CASA Tours | Safety
CASA Tours Out of Bounds Skiing and Riding Policy
At CASA - we are serious about having fun - but even more serious about being safe on the mountain. In Chile and Argentina, some of the best lines, freshest powder, and greatest terrain are accessible in avalanche prone areas.
Depending on current snow conditions, visibility and weather, will determine our ability to ski or snowboard OUT OF BOUNDS. If there is any doubt about safety or stability on a particular day, WE WILL NOT SKI/RIDE OUT OF BOUNDS that day.
All CASA guides are certified in Avalanche Safety Procedure, have current First Aid/CPR certification, have extensive backcountry skiing/riding experience and are in tune with current snow pack conditions. CASA provides avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes free of charge to its guests thanks to BCA (Backcountry Access) and SOS (Survival on Snow). Guests wanting to ski/ride OUT OF BOUNDS must be accompanied by a guide and use this avalanche equipment. Our guides offer introductory avalanche safety and use of avalanche equipment instruction.
CASA Tours Staff
Mike Taylor - Director of Chile Operations
Mike Taylor has been involved in the ski industry for over 15 years, and worked at resorts in 4 different countries, with experience ranging from repairing ski equipment to driving snowcats. These winters he works as a ski patroller at Kicking Horse Resort in British Columbia, Canada and guides for Canadian Powder Adventures and Chatter Creek Lodge. Mike’s mountain certifications include; OFA lll and OEC first aid, and his Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Levels l and ll certifications. Mike teaches CAA Level 1 avalanche awareness courses and regularly performs playing guitar and singing from his eclectic songbook.
Craig Ross - Director of Argentina Operations
You won’t find many Argentine-born Scotsmen in the world, and even fewer that are as skilled in the mountains as Craig Ross. Don’t let his Scottish accent fool you, Craig was born near Buenos Aires and spent the last 15 years living in Bariloche. A certified Argentine Association Mountain Guide (AAGM) Craig is in charge of CASA’s Argentina operations. Craig and his wife Sylvia are raising their 2 daughters Sarah and Camila to be Bariloche’s future rippers and climbers.