AST-1 , Avalanche Skills Training One

$300.00

Join VIBE for an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course and take the first step towards safe and confident winter backcountry travel.

Designed for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers, this course covers essential topics like avalanche terrain recognition, transceiver use, rescue techniques, and snowpack evaluation. Our experienced guides will provide hands-on practice both in the classroom and in the field, giving you the skills needed to assess avalanche hazards and make informed decisions in the backcountry.

Whether you're new to backcountry touring or looking to expand your knowledge, AST 1 is an essential foundation for anyone venturing into winter terrain. Sign up today and get the training you need to explore with confidence.

Join VIBE for an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course and take the first step towards safe and confident winter backcountry travel.

Designed for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers, this course covers essential topics like avalanche terrain recognition, transceiver use, rescue techniques, and snowpack evaluation. Our experienced guides will provide hands-on practice both in the classroom and in the field, giving you the skills needed to assess avalanche hazards and make informed decisions in the backcountry.

Whether you're new to backcountry touring or looking to expand your knowledge, AST 1 is an essential foundation for anyone venturing into winter terrain. Sign up today and get the training you need to explore with confidence.

    • 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:

      • Day 1: Victoria, Nanaimo & online via zoom ( 6-8 Hours)

      • Day 2: strathcona provincial park Backcountry (8 Hours)

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

    • Group Size: Maximum 8 participants per instructor.

    • Price: $300 per person / $270 for online course

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

  • 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.

  • Included

    • Avalanche Canada 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.

Why book?

Learn the skills you need to make smart choices and stay safe in the backcountry. Sign up now to join us for this essential avalanche safety course!