Avalanche Course

AST 1+ – Ski Touring Skills

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.  

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Your First Step to Accessing the Backcountry

The 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

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

 

Length

2.5 Days**

Price

Starting at $329

Location

Whistler, BC

Season

All Winter

Difficulty

Beginner Intermediate

Guest / Guide Ratio

8 to 1

Includes

  • Course Material (Decision Making Hand Book)
  • 2.5 Days Instruction from CAA Members and ACMG Guide

Does Not Include

  • Backcountry Ski Rentals
  • Avalanche Rescue Equipment
  • Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry Lift Ticket
  • Lunch

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

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release
  • Identify avalanche terrain
  • Pre trip planning
  • Use of the Avaluator decision-making system
  • Using public avalanche bulletins
  • Travel in avalanche terrain (uphill and down)
  • Companion rescue

Ski Touring Training

  • Utilize your backcountry equipment properly
  • Read a map, compass
  • Assess terrain for easiest and safest route of ascent
  • Identify mountain and snowpack areas of concern
  • Efficient up tracking through simple and challenging terrain
  • Group management ascending and descending Navigation

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.

  • Good Ski or Boarding Ability (ability to ski/ride black diamond runs just barely)
  • Basic Understanding of Gear (have put it all together and tested on a hill at least once)
  • Moderate Fitness - Can Hike 2 to 3 hours/day

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

2024/2025 Season

Nov. 27, 28
$329 per person + GST
Nov 30, Dec 1 (Women lead)
$359 per person + GST
Nov. 30, Dec 1
$359 per person + GST
Dec. 4, 5
$329 per person + GST
Dec 7, 8 (Women lead)
$359 per person + GST
Dec. 7, 8
$359 per person + GST
Dec. 11, 12
$329 per person + GST
Dec. 14, 15
$359 per person + GST
Dec. 18, 19
$329 per person + GST
Dec. 21, 22
$359 per person + GST
Dec. 25, 26
$329 per person + GST
Dec. 28, 29
$359 per person + GST
Jan. 1, 2
$329 per person + GST
Jan. 4, 5
$359 per person + GST
Jan. 8, 9
$329 per person + GST
Jan. 11, 12
$359 per person + GST
Jan. 11, 12
$359 per person + GST
Jan. 15, 16
$329 per person + GST
Jan. 18, 19
$359 per person + GST
Jan. 22, 23
$329 per person + GST
Jan. 25, 26
$359 per person + GST
Jan. 29, 30 (Women lead)
$329 per person + GST
Jan. 29, 30
$329 per person + GST
Feb. 1, 2
$359 per person + GST
Feb. 5, 6
$329 per person + GST
Feb. 8, 9
$359 per person + GST
Feb. 12, 13
$329 per person + GST
Feb. 15, 16
$359 per person + GST
Feb. 19, 20
$329 per person + GST
Feb. 22, 23
$359 per person + GST
Feb. 26, 27
$329 per person + GST
Mar. 1, 2
$359 per person + GST
Mar. 5, 6
$329 per person + GST
Mar. 8, 9
$359 per person + GST
Mar. 13, 14
$329 per person + GST
Mar. 15, 16
$359 per person + GST
Mar. 19, 20
$329 per person + GST
Mar. 22, 23
$359 per person + GST
Mar. 26, 27
$329 per person + GST
Mar. 29, 30
$359 per person + GST
Apr. 2, 3
$329 per person + GST

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.

FAQ -

Gear List

What is the booking Policy?

Completed the 2.5 Day AST 1+ course and Altus could not have been better.

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+.

-Derek F.

I recently took the AST1+ through Altus.

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!

- Ashley K

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