AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING - LEVEL 1
TWO DAY COURSE. ONE CLASSROOM DAY.
We offer the classroom day in person to create a better learning environment, providing focused instruction on the fundamentals of avalanche safety and hands-on practice in companion rescue techniques. The classroom setting allows instructors to present core concepts clearly, answer questions in real time, and run small-group discussions and demos before heading outside. Outside practice reinforces those lessons with realistic scenarios—transceiver searches, probe line technique, and efficient shoveling—so participants leave confident in both knowledge and practical skills. The day is engaging, well-paced, and designed to build the competence needed for safe travel in the backcountry.
Headed to the back country this year?
An AST 1 is your place to start. You don’t need any experience to take this course. It is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry or slackcountry.
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
Identify avalanche terrain.
Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
Use the Avaluator2.0 as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where avalanche bulletins are available.
Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
Find resources for obtaining avalanche danger ratings and avalanche bulletins if these are not available.
Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
Carry out a companion rescue.
Understand the limits of their training.
AST 1 - Itinerary
Day 1 Classroom
Learn the funamentals of avalanches. Outside avalanche rescue practice.
Days 2 Field Day
Icefields Parkway, Roger’s Pass or KHMR
COURSE INCLUDES
All instructors are ACMG Ski Guides and Professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association
Skiing lines in the backcountry!. you will ski more on this AST course then others, but come in with the mindset of learning!
Avalanche Canada AST 1 certificate
"Avalanche Skills Training" by James Floyer
Avalanche Canada Avaluator 2 booklet
Field day in the backcountry. The location is for the conditions of the day and suitable for the group.
Companion Rescue field Card
