Intro Ski Touring and AST 1 – North Vancouver and Whistler

• Avalanche
• Courses
• Ski Course
• Vancouver North Shore

Intro Ski Touring and AST Level 1 (Avalanche Safety Training) – North Vancouver and Whistler

Looking to get into backcountry skiing or split-boarding this season? Or maybe you’ve already got a few trips under your belt and want to further develop your skills. This is THE course for you.

The course combines our popular introduction to ski touring and AST 1 certification. The AST 1 component is based on the world leading curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. Through out the course we focus on practical application of AST course content for ski touring. Our goal is to set you up with a solid foundation of avalanche knowledge, tools, and the ability to pull it all together make make smart decisions in the backcountry!

Who’s it for?

• New backcountry skiers and splitboarders (No prior touring experience is required)
• Can ski or ride a blue run inbounds confidently
• Fitness for up to 2-3 hours of travel per day

What you’ll learn:

AST 1 Component:

• Avalanche theory
• Companion Rescue
• Human Factors
• Terrain Identification
• Avalanche Danger Ratings
• Snowpack Analysis

Ski Touring Component:

• Equipment Selection and Usage
• Trip planning
• Safe Terrain Usage
• Efficient Uphill Track Setting
• Modern Navigation
• 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
• Field Day 1 North Vancouver: 7AM – 3PM Mount Seymour Park.
• Field Day 2 Whistler/Blackcomb: 8AM – 4PM (Epic Pass or Backcountry Lift Ticket Required)

Note on Lift Tickets: No lift tickets are required for the Mt Seymour Backcountry Field Day.

Backcountry Lift Ticket is required for the Whistler/Blackcomb backcountry field day. Available $69 in our online checkout process. If you already have a Whistler/Blackcomb Epic Pass or Edge card, you can use that instead of purchasing a Backcountry Pass.

Why take a course with us? We are a small dedicated group of professional guides and instructors. Our core mission is to develop backcountry ski culture on the North Shore. We view taking the course as your gateway into a lifetime of backcountry skiing!

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: AvalancheCanadaWaiver2019.pdf

Scheduled Courses – 2022/2023 Season