Course Info

AST 1 courses include valuable information for anyone interested in exploring the outdoors in a winter mountainous environment. Whether you are a mountain or trail snowmobiler, an out of bounds or backcountry skier/snowboarder, or snowshoeing, you may encounter areas at risk of an avalanche. This course will help you evaluate the risks, and understand the factors involved in assessing avalanche danger so you can make decisions to keep you and your group safe.

You don’t have to be deep in the backcountry to experience an avalanche, it could be just off the groomed trails or even a couple turns past the boundary to get that secret powder stash at a ski resort can land you in serious trouble.

The course follows the curriculum set out by Avalanche Canada and is a certificate program. It includes a minimum of 6-7 hrs in class and 1 day in field session practising rescue, snowpack assessment and terrain evaluation skills.

The field sessions will begin at 8am and will be a full day in the field focusing on bringing together all of the skills learned in class. Depending on the group, this may consist of a day exploring the terrain in an out of bounds at Silver Star Mountain or a day of ski touring in the backcountry. Both options suit different groups’ needs and it is best to discuss with me personally what you would be most suitable.

Avalanche Canada license and registers AST providers. Their website (www.avalanche.ca) provides a more in depth look at the course curriculum if you would like more details. You may also check their instructors page and find my name there to ensure you of my good standing to provide the course.

Visit our Course Calendar to see scheduled course dates or get in touch if you’d like to schedule a private course for your group.