Prerequisites
Ability to hike uphill for 3 hours, Intermediate ski ability (black diamond runs)
Highlight Skills
Companion rescue, Snow assessment, Group management, Use of ski touring gear
**Online plus 1 day in the field
The AST 1 - Avalanche Skills Training course is the long-established standard in introductory avalanche education. This course is designed to bring resort skiers into the backcountry with the foundational skills to understand avalanche formations and proper backcountry travel.
Book NowThis course is designed to bring resort skiers into the backcountry with the foundational skills to understand avalanche formations and proper backcountry travel. Also, this course will give students the prerequisites to pursue more advance professional or recreational avalanche training.
Do you want to ski in the backcountry? Do you have intermediate or higher ski ability? Do you like learning in a group setting?
This course is for anyone who wants to make sure they are taking the appropriate steps to make smart decisions in the backcountry and the skills to ski fun lines.
Ability to hike uphill for 3 hours, Intermediate ski ability (black diamond runs)
Companion rescue, Snow assessment, Group management, Use of ski touring gear
**Online plus 1 day in the field
Our AST 1 course is unique in that we are teaching participants the basic skills of avalanche phenomena, assessment, avoidance, and ski touring skills to access the backcountry. This course will cover both pillars of safe and efficient backcountry travel.
Avalanche Skills Training
Avalanche Statistics
Those new to backcountry skiing or with limited experience. The ability to ski blue square runs in powder conditions is required.
AVY GEAR RENTALS
$35 / course
W/B LIFT TICKET
$62 / day
Day 1 (Online)
Complete online learning at your pace (4- 6 hours)
Day 2 (Whistler or Squamish)
8:00 am – Morning session
9:00 am – Field session
Whistler field day: Pass holders must reserve Whistler lift access. If you do not have a seasons pass backcountry passes are available.
Squamish field days: Chains are required by BC parks to access the meeting location. Please reach out for assistance.
Unique to Altus AST courses is our custom made #altusonlinelearning platform with over 13 courses available. Each course is built and instructed by one of our guides and is used to ensure you get the most out of your time in the field.
The AST 1 pre-course takes approximately 3 – 4 hours to complete and is a series of videos and presentations followed up with a final exam. The final exam requires a 60% pass to receive the AST 1 certificate.
Students will have access to this course for learning to revisit for 2 months from sign up.
