Town of Banff Mountainlife programme
Mountain weather Course Information Package
If you landed on this page from a Google search, this course is for participants on the Town of Banff MountainLife programme. If you are a resident of Banff you are eligible to attend this course, go to the MountainLife website for more information.
If you have already signed up for a course please read this information package carefully. It should answer all your questions but if not you can contact me.
What this course is about
This is a basic weather course that will help you understand mountain weather. The goal is for you to be able to follow and forecast weather both from home and when you are out in the field.
Course participants NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Read and understand the guide waiver. You will need to sign this waiver at the beginning of the course. It is important that you understand it before you arrive.
Bring note taking materials and a device that can connect to the internet to the course. A laptop computer is highly recommended. Handheld devices will work but a bigger screen will be more helpful for you.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Your Instructor
The instructor is Mark Klassen. I have been working as a ski patroller, guide and avalanche forecaster since the mid 80's and am an ACMG/IFMGA certified Mountain guide.
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMES (MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME)
We will meet in Banff at the Fenlands Recreation Centre at 8.30 am.
Course Itinerary
We will cover the following topics on the course:
Upper level flows
Lifting mechanisms
Temperatures, winds, and precipitation
Highs and lows
Fronts
Online resources
How weather models work
Recognizing weather patterns in the field
Pre-Course Preparation
Before the course please do the following:
Keep track of what the weather is doing the week previous to the course. Avalanche Canada has a good weather resource here.
Bookmark the following webpages on your internet browser:
Automated weather stations list (the most relevant stations are from Parks Canada at the bottom of the page)
Brewster, Sunshine and Lake Louise weather cams
Equipment and materials required
Note taking materials
Laptop computer with bookmarked websites. Handheld devices work but the larger screen of a laptop will be advantageous.
Remember, YOU NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Read and understand the guide waiver. You will need to sign this waiver at the beginning of the course. It is important that you understand it before you arrive.
Bring note taking materials and a device that can connect to the internet to the course. A laptop computer is highly recommended. Handheld devices will work but a bigger screen will be more helpful for you.
Let me know if you have any questions.