Big White Ski Resort | 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, near Kelowna, BC

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.

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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All AST participants need to read and understand the waiver and release of liability before making a booking.  READ THE WAIVER

Objectives

Big White 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.

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Itinerary - Field Day

Big White 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 - Class Only Always Available ONLINE TRAINING $120 Ski/Snowboard AST 1 - Online Class BOOK NOW
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