If you have any visitors coming from the States, you can get some better deals on this gear there. Here is a complete package (pack, shovel, probe and transceiver) for $528.95 USD.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/MAM...5-Package.html

SLF also has a good CD-ROM titled "White Risk" that will give you a good overview of risk prevention. This combined with an actual course would be ideal.

p.s. There have already been a few in-bounds slides in the States this season with fatalities and/or serious injury. Ski Patrol does a good job in general but there are many areas that can be missed and one should assume that they have not done any control work. Stay Safe!