All courses (238)

NSW Australia Course

The Avalanche Canada Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST1) Course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with little experience in entering the side/backcountry.

In addition, the course will:

-Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.

-Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.

This early season day 1 ZOOM classroom session saves you another day of shredding in season! Field days will be offered every weekend of the season and can be booked with me at your convenience.

An AST 1 course is where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. An AST 1 course comprises a minimum of seven hours of classroom instruction with one full day in the field, and is suitable for people with basic training and little experience.

AST 1 Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.

• Identify avalanche terrain.

• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.

• Use the Avaluator 2.0 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.

This early season day 1 ZOOM classroom session saves you another day of shredding in season! Field days will be offered every weekend of the season and can be booked with me at your convenience.

An AST 1 course is where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. An AST 1 course comprises a minimum of seven hours of classroom instruction with one full day in the field, and is suitable for people with basic training and little experience.

AST 1 Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.

• Identify avalanche terrain.

• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.

• Use the Avaluator 2.0 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.

This early season day 1 ZOOM classroom session saves you another day of shredding in season! Field days will be offered every weekend of the season and can be booked with me at your convenience.

An AST 1 course is where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. An AST 1 course comprises a minimum of seven hours of classroom instruction with one full day in the field, and is suitable for people with basic training and little experience.

AST 1 Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.

• Identify avalanche terrain.

• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.

• Use the Avaluator 2.0 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.

Sled AST 1

We will be offering the Day 1 Classroom session in Saskatoon, SK this year on November 5th, 2023 with the opportunity for riders to choose their field day session on either Dec 14 or Dec 29th, 2023 in Fernie, BC (your instructor will book you into a field date of your choosing during the classroom training session).

For more information, please visit www.elkvalleysnowshepherds.com

This early season day 1 ZOOM classroom session saves you another day of shredding in season! Field days will be offered every weekend of the season and can be booked with me at your convenience.

An AST 1 course is where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. An AST 1 course comprises a minimum of seven hours of classroom instruction with one full day in the field, and is suitable for people with basic training and little experience.

AST 1 Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.

• Identify avalanche terrain.

• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.

• Use the Avaluator 2.0 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.

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.

This early season day 1 ZOOM classroom session saves you another day of shredding in season! Field days will be offered every weekend of the season and can be booked with me at your convenience.

An AST 1 course is where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. An AST 1 course comprises a minimum of seven hours of classroom instruction with one full day in the field, and is suitable for people with basic training and little experience.

AST 1 Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.

• Identify avalanche terrain.

• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.

• Use the Avaluator 2.0 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.

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.

Curriculum: The AST 1 Revelstoke, with a field trip to Rogers Pass, features a nationally-standardized curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. This course is the essential first step in developing your decision making framework for venturing into winter backcountry avalanche terrain. Over two and half days, you will spend about 8 hours in the classroom in Revelstoke learning theory, 3 hours outdoors getting prepared for the field component on the following day, and finally, around 9 hours in the Rogers Pass backcountry putting theory into practice. All participants must read and agree to the terms of the waiver before booking an AST course.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

Recognize avalanche terrain

Match terrain to the avalanche hazard

Demonstrate methods of group travel that reduce risk in avalanche terrain

Interpret the avalanche forecast

Use avalanche rescue equipment and understand the basics of companion rescue

Understand factors that affect the seasonal snowpack

Know how to navigate the Rogers Pass Winter Permit

Obtain the AST 1 certificate

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.

This early season day 1 ZOOM classroom session saves you another day of shredding in season! Field days will be offered every weekend of the season and can be booked with me at your convenience.

An AST 1 course is where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. An AST 1 course comprises a minimum of seven hours of classroom instruction with one full day in the field, and is suitable for people with basic training and little experience.

AST 1 Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.

• Identify avalanche terrain.

• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.

• Use the Avaluator 2.0 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.

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.

Curriculum: The AST 1 Revelstoke, with a field trip to Rogers Pass, features a nationally-standardized curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. This course is the essential first step in developing your decision making framework for venturing into winter backcountry avalanche terrain. Over two and half days, you will spend about 8 hours in the classroom in Revelstoke learning theory, 3 hours outdoors getting prepared for the field component on the following day, and finally, around 9 hours in the Rogers Pass backcountry putting theory into practice. All participants must read and agree to the terms of the waiver before booking an AST course.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

Recognize avalanche terrain

Match terrain to the avalanche hazard

Demonstrate methods of group travel that reduce risk in avalanche terrain

Interpret the avalanche forecast

Use avalanche rescue equipment and understand the basics of companion rescue

Understand factors that affect the seasonal snowpack

Know how to navigate the Rogers Pass Winter Permit

Obtain the AST 1 certificate

Our AST Level 1 is for students with a higher fitness level and previous backcountry experience. Combine 3-4 hrs of pre-course online learning with two full days in the field. Learning is customized with smaller group sizes (generally four students per group), two full days in the field and often two instructors per group.

Online classroom component. Field day near Golden BC. All courses are taught by ACMG Ski guides and CAA professional members. 1:8 Instructor to student ratio. See our website for more details.

https://highcountryskiguides.com/avalancheskiilstraining

Thank you for your interest in AST courses offered through Kootenay Avalanche Courses. The focus will be toward maximizing safety and fun in the winter backcountry. Be prepared for an engaging and interactive time. Think of the AST as a two part program. AST1 prepares you to be an active participant in a group of backcountry recreationists. AST2 helps prepare you to be a leader of a group.

https://kootenayavalanchecourses.com/courses/

Do you venture out of bounds, off the trails, or into the backcountry? An AST 1 is your place to start. You don't need any experience to take this course, but it is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry. Whether you are taking your first steps into the backcountry or looking to increase your knowledge base, the Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 program is for you. Our professional guides will teach you how to plan and carry out a safe backcountry trip, read and use the avalanche bulletin, utilize the vast array of online resources at your disposal, and carry out a proficient rescue in the event of an accident.

Our AST-1 course is designed to get you the skills you need to get up to speed quickly so you can maximize your fun and safety in the backcountry.

What you will learn:

- Avalanche formation and release.

- How to identify avalanche terrain.

- The basics of trip planning.

- How to use the avalanche forecast to mitigate your avalanche risk.

- Using appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.

- Intro to companion rescue.

The KBG Method: Online pre-learning combined with TWO field days.

Pre-Learning

We have moved our classrooms to online with NO mandatory zoom meetings! We understand that everyone has busy lives and commitments, so we made our online self-paced where you can set your own schedule and take your time to absorb all the information to apply to your field days. All material must be completed before your first field day (about 6-8 hours).

Day 1

Will be spent learning the fundamentals, getting familiar with your safety equipment, and going on a short tour. You will learn all the necessary information to safely carry out a backcountry ski day trip and learn the latest companion rescue techniques.

Day 2

We expand on your learning from day-one and carry out a full field day in either the Whitewater Ski Resort or Kootenay Pass Backcountry. You will put everything we learned on day-one into practice.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST1) for Skiers & Snowboarders. This 2-day course ensures you acquire the fundamentals critical to safe backcountry travel. This includes pre-trip planning, backcountry equipment, snowpack and avalanche hazard assessment, terrain selection and avalanche rescue skills. The first day is an indoor theory day and the second day is a backcountry field day.

This course is designed for skiers and snowboarders who wish to venture into the backcountry to learn about hazards and how to manage them. Our student to guide ratio is 8:1 as this ensures maximum safety and learning. Lift ticket is not included in the course price.

Avalanche Skills Training 1 is designed to give you all of the tools that you need to begin the never ending learning process of recreating safely in Avalanche terrain. This course consists of a six hour online learning course AND two full days spent in Rogers Pass.

Most operators only have one hands on field day in their AST 1 Courses. We are offering two field days to get you better prepared for a season of backcountry skiing plus a six hour online course to be done at your own pace.

If you are new to Backcountry Skiing or simply want to dust the cobwebs off of your Avalanche knowledge and Safety Skills at the beginning of the winter then this is the course for you. Avalanche theory, understanding Avalanche Forecasts, Snow stability tests, and Companion Rescue techniques are all covered in this course.

​

Courses will be held in Glacier National Park in between Revelstoke and Golden, BC.

Add our affordable AST 1 Bonus Day onto your course to deepen your AST 1 education and gain additional experience in the backcountry with a guide.

Avalanche Skills Training / AST 1

Are you planning to explore the local backcountry this winter? Perhaps you are thinking of riding out-of-bounds? If so, you need to learn the basics of backcountry skiing and avalanche safety! By joining one of our AST 1 courses, you will learn; how to identify avalanche terrain, use mitigation techniques, read snowpack information, and manage changing conditions. This course will build your confidence to help you avoid avalanches, choose the right terrain, and enjoy some safe turns with your friends.

This 2day introductory course is based out of Nelson BC. It follows Avalanche Canada’s program, goals, and objectives. For more specific details about this course click on our website link. Intermediate backcountry skiing or boarding ability recommended (avalanche safety gear, touring equipment, snow board & snowshoes or split board required). Previous avalanche training useful but not required. Students must be intermediate to advanced resort riders. Contact us if you have any questions, thank-you!

AST-1 The perfect place to safely start your journey into the backcountry. Our courses are a blended delivery and include an online learning course, a pre trip planning call over zoom and a day in the field.

By the end of the course you will have covered:

-How to plan for a backcountry trip

-How avalanches are formed and release

-The basics of rescue skills

-How to identify avalanche terrain and safely travel through it

-How to read mountain weather and avalanche forecasts

-Basic snowpack analysis and tests

Canmore courses will have a field day in K-country and Banff course will use SSV lifts to access higher elevations quickly.

Learn avalanche skills training and the principles of winter backcountry travel with the safety experts from Yamnuska. We are a proud ‘Contributor’ to Avalanche Canada and an approved Avalanche Skills Training course provider. We run courses in Canmore / Banff and Calgary.

Backcountry skiing, split boarding, and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course in Canmore and Calgary. Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are full-time certified guides and professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations, and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training.