Avalanche Skills Training AST 2+ Course – Whistler and Pemberton 4 Day Course

Our new lodge based AST 2+ course is for backcountry skiers and split-boarders looking get into bigger and more complex mountain terrain. The course provides deep understanding of avalanche rescue, avalanche forecasting, terrain usage, and snow science. The focus is on developing the skills to evaluate terrain and select appropriate ski lines based on the current conditions. Expect to have an immersive 4 days of experienced based learning and decision making.

Whistler and Pemberton backcountry areas are great ski zones with unique snowpacks providing an ideal learning environment.

Who’s it for?

  • Backcountry skiers and split-boarders
  • AST 1 Certification or equivalent experience
  • 1 Season of backcountry experience (15-20 Days)
  • Advanced Ski or Snowboarding Skills (Black Diamond Inbounds)
  • Moderate fitness for a full day in the mountains (1000m+ elevation gain)

Course content:

  • AST 1 Review (6-8 hour online pre-course)
  • Companion rescue techniques
  • Snow science
  • Route planning
  • Weather observations and forecasts
  • Avalanche forecasting
  • Experience based decision making
  • Human factors and biases
  • Terrain usage

BC Ski Guides is a licensed provider of Avalanche Canada AST courses. ACMG certified guides and CAA professional members instructors.

Important: You will be required to sign a waiver at the beginning of your course or guided trip. Please ensure you have read and understood the waiver prior to the course start date.
 
Avalanche Course Waiver: AvalancheCanadaWaiver.pdf
 


Scheduled Courses – 2023/2024 Season

Private courses available on demand. Please contact us to book your course.

 

INCLUDED
4 Field Days
ACMG Guide or CAA Professional Member Instructor
AST 2 Course Materials
AST 1 review online precourse (Do at your own pace prior to day 1)
Pre-Course Consultation
Deluxe Lodge Accommodation in Pemberton
Single occupancy room with kitchenette and heated underground parking included
Best outdoor hot tub in Pemberton!
NOT INCLUDED
Meals
Lift ticket for Whistler/Blackcomb field days ($59)
Transportation
Ski Touring or Splitboarding Equipment
Avalanche Safety Gear (We have available for rental)
Snow study kit

Online Training

  • 4-6 hour online training – complete anywhere at your own schedule prior to Day 1 of course

Field Day 1 – Whistler

  • 0730AM Morning Meeting
  • 0830AM to 0330PM Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
  • 4:30PM Checkin at lodge in Pemberton

Field Day 2 – Pemberton

  • 0730AM Morning Meeting
  • 0830AM to 0330PM Duffey Lake Backcountry

Field Day 3 – Pemberton

  • 0730AM Morning Meeting
  • 0830AM to 0330PM Duffey Lake Backcountry

Field Day 4 – Whistler

  • 0730AM Morning Meeting
  • 0830AM to 0330PM Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry


You will need the following gear for your course:

  • Alpine touring skis or split-board with skins
  • Avalanche kit: transceiver (digital), probe, shovel
  • Snow Study Kit: thermometer, crystal screen, loope, ruler
  • Medium sized backpack (30-40l)
  • Lunch, snacks, & water
  • Helmet is recommended
  • Synthetic base and midlayer clothing (no cotton)
  • Breathable Windproof Jacket
  • Goretex Shell Jacket & Pants
  • Warm Insulated Jacket
  • 2 Pairs of Gloves
  • Warm Touque and Facemask
  • Ski googles
  • Sun glasses
  • Headlamp with new batteries
  • Map and compass
  • Phone with Navigation App Installed (Gaia)
  • Compass
  • John Baldwin ski touring map for Duffey Lake and Coquihalla
avalanche fracture line profile
Avalanche Control Bombing Mission Powder Cloud
Avalanche Control Bombing Mission Powder Cloud
Avalanche Control Heli Bombing Mission Powder Cloud
Loose Wet Avalanches Spring
Backcountry Skiing Navigation Training
avalanche terrain exposure scale sign
Slaying the pow on Spearhead Range Ski Traverse
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