Advanced Navigation & Route Planning with Alex Geary - Sunday, Dec 06, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type: Course 
Event Location: ACC Clubhouse Canmore 
Event Starts:   Sunday, Dec 06, 2026 08:45 AM  
Event Ends:   Sunday, Dec 06, 2026 04:30 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Sunday, Nov 29, 2026  
Difficulty Rating:   D3 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):    

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 6
Number Registered So Far:   0 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:
The Advanced Navigation and Route Planning Course is for experienced ski tourers who want to get better and more efficient at planning routes and navigating in the mountains. This course is for people who want practical skills to take their adventuring to the next level, or are interested in guiding.

Pre-requisites

AST 2 or equivalent experience

Basic understanding of GPS navigation

Basic proficiency with a smartphone app (eg. Gaia, Outmap, CalTopo, Onx)

Basic map reading skills including

    Understanding of map datums

    Can read or plot a grid reference

    Can read contour lines including identifying gullies and ridges

    Basic competency with a compass

      Taking bearings from a map and in the field

      Following a bearing

      Understand declination

      Glacier Travel Course or equivalent experience

        What we'll cover

        The focus will be practical applications of the following with examples:

        • How to choose the most efficient route
        • Most efficient way to use your smartphone to navigate
        • When to use a map and compass
        • Limitations of your tools
        • Mental mapping
        • Estimating route timing
        • Practice making whiteout plans
        • When and how to simplify whiteout plans
        Required Items to Bring:
        • Notepad
        • Pen and pencil
        • Ruler
        • Selection of maps for planning (ideally digital and paper versions if available)
        • Compass with mirror and declination adjustment (can be shared)
        • Smartphone with a mapping app
        • Laptop for planning (optional)

        Notes:

        Cost: Trip Leaders: $122.85 | Members: $204.75


        Link to book will be emailed directly to you once you sign up (including payment information).



        Cancellation Policy
        If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Rocky Mountain Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
        Waiver and Membership Requirement
        Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.

        A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.

        The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.

        SIGN UP HERE
        The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.


        Never (not until the event has passed) 
        2 Days Before Event  
        7 Days Before Event  
        I have read and agree to the waiver requirements set out above. I also agree that as a Member, my ACC Waiver in place at the time of this activity will apply to my participation in such activity.

        I have read and understand the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this event found on the registration page. I understand that there are many risks, dangers and hazards associated with this activity and am signing up for this event knowing the risks, dangers and hazards that exist and am freely accepting them.