(AST) PROGRAMS
AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING
AST programs are an essential first step to safe backcountry use in the winter. Based on curriculum established by the Canadian Avalanche Centre, AST 1 and 2 courses provide a blend of practical field days with indoor theory.
AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING LEVEL 1+
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 Canadian Avalanche Centre.
THEORY AND PRACTICAL TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Avalanche phenomena, formation and release
- Terrain recognition
- Risk evaluation and reduction
- Route selection and appropriate travel techniques
- Factors affecting snowpack structure, change and metamorphism
- Snowpack testing techniques
- The steps required to plan and carry out a trip
- Self rescue fundamentals and equipment usage
Recommended Ability Level - Please note that this course is suitable for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders confident in handling varying snow conditions, such as ice, powder, crust and slush. Minimum age is 16yrs.
COURSE (3_DAYS) | PRICE | |
---|---|---|
Level 1 Course Only | $289 | |
Level 1 Course + Lift Package | $367 |
Prices quoted in Canadian funds and does not include taxes.
Dates
Dates:
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between November 23, 2018 - April 21, 2019
MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS
8am - 5pm (field & theory & debrief), EBCB patio
Day 1: | 6:00pm - 9:00pm (theory), The Cabin at Base II |
Day 2: | 8am - 6pm (field & theory), EBCB patio |
Day 3: | 8am - 5pm (field & theory & debrief), EBCB patio |
Note:
The evening session meets from 6-9pm on the Friday at the "The Cabin" located at 4890 Glacier Drive, Whistler V0N 1B4 (upstairs in the Fireside room) - Park in Lot 6. It is important to bring a notebook and pen to the evening indoor session. If you are running late or having trouble finding it please contact us at 604-938-9656. The course provider will inform you of meeting times and places for Saturday and Sunday on Friday evening.
SUPPLIED TO STUDENT
- Avaluator v2.0 (CAC)
- Backcountry Avalanche Awareness, 8th Edition, Bruce Jamieson (CAC)
RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENT PURCHASE:
- Backcountry Whistler – John Baldwin (2013-4 ed. preferred)
EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION
This list is intended as a general guideline:
- Touring skis or split board, with climbing skins.
- Ski poles with powder baskets (required for both skier or boarders).
- It is recommended that boarders use collapsible poles
- Ski boots (ideally touring) or snowboard boots.
- Back pack (25-35 litre)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Waterproof breathable shell jacket (w/hood) and pants
- Warm non-cotton under-layers
- Synthetic or down parka (ideally w/hood)
- Gloves
- Sunglasses (even if it is not sunny)
- Goggles
- Sunscreen/lip protection
- Lunch and water (at least 1 litre)
- Camera
- Headlamp
- "Rite in the rain" waterproof notebook and pencil
AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING LEVEL 2
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.
THE COURSE FOCUSES ON ADVANCED:
- Pre-trip data collection and interpretation
- Decision-making
- Terrain assessment and route finding
- Ongoing field observations skills
- Snowpack tests
- Self rescue techniques
Recommended Ability Level - Please note that this course is suitable for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders confident in handling varying snow conditions, such as ice, powder, crust and slush. Minimum age is 13yrs.
COURSE (4-DAYS) | PRICE | |
---|---|---|
Level 2 Course Only | $599 | |
Level 2 Course + Lift Package | $716 |
Prices quoted in Canadian funds and does not include taxes.
SUPPLIED TO STUDENT
- Avaluator v2.0 (CAC)
- Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain – Bruce Tremper (Armchair Books or CAC)
- Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain – Pascal Haegli, et all (CAC)
RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENT PURCHASE:
- Backcountry Whistler – John Baldwin (2013-4 ed. preferred)
EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION:
This list is intended as a general guideline:
- Touring skis or split board, with climbing skins.
- Ski poles with powder baskets (required for both skier or boarders).
- It is recommended that boarders use collapsible poles
- Ski boots (ideally touring) or snowboard boots.
- Back pack (25-35 litre)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Waterproof breathable shell jacket (w/hood) and pants
- Warm non-cotton under-layers
- Synthetic or down parka (ideally w/hood)
- Gloves
- Sunglasses (even if it is not sunny)
- Goggles
- Sunscreen/lip protection
- Lunch and water (at least 1 litre)
- Camera
- Headlamp
AST LEVEL 2 DATES
Dates:
- DEC 3,4,5,6
- DEC. 8,9,15,16
- DEC. 27-30
- JAN. 5,6,12,13
- JAN 21-24
- FEB. 2,3,9,10
- FEB 4-7
- MARCH 2,3,9,10
AST Level 2 meeting is 8am at the Carleton Lodge.
CREVASSE RESCUE / GLACIER TRAVEL COURSE
Glacier travel is a reality of ski touring in South Western British Columbia and can be one of the most dangerous and limiting parts of a ski or snowboarders day. Whether to develop safe travel skills for glaciated ski traverses or to reach new lines accessed via glaciated terrain. This is an essential course designed for experienced backcountry skiers and boarders. If you intend to spend any amount of time traveling in glaciated terrain this intensive and comprehensive two day program provides the foundations of roped glacier travel and crevasse rescue. Rigging for glacier travel, travel techniques both up and downhill, snow anchor construction, Initial Load transfers, and self-rescue are the focus of day one. Raising systems (modern and improvised) with up to 6:1 mechanical advantage is the focus of the final day.
- ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced Skier or Snowboarder
- PREREQUISITES: AST I & previous rope skills recommended but not required
- CLIENT RATIO 6:1 (min. 3)
PROGRAM | PRICE | COURSE WITH LIFT TICKET |
---|---|---|
Crevasse Rescue / Glacier Travel Course | $349 | $388 |
Prices quoted in Canadian funds and does not include taxes.
DATES:
- DEC. 8,9
- DEC 22,23
- JAN. 12,13
- FEB. 9,10
- MARCH 9,10
- APRIL 6,7
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