By Mark Brown, Co-executive Director (mark.brown@skipatrol.ca)

The CSP’s Altitude National Conference is back for the first time since 2017, complete with the National Common Ground First Aid Competition. Immediately following Altitude, the CSP is hosting the Federation Internationale Patrouille de Ski (FIPS) World Congress XXV. The two weeks of conferencing and congregation commence March 22, 2026, and conclude April 3, 2026.

What to expect

Altitude 2026 is different from previous CSP Altitude conferences.

There are minimal PowerPoint presentations, and the agenda focuses on patroller professional development. There are minimal indoor meetings; our professional development will be held largely on-piste.

We will be focusing on leadership skills development through hands-on training challenges, ski and ride improvement, working with adaptive athletes, and a planned session on working with drones as a rescue tool.

An AST1 (Avalanche training) course is also planned.

For on snow instructors there will be a two-day session involving toboggan handling on different types of toboggans, including an on snow first aid progression clinic.

Why you should attend Altitude 2026

Any member of the CSP may attend Altitude 2026. Your partner is also welcome. This is not just for zone presidents or instructors. We would like zone presidents to identify and support up-and-coming leaders to attend this conference.

All attending patrollers will benefit from practical leadership skill development, useful at your patrol and definitely transferable to your workplace as well. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to meet fellow patrollers from across Canada, develop new and lasting relationships and experience some of the best snow in Canada. CSP pro-deal partners have been invited to participate and provide an opportunity to test their gear.

Individuals receiving subsidies from their zone or division are expected to attend organized sessions in proper CSP uniform. There are a very limited number of stay-over slots between Altitude and FIPS.

How to register and what is included in the conference package

Registration for Altitude 2026 is currently open through Big White’s website. All that is required now is a deposit to reserve your space, room and food and lift tickets.

Rooms are based on shared accommodation. Cancellations must be received through the registration link by January 26, 2026. There is a $100 per patroller conference fee to help defray costs.

Your base registration package includes the conference fee (non-fundable) and meals (five breakfasts, four lunches, three dinners, and the final banquet).

Then, customize your conference add-ons:

  • Accommodations – Big White is pleased to be offering reduced accommodation rates through the CSP hotel room block.
  • Airport transfers to and from Kelowna airport (YLM).
  • Discounted four-day lift passes.

How to get to Kelowna, B.C.

Discounted airfare is available from our preferred airline – Air Canada – by using promotion code CQ23KG71 at aircanada.com for flights to and from Kelowna, B.C. (YLM.)

Alternatively, WestJet provided the CSP with promotion code 1C1V8EF to apply to your online flight booking at westjet.com for flights to and from Kelowna, B.C. (YLM.)

Airport transfers to and from Big White can be booked at time of registration. If you book a round-trip airport transfer through the Big White registration link above, pick up from and return to the Kelowna airport (YLM) is guaranteed even if your flight is delayed.

Once you’re registered, more details will be sent to you directly.

Altitude is back at Big White

This post is also available in: French