AST Level 1 (Avalanche Safety Training) – Whistler

Based on the world leading curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. This course is THE standard for anyone looking to venture into the backcountry. This course will set you up with avalanche theory and the tools for making smart decisions in the backcountry. Learn the most up to date techniques in the industry for avalanche companion rescue.

The course is comprised of: 4-6 hour online course at your own pace, an online meeting the night before your field day, and a full field day on the mountain with your instructor. On the field day, we will review the online course content and then dive right into a full day of field based learning.

Who’s it for?

  • New backcountry skiers, split-boarders(No prior backcountry experience is required)
  • Must be able to confidently ski or ride a blue run inbounds in ALL CONDITIONS
  • Fitness for up to 2-3 hours of travel per day

What you’ll learn:

  • Avalanche Theory: formation and release
  • Companion Rescue
  • Avalanche Safety Technology: Airbags, Transceivers, Probes, Shovels
  • Human Factors
  • Terrain Identification
  • Avalanche Danger Ratings
  • Snowpack Analysis
  • Avaluator System
  • Understanding Public Avalanche Bulletins
  • Weather Tools

Itinerary:

  • Online Course: 4-6 hour online avalanche theory course. Complete at your own pace during the week prior to field session.
  • Online Meeting: 7PM on evening before field day (Attendance Mandatory)
  • Field Day: 8AM – 4PM Whister/Blackcomb

 


Important: You will be required to sign a paper RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT at the commencement of the activity.

I have read and agree with the RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

Whistler – Scheduled Courses – 2024 Season

Dec 2, 2023 to March 31, 2024 $275 CAD Weekend (Saturday) Book Now
Dec 2, 2023 to March 31, 2024 $225 CAD Midweek (Thursday) Book Now

Private courses available on request. Contact us at info@bcskiguides.com for more information.

INCLUDED
Small group size
CAA Instructor or ACMG Guide
“Backcountry Avalanche Awareness” Book
Avaluator V.2 Manual and decision making card
Course student handouts and reference materials
50% off refresher Companion Rescue Skills courses
Access to our guides and instructors for post course questions!
NOT INCLUDED
Lunch
Avalanche Equipment (Available for rent from us)
Transportation
Whistler/Blackcomb Lift Ticket ($69)

Online Training

  • Online course – complete anywhere at your own schedule prior to field day
  • Online meeting with instructor and fellow students the evening prior to field day (ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY)

Field Day

  • 07:30AM Morning Meeting
  • 8:30AM to 03:30PM Field Day: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry

You will need the following gear for your course, contact us if you need any recommendations:

  • Alpine touring boots, skis or split-board, poles, skins
  • Avalanche kit: transceiver (digital), probe, shovel
  • Medium sized backpack (20 to 30l)
  • Lunch, snacks, & water
  • Helmet is recommended
  • Ski googles
  • Sun glasses
  • Sun screen
  • Headlamp
  • Warm clothing and down jacket for lunch break
  • Goretex Jacket & Pants
  • Extra gloves and touque
  • Smartphone with GPS mapping program installed (Gaia recommended)
  • Basic first aid and blister kit
Avalanche Companion Rescue
transceiver check Ski Touring Cypress Park, BC
Compression Test performed by BC Parks Ranger, Coast Range Mountains, BC
Arcteryx Group AST-1 Mount Seymour
Avalanche Companion Rescue