Click on a Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) area to start your trip planning. If you do not see any ATES areas, please zoom in or click on a grey zone and the map will zoom in automatically.

PLEASE NOTE: Some ATES-rated terrain may be in areas where access or use is restricted. Before travelling to the mountains, please familiarize yourself with and abide by any restrictions that may be in place.

Welcome to the Trip Planner

Zoom in on the map to find the area you are looking for.

Click on the area. It will show up to the left of the map.

Click on the icon with the downward arrow to the right of the area name (see image below).

Read each page of the disclaimer and click “OK” to proceed.

How to download ATES ratings?

Zoom in on the map until you can see the details of the area you are interested in.

Select the ATES zone where you plan to travel.

Select the day on which you plan to travel.

Select the elevation band in which you plan to travel.
NOTE: Elevation band specific danger ratings are only applied in Simple (green) terrain. In Complex and Challenging terrain the highest of the three danger ratings is applied.

Check the rating on the chart to assess potential risk based on the selections in steps 2, 3, and 4.

Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 using different selections to view potential risk for various scenarios.

Remember to verify all information used during the trip planning stage at the trail head. Confirm that the trip decision is still within the comfort zone and skill level of your group.

Trip Planner Interpretion and Explanation

The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) zoning system is not intended for navigational purposes. Users should obtain training and use appropriate navigational planning and travel tools (e.g. maps, compass, GPS devices) to prepare for and carry out trips. 

ATES zoning alone is not adequate for assessing avalanche risk. ATES must be combined with avalanche hazard information (such as provided by avalanche forecasts), local weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions to devise a complete risk treatment. The Avaluator Trip Planner and Slope Evaluation tools provide guidance for planning and carrying out an avalanche risk management plan.

Using ATES in conjunction with all the other data required to travel safety in avalanche terrain requires training. Learn more about Avalanche Canada’s Training program here.

Changes in the terrain, either naturally or due to human activities, that occur after zoning has been completed may affect ATES zoning. This includes but is not limited to: changes in vegetation due to forest fires or logging; large avalanche events that extend historical avalanche paths by removing forest cover; or changes in terrain configuration due to landslides.

Using ATES data

Avalanche Canada's Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale zoning, and other information and services provided by Avalanche Canada, are intended for personal and recreational purposes only.

**THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THE PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DISCOMFORT, INJURY, OR DEATH, CLAIMS BY THIRD PARTIES OR FOR OTHER SIMILAR COSTS, OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION.**

The user acknowledges that it is impossible to accurately predict natural events such as avalanches in every instance, and uses the data provided here with this always foremost in mind. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and the providers disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use the data.