Avalanche Skills Training – Level 1

ast_search A comprehensive 2-2.5 day course specifically for skiers and snowboarders, involving a mix of theory and practical skills to teach you basic safety skills and knowledge for winter backcountry travel. For Skiers, Snowboarders, and snowshoers.

 

Learn concepts such as:

  • Formation of avalanches
  • Factors affecting snow-pack
  • Route finding
  • Snowpack observation and assessment
  • Companion Rescue Skills

Participants must be at least an intermediate skier or snowboarder. If you are unsure of your ability, please contact us for more information.

2018-2019 Schedule New!

November 2018 17-18 Location Whistler

24-25 Location Whistler
December 2018 1-2 Whistler (ski/board)

8-9 Whistler

15-16 Whistler

22-23 Whistler
January 2019  5-6   Whistler

12-13 Whistler

19-20 Whistler

26-27 Whistler

 

 
February 2019 2-3 Whistler

9-10 Whistler

16-17 Whistler

 

Cost
219.99

Location
Whistler, BC

 

Includes
Textbook, Avaluator, two full days of instruction (one day indoors & one day in the field), basic rescue insurance, tax.

Bring
Winter clothing for all conditions, warm hat or knit cap, goggles, gloves, skis, or board equipment, snowshoes or skins and climbing system, pack with shovel, probe, extra hat/gloves/vest, at least 1 litter of water, lunch, energybars, note & pens and of course Avalanche Transceiver. Rentals available at discounted prices for course students – see our rental gear and prices here.

Complete Course Outline
A complete course outline of the AST 1 can be found on the Avalanche Canada website (click here).
Companion Rescue Skills (click here).

Restrictions
16 or older. (unless accompanied by Parent or Caregiver)
Intermediate skier/snowboarder/snowshoer

Course Objectives of AST 1

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
  • Identify avalanche terrain.
  • Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
  • Use the Avaluator2.0 as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where avalanche bulletins are available.
  • Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
  • Find resources for obtaining avalanche danger ratings and avalanche bulletins if these are not available.
  • Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
  • Carry out a companion rescue.
  • Understand the limits of their training.

Course Objectives of Companion Rescue Skills

  • Consider and incorporate preventative measures.
  • Prioritize actions if caught in an avalanche.
  • Understand the function of airbags.
  • Understand transceiver functions and practice transceiver skills.
  • Apply search and rescue techniques.
  • Practice searching without a transceiver.
  • Consider multiple burial situations.
  • Organize a group rescue.
  • Identify post-incident considerations.

For information on our registration and cancellation policies and procedures send us an email @

Included: 

  • ast_beaconsmilesInstruction by Professional Avalanche Safety Educator and CAA Professional Member
  • Course manual designed exclusively for Avalanche Safety Training Courses
  • “Avaluator” package for decision-making support
  • Industry recognized Certificate of Completion
  • Curriculum, instructional materials and student handbooks provided by Avalanche Canada
  • National course standards developed by Avalanche
  • CanadaCourse content and materials developed by Avalanche Canada

Avalanche_Canada_ast providerAvalanche safety training for recreation as recommended by Avalanche Canada