Alpine Club of Canada
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Registration Status: Open

Details

National

Dates:

January 23, 2027 to January 24, 2027

Price:

$525 + tax

Additional Details:

Bow Valley
Trip Size: 12
Open Spots: 10
Backcountry Skiing/Split-Boarding Multi-Day
Guided: Yes
All Abilities

Resources

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding

Open the Door to More Powder and Less Crowds

Trip Description

Intro to Backcountry is a two-day course designed to equip skiers and splitboarders with the foundational skills needed to confidently venture beyond the resort. Led by a certified ACMG guide, the course emphasizes safety, terrain assessment, and trip planning, blending expert instruction with hands-on experience. Through backcountry laps and real-time coaching, you'll build the skills necessary for safe, efficient travel in variable conditions.

This course is ideal for those who are comfortable on skis or a splitboard in a resort setting in mixed terrain including tighter tree skiing, but are new to backcountry travel. This is not a learn to ski course. If you're eager to explore off-piste terrain but unsure how to begin, this course will guide you through the first steps with a focus on risk management, route selection, and group travel techniques.

Included in the course are professional guiding services, group safety equipment (such as first aid kits and emergency supplies), and a copy of the Alpine Club of Canada's Winter Backcountry Leader Manual for continued learning. Participants are responsible for their own personal ski or splitboard setup, avalanche safety gear, and food for the day. A gearlist and equipment rental information can be found here.

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Itinerary

The main focus of this course is to equip you with the skills needed to start exploring the backcountry independently. Key topics of learning include:

  • Terrain decisions
  • Safe travel practices
  • Hazard assessment
  • Efficient transitions
  • Layering systems
  • Backcountry equipment and what to pack
  • Basic companion rescue
  • Trip planning

Although some aspects of avalanche safety will be covered, this is not a specialized Avalanche Safety Training course. We strongly recommend taking an AST course in addition to this one.

Our guides will be as accommodating as possible to each individual’s unique goals and requirements, so feel free to come prepared with specific questions or learning requests.

Evening session

Participants meet online at 6:00 pm MST via zoom, for a one-hour session to cover gear expectations. This pre meeting will break down the basic trip planning needed for a winter backcountry outing: research and resources, trip planning, weather considerations, hazard evaluation, difficulty assessment, basic backcountry gear systems, emergency gear, and clothing layering systems.

Day one

We'll meet at a pre-determined location and go over gear, avalanche safety and the day's objectives. We'll ski short laps, focusing on using on using skins for efficiency uphill; modelling safe travel and group management techniques in avalanche terrain; as well as learn some tips and tricks for downhill skiing in backcountry conditions.

Day two

Day two will have an early morning start, and the group will travel to the course area. Following a safety briefing and discussion, we'll be able to ski longer laps, refining our skills for efficient and safe travel.

Location

Bow Valley

Basing the course out of the Bow Valley allows access to perfect learning environments in nearby Kananaskis and Banff National Park. These world class skiing locations will allow us to head wherever the snow is best!

We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips.

Learn More

Adventure Hazards

  • Avalanche:

    Risks include but are not limited to: Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.

  • Communication & Rescue:

    Risks include but are not limited to: Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.

  • Terrain:

    Risks include but are not limited to: Cornices, Crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest dead fall, and tree stumps, Creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Variable and difficult walking terrain. Snowcat roads and road banks, fences and other man-made structures. Snow immersion. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Extreme variation in trails or terrain. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control, slips, trips, and falls. Becoming lost or separated from the group.

  • General:

    Risks include but are not limited to: Slips, trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligent first aid. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligence of the guide including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities. Changing weather conditions including but not limited to high winds, lightning, forest fires, effects of high altitude including pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, incomplete warnings or instructions, negligence of other people, including trip coordinator and other guests. Negligence includes failure on the part of ACC Guides (if applicable) to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards of wilderness activities.

  • Boots & Binding Systems:

    Risks include but are not limited to: Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.
    Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.

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Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding

Please complete the form below to register.

Registering as:

friend

Your registration will only be confirmed once you've made payment.

To complete your registration, please read and accept the following waiver

The Alpine Club of Canada Waiver

Version 2.0

A valid ACC Release of Liability is required to participate in any ACC activities or events. Please read the following waiver carefully. ALL checkboxes must be checked in order to submit the agreement.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AGREEMENT
(hereinafter the “Release Agreement”)
BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT
TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR
BREACH OF THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ACT OR CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
I agree this Release Agreement shall apply to all my participation in ACC Activities for a period of 14 months from the date I agree to this Release Agreement, including all ACC Activities booked,scheduled, and rescheduled both before and after the date of signing.
TO: THE ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA (operating as ACC, and including all ACC Sections whether unincorporated or incorporated); ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA, CALGARY SECTION; THE ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA, TORONTO SECTION; ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA WHISTLER SECTION; ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA YUKON SECTION; GIRLS ON ICE CANADA SOCIETY; HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY PARKS CANADA; and HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF ONTARIO AS REPRESENTED BY ONTARIO PARKS and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, instructors, assistant instructors, guides, leaders, members, trip leaders, volunteers, agents, independent contractors, contractors, subcontractors, representatives, successors and assigns, participants and organizations participating in or connected with ACC Activities (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “RELEASEES”).
DEFINITIONS
In this Release Agreement, the term "ACC Activities" shall include all activities, accommodation, transportation, events and services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall include but is not limited to: mountaineering, rock climbing, bouldering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, telemark skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, touring, biking, trail running, hiking, ice climbing, trekking, snowshoeing, glacier travel and other forms of backcountry travel; swimming; expeditions; camping or overnight stays in the outdoors or in backcountry huts, cabins and lodges; indoor gym climbing; via ferrata climbing; rental, borrowing or use of skis, snowboards, climbing equipment and other equipment; demonstrations; orientational and instructional courses; avalanche training courses; food, beverage and water supply; festivals; outdoor games; product demonstrations; loading, unloading and travel by or movement in or around helicopters, snowcats, snowmobiles, fixed wing aircraft, watercraft, and motor vehicles; and all other activities, events and services in any way connected with or related to the foregoing.
ASSUMPTION OF RISKS - AVALANCHES, ALPINE TERRAIN, WILDERNESS TRAVEL, WEATHER, ETC.
I am aware that participating in ACC Activities involves many risks, dangers and hazards. Avalanches occur frequently in the terrain used for some ACC Activities and may be caused by natural forces or by persons travelling through the terrain. I acknowledge and accept that the Releasees may fail to predict whether the alpine terrain is safe for ACC Activities or whether an avalanche may occur. The terrain used for ACC Activities is uncontrolled, unmarked, not inspected and involves many risks, dangers and hazards in addition to that of avalanche. These may include, but are not limited to: cornices; crevasses; cliffs; ice caves; trees, tree wells and tree stumps; bodies of water; strong currents; cold water; variable or unknown water depths; changing weather conditions; rocks; rockfalls; boulders; forest deadfall; holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; cliffs; variable and difficult snow conditions; snowcat roads, resource roads, sled tracks, and road banks, fences, and other man-made structures; high winds; lightning; forest fires; snow immersion; equipment failure including equipment associated with or related to climbing, rappelling and belaying; slippery and difficult ground and travel conditions; falling ice, equipment, or other objects; thin or melting ice; frozen waterfall collapse; access to helicopter pick up, drop off and landing areas; impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects; slips, trips and falls; extreme variations in terrain and trails; incomplete warnings or instructions; effects of high altitude including pulmonary edema and cerebral edema; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; becoming lost or separated from one’s party or guide; loss of balance or control; encounters with domestic and wild animals; encounters with dangerous or poisonous flora and fauna; effects of lack of fitness; death; personal injury including but not limited to sprains, strains, shock, stress, nausea, food borne illness; diarrhea, burns, cuts, abrasions, fractured or broken bones, impalement, drowning, hypothermia, loss of limbs, frostbite, sunstroke, sunburn, dehydration, illness, soft tissue injuries, neck, head and brain injury, paralysis, psychological injury, other injury to the body; negligent first aid or rescue services; allergic reactions; transportation accidents; food or water contamination; negligence of other persons, including other guests; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACC ACTIVITIES. The added risks of travel by helicopter to or from ACC Activities locations include travel over mountainous or alpine environment; helicopter crashes; being struck by rotating helicopter blades and tail rotors; mechanical malfunction of helicopters; and pilot error.
I am aware that communication in the alpine terrain is difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available. Alpine weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning, making travel by foot, helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile hazardous.

NOTICE TO SNOWBOARDERS AND TELEMARK SKIERS - INCREASED RISK
Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. I understand that as the boot/binding system is a non-release system, this system will not reduce the risk of injury during a fall and will increase the risk of not surviving an avalanche.
I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH ACC ACTIVITIES, AND I AGREE I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM. I FURTHER AGREE MY PARTICIPATION IN ACC ACTIVITIES IS PURELY VOLUNTARY AND I ELECT TO PARTICIPATE IN SPITE OF THE RISKS.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER CLAIMS
In consideration of THE RELEASEES allowing me to participate in ACC Activities, I hereby agree as follows:

1.

TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against THE RELEASEES and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury including death that I may suffer or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in ACC Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE, INCLUDING ANY DUTY OF CARE OWED UNDER ANY APPLICABLE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY LEGISLATION ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACC ACTIVITIES.
2.
This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
3.
For accidents that occur in Canada, this Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the province or territory where the activities take place and no other jurisdiction and any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the province or territory where the activities take place and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of that province or territory; and
4.
For accidents that occur outside of Canada, the parties agree that this Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of Alberta, Canada and no other jurisdiction and that any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within Alberta and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Alberta.
5.
If any provision of this Release Agreement is held by a Court to be unenforceable, then such provision will be modified to reflect the Participant and Releasees’ intention. All remaining provisions of this Release Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as drafted.
In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of participating in ACC Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.
I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ AND I AGREE TO THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT. I AM AWARE THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES. I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT I AM SIGNING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AND INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY.
friend
2026-4-07

Signed Waiver

Please note: Liability for this event registration is covered by the waiver you signed on .

AST As a final step before payment, please complete the following event specific waiver

Avalanche Canada Release of Liability

Version 2.1

A valid Avalanche Canada Release of Liability is required to participate in any Avalanche Safety Training program facilitated by The Alpine Club of Canada

AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS,
ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
(hereinafter the "Release Agreement")

AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE OFTEN CONDUCTED IN MOUNTAINOUS OR BACKCOUNTRY TERRAIN. THESE COURSES INVOLVE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS IN ADDITION TO THOSE NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BEING IN A MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT. ALL AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER AGREEMENT.

I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, I WILL GIVE UP OR WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE OR CLAIM COMPENSATION SHOULD I BE INJURED. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM DOES NOT IN ITSELF QUALIFY ME TO SAFELY TRAVEL THROUGH AVALANCHE PRONE TERRAIN.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

This Release Agreement Shall Apply to All Future Participation in Avalanche Skills Training Courses

friend
Bow Valley
January 23, 2027
Backcountry Skiing/Split-Boarding Multi-Day
TO: The Alpine Club of Canada
(Insert name of Avalanche Skills Training Program Instructors, Company or institution where applicable)
AND TO: AVALANCHE CANADA, CANADIAN AVALANCHE ASSOCIATION, AND ALL SKI AREA OPERATORS, PROPERTY OWNERS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDE OR MAKE AVAILABLE FACILITIES, PREMISES OR SERVICES FOR THE TEACHING OF AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING COURSES AND ALL AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING SPONSORS, AND THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS (ALL OF WHOM ARE HEREINAFTER COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS THE "RELEASEES")
DEFINITIONS
In this Release Agreement:
a) the term "MOUNTAIN TRAVEL" shall include but is not limited to: skiing; snowboarding; snowshoeing; hiking and climbing; use of ski lifts, and all travel by snowmobile, snowcat, motor vehicle, aircraft, helicopter and other conveyances.
b) the term "AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING" shall include all courses, seminars, workshops, field activities, services and use of facilities in any way related to the avalanche course I am participating in including, but not limited to: classroom sessions; field trips; and all mountain travel either within or beyond the ski area boundaries or in the backcountry; and all transportation by air or on public or private roads or highways in connection with the Course.
AVALANCHE CANADA'S ROLE IN AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING
Avalanche Canada ("AvCan") facilitates avalanche safety in Canada by developing nationally recognized avalanche course standards and providing support and instructional materials to independent instructors who in turn deliver the Avalanche Skills Training ("AST") programs.
  • AvCan does not certify AST instructors or monitor their performance as instructors.
  • AvCan does not supervise or control the classroom or outdoors activities or safety decisions of AST instructors.
  • AvCan does not choose the terrain or monitor the conditions for AST field sessions.
  • AST Instructors are not employees, agents, representatives, independent contractors or subcontractors of AvCan.
  • AvCan assumes no liability for loss, injury or death incurred during participation in AST programs.
ASSUMPTION OF RISKS - AVALANCHES, MOUNTAIN TRAVEL, WEATHER, ETC. I am aware that the field sessions of the Avalanche Skills Training program may take place in mountainous or backcountry terrain and involve various risks, dangers and hazards. I acknowledge and accept that the AST Instructor may fail to predict whether the terrain is safe for travel or whether avalanches may occur. Further risks, dangers or hazards may include but are not limited to: ice and snow cornices; trees, tree wells and tree stumps; creeks; rocks and boulders; forest deadfall; holes and depressions on or beneath the snow surface; cliffs; variable and difficult snow conditions; crevasses; winter travel on highways and backcountry roads; snowcat roads and road banks, fences, and other man-made structures; becoming lost or separated from the Instructor or other Course participants; extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions; observing or participating in snow control programs, encounters with hunters or domestic or wild animals, including bears; negligence of other persons; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; mechanical failure of ski lifts, snowmobiles, snowcats and related equipment; impact or collision with other persons or snowmobiles, snowcats and other vehicles; failure to operate a snowmobile safely or within one's own ability; AND NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE BY THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS REFERRED TO ABOVE.
I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN THE AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Avalanche Skills Training Course, I hereby agree as follows:

1.

TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees arising out of any aspect of my participation in the Avalanche Skills Training Course and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury including death that I may suffer or that my next of kin may suffer during my participation in the Course, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE, AS WELL AS ANY DUTY OF CARE OWED UNDER THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ACT, ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS REFERRED TO ABOVE;
2.
TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in the Avalanche Skills Training Course;
3.
This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
4.
This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Course is taught and no other jurisdiction; and
5.
Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the jurisdiction in which the Course is taught.
In entering into this Release Agreement, I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of the Avalanche Skills Training Course, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.
I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT PRIOR TO SIGNING IT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT SHALL APPLY TO ALL FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING COURSES

8015091/RBK/0923

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