Prerequisites
Ability to hike uphill for 3 hours and advance ski ability (black diamond runs)
Highlight Skills
Companion rescue, snow assessment, group management and use of ski touring gear
Our AST 1+ course is unique. We incorporate ski/split touring skills into the conventional AST 1 course template for two full days in the field.
Book NowThe course focuses on avalanche terrain, snowpack analysis, companion rescue, navigation, and group management. We ensure students have the necessary skills to travel in the backcountry and to ride fun lines safely by dialing in efficient up-tracking and terrain assessment for the easiest, safest ascent route.
Do you want to ride in the backcountry? Do you have intermediate or higher ski/board ability? Do you like learning in a group setting? Then yes!
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 touring skills to access and ski the backcountry. Courses are available every weekend from mid-November to mid-March with mid-week courses now running every Wednesday-Thursday as well!
Women's only courses: November 30 & December 1, December 7 & 8, January 11 & 12, and January 29 & 30.
** Half day of online learning to be completed in the week leading up to your 2 field days
Ability to hike uphill for 3 hours and advance ski ability (black diamond runs)
Companion rescue, snow assessment, group management and use of ski touring gear
Participants will learn the basic skills of avalanche phenomena, assessment and avoidance in addition to the ski touring skills to access the backcountry. This course covers the two pillars of safe and efficient backcountry travel:
Avalanche Skills Training
Ski Touring Training
The AST 1+ course is for skiers and boarders who have no, or limited, backcountry experience. The ability to ride black diamond runs in powder conditions is required to participate in this course.
Online Pre-Course
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.
Itinerary
Day 0.5
Online curriculum to be completed prior to the course. Takes approximately 4 hours. Location: Anywhere!
Day 1
8:00 am - Morning Session in Whistler Village
9:00 am - Whistler Backcountry Field Session
Day 2
8:00 am - Morning Session in Whistler Village
9:00 am - Whistler Backcountry Field Session
*If you do not have a seasons or Epic pass, backcountry lift tickets are available at time of booking
W/B Lift Ticket - $45
Crevasse Rescue + Glacier Travel Online Course - $45
Backcountry Essentials Online Course - $45
Day 0.5 (Online)
Complete online learning at your pace in the week leading up to your field days (3- 4 hours)
Day 1
8:00 am – Morning session
9:00 am – Field session
4:30 pm – Return to cars
Day 2
8:00 am – Morning session
9:00 am – Field session
4:30 pm – Return to cars
Whistler field day: If you do not have a seasons pass, backcountry passes are available for purchase at checkout.
Online Pre-Course
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.
Great communication prior to our course, very informative during the weekend and great staff. Scott was our Pro for the weekend and he was able to share his experiences and convey great lessons throughout the entire time. Great balance of 'classroom' and practical/ hands-on learning. 100% recommended for anyone whom is looking to start getting into Backcountry skiing. A+.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, and if it would be worth paying extra to take the plus version, but the program exceeded my expectations. You complete the online course at your own pace, which leaves two full days in the field to be really hands on. Our guide, Christine, was extremely knowledgeable, approachable and fun to ride around with!
