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

The AST 2 course is for backcountry skiers and snowboarders 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.

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 (4 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.



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 course.

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

Dec 20-23, 2023 $879 CAD Book Now
Private courses available on demand. Please contact us to book your course.

 

INCLUDED
4 Field Days
CAA Avalanche Professional Instructor
AST 2 Course Materials
Online precourse (Do at your own pace prior to day 1)
Pre-Course Consultation
NOT INCLUDED
Meals
Backcountry Lift ticket for Whistler/Blackcomb field days ($59)
Accommodation
Transportation
Ski Touring or Splitboarding Equipment
Avalanche Safety Gear (We have available for rental)
Snow study kit

Online Training

  • 4 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
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