The AST 1 course is designed to provide participants with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to safely travel in avalanche terrain. This course includes a mix of classroom learning and hands-on field practice, focusing on recognizing avalanche hazards, understanding snowpack conditions, using avalanche rescue equipment, and making informed backcountry decisions.

• Avalanche Terrain Recognition: Understand how to identify and avoid avalanche-prone areas.

• Snowpack Assessment: Learn how different layers in the snowpack contribute to avalanche conditions.

• Avalanche Rescue: Gain hands-on experience with transceivers, probes, and shovels for rescue scenarios.

• Decision-Making in Avalanche Terrain: Practice group communication and decision-making strategies to improve safety.

• Duration: 2 Days

  • Day 1: Classroom session covering avalanche theory, terrain recognition, snowpack, and weather.

  • Day 2: Field day practicing skills like transceiver searches, snowpack assessment, and terrain navigation.

• Location:

  • Classroom: online via zoom ( 6 Hours)

  • Field Day: strathcona provincial park Backcountry (8 Hourse)

• Skill Level: Suitable for those new to backcountry travel, no previous avalanche training required.

• Group Size: Maximum 8 participants per instructor.

• Price: $315 per person

• Guide-to-Client Ratio: 1:8 for effective and personalized instruction.

Included

• ACMG certified instructor

• Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel (available upon request)

• Course handbook and learning materials

Not Included

• Day 1 (Classroom): Notebook, pen, and any avalanche gear you already have for practice.

• Day 2 (Field Day):

  • Required Gear: Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe (can be provided if needed).

  • Backcountry Gear: Touring skis or splitboard, boots, skins, poles.

  • Clothing: Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and toque.

  • Personal Items: Daypack, water, lunch/snacks, sunglasses or goggles, sunscreen.

Physical Fitness:

• A moderate level of fitness is required, as the course includes outdoor field days that may involve hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing in backcountry terrain.