AST 1 courses for group bookings will be available in February and March.  Take advantage of a group booking savings with a group size of 4 or more. Have the friends you travel with in winter join you on this two day course where you will learn to recognize avalanche terrain, overhead hazard and terrain traps. Day 1 of this two day course is webinar based where you will learn to make safe decisions on where to go for your field day.  Day 2 will take place in the field where we will look at terrain,  study the snowpack, and learn about route finding when it is no longer safe to follow the summer trails. Hike Banff's instructors are members of both the Canadian Avalanche Association and Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Email us your requested dates at info@hikebanff.com

Hike Banff

Sat - Sun, Mar. 25 - Mar. 26, Sat - Sun, Apr. 1 - Apr. 2, 2023

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course is designed for the serious and experienced winter backcountry user. This course expands on the theories and principles established at the AST 1+ level course or those who already have a solid understanding of snow avalanche principles. The program incorporates extensive practical field sessions in real avalanche terrain implementing a systematic approach for assessing and evaluating the potential avalanche hazard.

Extremely Canadian’s AST 2 is presented as four field days with online support. Based on weather, snow conditions, and group abilities, each course will be tailored to fit the needs of the students and guidelines set by Avalanche Canada.

Extremely Canadian

Classroom day in Canmore 8:00am-5:30pm, plus 3 field days in different areas to maximize the challenges and learning experience.

Paramount Guides

Our Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course (AST 1+) provides an entry-level decision-making framework for recreational skiers and snowboarders in winter backcountry avalanche terrain. This comprehensive 2.5 day program is a blend of practical field days with indoor theory and review based on curriculum as established by the Avalanche Canada.

Over 40 years of the best avalanche safety instruction on the North Shore Mountains! Our Classic AST-1 Seymour course is conducted over two days plus self-paced E-learning in advance through our Virtual Classroom and includes practical field-based learning in the backcountry of Mount Seymour Provincial Park. This combo allows us to deliver a solid Avalanche Skills Training course, with our AST-1 exceeding the minimum requirements set by Avalanche Canada for AST-1 courses.  https://themountainschool.com/program/ast-1-mt-seymour-2018/

Canada West Mountain School

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.

Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures

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.

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

1 Evening session + 3 field days. Expect a safe, fun learning environment.
We meet the evening before the first field day at the Revelstoke Okanagan College (ROC) from 4 - 7:30pm: avalanche bulletin, weather and trip planning. This is indoors, bring a snack.
The three field days, we meet at 7am in Revelstoke and back in town no later than 5:30pm. We cover avalanche rescue, terrain verification, trip planning, leadership in avalanche terrain and snow science.

Revelstoke Area & Rogers Pass (Glacier National Park).

Sherpani Guides

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course is designed for the serious and experienced winter backcountry user. This course expands on the theories and principles established at the AST 1+ level course or those who already have a solid understanding of snow avalanche principles. The program incorporates extensive practical field sessions in real avalanche terrain implementing a systematic approach for assessing and evaluating the potential avalanche hazard.

Extremely Canadian’s AST 2 is presented as four field days with online support. Based on weather, snow conditions, and group abilities, each course will be tailored to fit the needs of the students and guidelines set by Avalanche Canada.

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course is designed for students who have already taken the AST 1 course or for experienced backcountry skiers & riders looking to broaden their avalanche skills.

The AST 2 course consists of one classroom theory day and 3 days of extensive outdoor field sessions focusing on terrain analysis, snowpack assessment and rescue skills. Each field day starts and finishes with indoor classroom sessions to discuss current conditions.

Students receive a certificate from Avalanche Canada upon completion of the course.

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.

Snow Safety Australia

AST 2, Glacier Travel Course and The Art of Uptracking Course based at Snowfall Lodge. Price includes helicopter access/egress, cook/catering, lodging.