A person ski touring

AST 1 +

The AST 1 + is the same format as the normal AST 1 but it’s one extra day for more riding and skill building. It will be tailored to those who want an extra day with an instructor to really dial in the skills learned in the first two days and to ride more! It will provide a more in-depth opportunity to practice and refine your travel and decision-making skills as well as update your knowledge with current best practices in avalanche safety and equipment. Whether you take this as an extra ski day or as an opportunity to build on your existing skills, this course will also help you keep up with terrain evaluation, mountain weather, snowpack observations, and the latest search techniques. All courses will follow the same format whether it’s sledding, skiing or boarding. They are technically 3-day courses with the first day being an entirely online portion covering the basic theory of backcountry safety.

It will consist of an on-line course sent to you to complete at your own convenience. The second and third day will be the practical application of the theory covered in the course out in the field (full days outside). During the field days we will cover group management, use of backcountry gear, trip-planning, companion rescue, terrain management and snow assessment.

To see if the course is right for you click here for more information from Avalanche Canada: https://avalanche.ca/training#ast1

Ski touring in the mountains
AST snow test
AST using a probe

Itinerary

Day 1

Complete the online course at your own pace in the weeks leading up to your field day (5 – 6 hours). Take your time and break it up into portions. Have it done for the field day!

Day 2 (Revelstoke)

8:00 am – Morning session
9:00 am – Field session
4:00 pm – End of day

Day 3 (Revelstoke)

8:00 am - Morning Session

8:30 am - Field Session

4:00 pm - End of day

A few days before the field portion of the course there will be a reminder email sent out to go over the days plan, the gear to remember and general logistics.

  • Ski/board AST 1 +

    Ability to hike up-hill for 3 hours, intermediate or higher ski/snowboard ability. This translates to riding confidently on blue/black ski-hill runs. If there are concerns of skill-level reach out and we can certainly accommodate. This is not an introductory ski course- do not show up not having put your skins on your skis before.

    AST 1 + Sled

    Intermediate or higher sledding ability is required which translates to being able to ride in open untouched powder fields without a guaranteed stuck. The day involves riding on logging roads until we reach the alpine and for the most part are staying close to groomed trails.

    Required Gear:

    -Transceiver, Avalanche Probe and Avalanche Shovel.

    -Snowmobile and necessary PPE (helmet DOT certified, gloves, waterproof gear for a full day in the field).

    -Skis/Splitboard, Climbing Skins, necessary outerwear for a full day in the field.

    • Course material (decision-making handbook)

    • Access to the online course material

    • Professional instruction by CAA members and CSGA certified guides

    • Lunch

    • Touring Fitness

    • Avalanche Rescue Equipment