Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) | $269

Online Class Session (7 – 8 hrs at your own pace) + 1 Field Day (8 am – 4 pm) = AST 1.  Avalanche Skills Training level 1

You can also book each part separately: AST 1 Online Class $120 |  AST 1 Field Day $149

Are you wanting to start touring in the backcountry?  Have you been touring for years but thought it’s about time you took some formal training?  The AST 1 course will give you the basic knowledge and skills required for safer backcountry travel.  You will be able to build experience from a solid base of knowledge and skills learned on this course.

This Ski and Splitboard AST 1 courses are offered at Big White Ski Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

New for 2021/22  The AST 1 class component is online.  Learn at your own pace before the AST 1 field day.

The AST 1 Course – Avalanche Skills Training level 1

  • The AST 1 is made up of 2 parts.  Online class and field day.  You must sign up for both and take the class before you can take the field day.
  • The Class Session is online learning from home.  Spread it out over several sessions.  Take your time.
  • The Field Day is hands on learning in the mountains.
  • You will receive a text book, Avaluator package, companion rescue card and a waiver to sign at the start of your Field Day.
  • Required gear for field day.  Transceiver (digital), probe, shovel in a back pack.   Appropriate ski touring or split boarding equipment. Lunch/water and clothing for a full day outside.
  • We will be touring and riding to get around the mountain, so please be sure you know how to use your touring gear.

*The Thursday evening before your field day there will be a Zoom meeting for 1 hour to prepare us for the field day.*

When booking the full course you will select your field day date/location and that will enrol you in the online class as well.

AST 1 Field Day Dates

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Objectives

AST 1 Objectives

Topics and skills we will learn in the AST 1 course include:

  • Types of avalanches and persistent weak layers.
  • Identifying avalanche terrain and common trigger points.
  • Knowing the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
  • Use of the Avaluator, ATES, Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins.
  • Learn about the Mountain Information Network (M.I.N.).
  • Appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
  • Companion Rescue.  Gear, techniques and practice.

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Itinerary - Class Session

AST 1 Online Class Itinerary

The AST 1 online class session instruction includes:

  • Types of weak layers and avalanches.
  • Terrain features.  What to watch for.
  • Human factors
  • Case studies
  • Route finding, travelling through or avoiding avalanche terrain.
  • How to use the Avaluator, ATES and other tools.
  • Trip planning.  What websites should you read every time.
  • Safe riding habits.  A few simple tips that will greatly reduce the risk.
  • A chat about gear and rescue techniques

Online class duration is 7-8 hours total.  Do this at your own pace from home. You must complete the online class before your AST 1 field day.

*The Thursday evening before your field day there will be a Zoom meeting for 1 hour to prepare us for the field day.*

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Itinerary - Field Day

AST 1 Field Day Itinerary

The field day instruction includes:

  • Pre Trip Planning.  Check bulletin, weather, gear, plan and more.
  • Transceiver practice.  Single and Multiple burials.
  • Probing and shovelling hands on training.
  • Group rescue scenario discussion and timed practice.
  • Test profile.  Dig, get to know the snowpack and tests for weak layers.
  • Terrain features. Common trigger points.  Let’s point out as many as we can find!
  • Route finding.  Discussion about travelling in avalanche terrain with the avaluator.
  • Course debrief and certificates.

The field day is a full day (8 hours) spent in the mountains.

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Course Calendar

Discipline Course When Time Location Price Notes Book Online
Ski / Board AST 1 Jan 25 or 26 08:00 APEX MOUNTAIN, BC $279 Ski/Snowboard AST 1 at Apex Resort, Penticton, BC BOOK NOW
Ski / Board AST 1 Click BOOK NOW 08:00 BIG WHITE, BC $279 Ski/Snowboard AST 1 at Big White, Kelowna, BC BOOK NOW
Ski / Board AST 1 - Class Only Always Available ONLINE TRAINING $120 Ski/Snowboard AST 1 - Online Class BOOK NOW
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