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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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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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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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 Type
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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