7
CHOOSE one.
A certificate of completion for the AST1 is awarded to those riders that complete the hands-on mountain field session.
Mountain training is very important. Understanding the signs of unstable snow, choosing terrain and proper travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan

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To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click here
Red Deer, AB
AST 1 Classroom sessions – 8.5 hr minimum
It is possible to participate in the classroom only and take the field session at a later date.CLICK ON THE POSTER to download a .pdf flyer
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Meeting Time – Sun, February 14, 2010
8:30am – Doors open
9:00am – 6:00pm – Class
Meeting Location – TBD
The AST Level 1 is considered the minimum level of training that backcountry riders should have. The AST 1 is an excellent introduction to “how not to get caught”...avalanche terrain recognition skills, snowpack theory, rescue skills and overall risk management…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE CLASSROOM SESSION, PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THESE LINKS.
1) The Public Avalanche Bulletin
2) South Columbia Avalanche Report
3) The Avaluator
=====================================
AST 1 Field sessions – 8 hr minimum
Choose ONE field day.CLICK HERE to view all available Field Sessions
A certificate of completion for the AST1 is awarded to those riders that complete the hands-on mountain field session.
Mountain training is very important. Understanding the signs of unstable snow, choosing terrain and proper travel habits are the key to managing the risks in avalanche areas. Habits are hard to break but by actually…
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE FIELD SESSION, PLEASE READ THE RESCUE RESOURCES ARTICLE AND COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE FIELDS IN THE SAMPLE 2 PAGE TRIP PLAN. This exercise should/could be completed with your riding group.
4) Rescue Resources – Trip Plan

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To Register
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA.Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click here
Golden, BC - Field Sessions
AST 1 – 8 hour Hands-on Field Training
Instructor student ratio 8:1Field days may be added or canceled depending on the number of registered students.
Meeting Location – Quartz Creek Staging area – Golden, BC
Meeting Time ~ 8:00 am MST – unload, sign out gear, purchase trail passes
Session Start – 8:30 am – Be geared up and ready to ride for this time. Meet at Zac’s Tracs snowmobile trailer.
Please bring your AVALUATOR cards with you.
Return Time ~ 5:30 pm
Quartz is approx 33 km west of Golden on Hwy#1, approx a 20 minute drive. Before arriving at Quartz you will cross a bridge and pass a highway rest stop that is on the left side of the road. The highway widens to turning lanes and there is a small ‘snowmobile’ sign on the right side of the road at the Quartz turn off. The parking lot is located on the left side of the highway.
Not quite sure what to bring to the field session? CLICK HERE
Need to rent some gear or a snow machine? CLICK HERE
Looking for the snow conditions or weather forecast? CLICK HERE
CHOOSE ONE field day from the options below.
If your schedule allows, we recommend that you choose a Monday or a Friday for your field sessions as Saturdays and Sundays are typically our larger groups.
All field classes will run with a maximum of 8 students per instructor.
Lead instructor Lori Zacaruk:
Friday, December 11, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009 – FULL
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, January 15, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
To Register
Please include your field date on the registration form for the classroom session that you are attending.To view the listing of classroom sessions CLICK HERE.
Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click here
Host Hotel
Ramada Inn – Golden, BCPhone: (250) 439-1888
Toll Free: 1-800-593-0511 Reservation only
Fax: (250) 439-1889
1311N. 12th St., Hwy #1
Golden, B.C. V0A 1H0, Canada
E-Mail: info@ramadagolden.com
http://www.ramadagolden.com/index.htm
This facility is easy walking distance to restaurants and lounges. Excellent truck/trailer parking in the open lot in front.
Phone the hotel directly to book your room. There are limited rooms. In order to secure the special rates, please identify that you are with the Zac’s Tracs avalanche class.
2008-09 Rates for Zac’s Tracs class participants:
Standard 2 queen $79.00 + taxes
2 Bedroom suites $109.00 + taxes
These rates INCLUDE A GREAT CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (waffles, boiled eggs, hot & cold cereals, bagels, fruit…)

Valemount, BC - Field Sessions
AST 1 – 8 hour Hands-on Field Training
Instructor student ratio 8:1
Meeting Location – Clemina Creek Staging area – Valemount, BC
For directions and a map CLICK HERE
Meeting Time – 8:00am (local time PST) unload, sign out gear, purchase trail passes
Class Start – 8:30 am PST – Please be geared up and ready to ride for this time. Meet at Zac’s Tracs snowmobile trailer. Please bring your AVALUATOR cards with you.
(AVALUATOR cards will be handed out during the classroom session.)
Return Time ~ 5:30 pm
Choose ONE field day for the practical exercises.
If your schedule allows, we recommend that you choose a Monday or a Friday for your field sessions as Saturdays and Sundays are typically our larger groups.
All field classes will run with a maximum of 8 students per instructor.
Fri, December 18, 2009
Sat, December 19, 2009
Sun, December 20, 2009
Mon, December 21, 2009
Fri, January 22, 2010
Sat, January 23, 2010
Sun, January 24, 2010
Mon, January 25, 2010
Fri, February 26, 2010
Sat, February 27, 2010
Sun, February 28, 2010
Mon, March 1, 2010
What do we need to bring on the field day?? CLICK HERE for some good ideas.
To Register
The AST1 Classroom session must be completed before attending this field session.To choose from a listing of classroom sessions CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE REGISTRATION AREA
Confirmed Registrations
To review the class lists for all Zacs Tracs courses please click here______________________________________________________
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Host Hotel
Best Western Valemount Inn & Suites1950 Hwy. 5 South, Valemount, BC
1-866-777-1120
(Formally the Holiday Inn.)
http://www.bestwesternvalemount.com/
This is a full service facility with good parking.
A number of standard rooms and jacuzzi suites have been reserved to lock in special rates for participants.
The 2008-09 prices quoted below have all the TAXES INCLUDED.
2 Queen Bed Room – $95.44
2 Queen Bed Room & Jacuzzi $105.79
Suite Room – $115.00
Rates are based on double occupancy. There may be an additional charge of $10/pp if there are more guests in the room.
Regular sledder rates are higher than our reserved rooms.
Should you wish to take advantage of the special hotel rates, please contact the hotel directly to arrange payment. Mention your connection to the AVALANCHE CLASSES. Rhonda Reiter is our contact at the hotel. Please forward questions to her if the front desk staff cannot help you.
BOOK EARLY – many rooms have been blocked out for construction and logging crews for the winter of 2008-09.
Once our block of rooms is gone, you will be paying street rates. No exceptions.
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FOR SNOWMOBILE INFORMATION RELEVANT TO VALEMOUNT
VARDA – Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association
Trail Passes are $15.00/sled/day and mandatory on all groomed trails. The attendant is often in a car at the trail head.
Rogers Cell phones do not work in Valemount
Telus Cell phone will work in Valemount





