AST 1 – Full Course – $349

AST 1. Avalanche Skills Training level 1.

The entry level standard for anyone sledding in the backcountry. Many people will not ride with someone unless they have taken this course, and maybe that’s a good thing. Regardless of your reason, we’re happy that you’ve decided to get some avalanche training so you can be an asset instead of a liability in the mountains. This course is for those who have no prior avalanche training, or want a refresher.

The snowmobile AST 1 course is broken down into two parts. A class session which is normally split and delivered over Friday and Saturday evenings (5 – 8:30 pm) and a field day on Sunday in the mountains.   More time to ride!  You can take them together over a weekend, or split them up with the class session in the fall, and a field day in the winter. It’s up to you, just make sure you take both parts of the course!

Private courses available any time in Golden, BC with a group of 6 or more.  Contact us

*Please note.  You must complete the AST 1 field day within 2 seasons of taking the AST 1 class session.  If it has been longer than that, you will need to retake the class session before you can take the field day if you would like to obtain your AST 1 certificate.

See our dates and locations below.

ObjectivesItinerary - Class SessionItinerary - Field Day

Objectives

Snowmobile 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.
• Understand the limits of training.

Itinerary - Class Session

AST 1 Class Session Itinerary

The AST 1 class session instruction includes:

• Types of weak layers and avalanches.
• Terrain features.  What to watch for.
• Route finding, travelling through or avoiding avalanche terrain.
• How to use the Avaluator, M.I.N, 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

We will have open discussion to answer questions at any time.  The more questions, the better!

Class duration is 6-7 hours and is split over 2 evenings or sometime done all at once.  See booking calendar for more details.

REMEMBER! To complete the AST 1 course you must attend a field day as well.

Itinerary - Field Day

AST 1 Field Day Itinerary

The field day instruction includes:

• Trailhead procedures.  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.

You must attend an AST 1 class session before you can take the field day.

Course Calendar