AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training – 1.5 Day Course – Mt Seymour, North Vancouver | Avalanche Course | BC Ski Guides

AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training – 1.5 Day Course – Mt Seymour, North Vancouver

Our 1.5 day AST 1 course at Mt Seymour in North Vancouver is based on the Avalanche Canada curriculum and has been developed and refined by our lead instructors, who are experienced avalanche professionals, ACMG guides, and avalanche forecasters with North Shore Rescue.

The course is designed specifically for skiers and splitboarders who want to build the practical skills, knowledge, and decision-making tools needed to travel more safely in the backcountry.

Our North Vancouver AST 1 field days are normally held in the Mt Seymour backcountry in Mt Seymour Provincial Park. The location is convenient for students coming from North Vancouver, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, and the Lower Mainland.

Online learning + live evening session + full Mt Seymour field day.
Small groups. Professional instruction. Practical backcountry skills.

Course Format

Complete your AST 1 in three steps:

Online Learning
Complete a 4–6 hour BC Ski Guides online avalanche course at your own pace during the week before your field day.
Live Online Session
Meet with your instructor online 7:00 to 9:00 PM the evening before your field day to review key concepts and prepare for the day ahead.
Mt Seymour Field Day
Morning meeting followed by a full day in the backcountry. You will learn through hands-on training: avalanche rescue, terrain assessment, and decision-making. Mt Seymour lift ticket is NOT required.

Who’s It For?

New backcountry skiers and splitboarders
Skiers and riders comfortable on intermediate terrain in variable snow conditions
Participants with sufficient fitness for approximately 2–3 hours of uphill travel during the day
Ski tourers and splitboarders wanting to develop a strong foundation in avalanche safety and backcountry decision-making

What You’ll Learn

Understand avalanche formation, avalanche problems, and avalanche danger
Recognize avalanche terrain and make better terrain choices
Read and apply Avalanche Canada forecasts and weather information
Use the Avaluator and other backcountry decision-making tools
Practice effective transceiver, probe, and shovel companion rescue
Understand human factors and how they influence backcountry decisions

Alternate Location: If conditions at Mt Seymour are decided, by BC Ski Guides, to be unsuitable to operate the course, the field day may be relocated to the Coquihalla or Whistler area. Participants are responsible for additional transportation costs and, if required, a Whistler Blackcomb backcountry lift ticket. (Approximately $45)

I have read and agree with the following: Avalanche Canada Waiver, Mt Seymour Resorts Waiver, and Cancellation Policy

Mt Seymour – Scheduled Courses – 2026/27 Season

Mt Seymour

$250 CAD midweek | $275 CAD weekends

BOOK NOW (WAIVER CHECKBOX ABOVE REQUIRED)

Private AST 1 courses are available for individuals and groups. Contact us for availability and pricing. info@bcskiguides.com

INCLUDED	Avalanche Association of Canada (CAA) Certified Instructor Backcountry Avalanche Awareness book Avaluator manual and decision-making card Course student handouts and reference materials Access to our guides and instructors for post-course questions
NOT INCLUDED	Lunch Avalanche equipment (available to rent from us) Ski touring or splitboard equipment Transportation

Itinerary

Online Avalanche Course:
Complete 4–6 hours of BC Ski Guides online avalanche theory course at your own pace during the week
prior to the course start.
Live Online Meeting:
7:00 to 9:00 PM the evening before the field portion of the course. Attendance is mandatory.
We review key AST 1 concepts, current avalanche and weather conditions and the trip plan for the day ahead.
Field Day – Mt Seymour Park Backcountry
A full day of on-snow backcountry travel focused on the AST 1 curriculum, companion rescue, terrain assessment, navigation, route finding, and decision-making.
06:30 – 07:30: Morning AST Meeting. Bean Around The World Coffee, 1151 Mt Seymour Rd Unit 110, North Vancouver, BC
07:30 – 16:30: Mt Seymour Park, participants are responsible for their own transportation to the parking area. Car pooling is encouraged.
Mt Seymour lift ticket is NOT required.
Course Close:
At the end of the field day, we bring the entire course together through a final review and discussion at the trailhead.
Alternate Location: If conditions at Mt Seymour are deemed unsuitable by BC Ski Guides, the field day may be relocated to the Coquihalla or Whistler area. Participants are responsible for additional transportation costs and, if required, a Whistler Blackcomb backcountry lift ticket. (Approximately $45)