AST 1 vs AST 2 on Vancouver Island (and Which Course Is Right for You)
Vancouver Island’s backcountry is wild, beautiful, and uniquely challenging, from the deep, coastal snowpacks around Mt. Cain and Mount Washington, to the complex alpine bowls in Strathcona Park
If you’re getting into ski touring or splitboarding here, chances are you’ve heard of Avalanche Canada’s Avalanche Skills Training (AST) programs.
At Vancouver Island Backcountry Education (VIBE), we run both AST 1 and AST 2 courses throughout the winter. Each course helps you build confidence, decision-making, and safety in the mountains, but they’re designed for different stages in your backcountry journey.
So, what’s the difference? And which course is right for you? Let’s break it down.
AST 1:
The Essential Starting Point
The AST 1 course is your first step into avalanche education.
It’s designed for anyone who spends time in the winter backcountry, whether you’re ski touring, splitboarding, snowshoeing, or just starting to explore beyond the resort.
What You’ll Learn
How to recognize avalanche terrain
How to understand avalanche bulletins and danger ratings
How to use essential gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
How to plan safe routes and make decisions with your group
Companion rescue techniques, what to do if an avalanche happens
Format
1 evening online session or in a classroom covering theory and trip planning
1 full day in the field (typically near Strathcona Park, or Mt. Cain)
No prior backcountry experience required, just a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Ready to start?
Check out our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course for upcoming dates and details.
AST 2:
Taking Your Skills Deeper
The AST 2 course is where you move from following decisions to leading them.
It’s designed for those who already have experience in the backcountry and want to travel more independently, make sound terrain calls, and manage more complex snowpack conditions.
What You’ll Learn
Advanced terrain analysis and route-finding in complex terrain
Snowpack observation and stability tests
How to create, test, and adapt a trip plan in real time
Group management and communication in avalanche terrain
How to apply Avalanche Canada’s Decision-Making Framework in the field
Format
1 evening classroom or online session
3 full field days, usually based out of Strathcona Park or Mt. Cain,
Ideal for AST 1 graduates or those with equivalent experience (at least 15 days of winter travel).
Ready for the next step?
Explore our AST 2 Avalanche Skills Training Course for full , dates, and pricing.
Why Island Avalanche Training Is Different
Unlike the interior snowpacks of the Selkirks or Rockies, Vancouver Island’s maritime snowpack is wetter, denser, and more variable. Storms roll straight in from the Pacific, bringing quick changes in snow stability and visibility.
Learning avalanche awareness here prepares you for some of the most dynamic snow conditions in Canada and sharpens your judgment for anywhere else you’ll travel.
At VIBE, our courses are led by ACMG & Avalanche Canada-certified guides/Instructors who live and work on the Island year-round. We keep our groups small, our approach practical, and our classroom time short, because the best learning happens out there, digging pits, making calls, and feeling the snow under your board or skis.
Where We Run Courses
We host avalanche training throughout Vancouver Island, including:
Mount Cain — steep terrain and deep snow for advanced learning
Strathcona Park — incredible alpine classrooms
Each location offers unique learning terrain and local logistics to match the course level.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to deepen your avalanche knowledge, these courses are about more than snow science, they’re about building confidence, community, and awareness in the mountains we call home.
Come learn with us, explore new terrain, and make the Island’s backcountry safer for everyone.
