Avalanche Skills Training 1

The AST 1 - Avalanche Skills Training course is the long-established standard in introductory avalanche education. This course is designed to bring resort skiers and snowshoers into the backcountry with the foundational skills to understand avalanche formations and proper backcountry travel.

The online material will be sent to participants 1 week prior to the course date.
The exact meeting time and location will be sent to participants 1-2 days prior to the course date.

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.

  • 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
  • Online Learning
  • Avalanche Statistics
  • Snowpack Assessment
  • Defining Avalanche Problems
  • Avalanche Sizes
  • Terrain Assessment
  • Group Management
  • Applying Daily Forecast in the Field
  • Companion Rescue
  • Pre-trip Planning
  • Gear

 

 ** You will be required to rent or bring your own probe, shovel and beacon for the course. These can be rented at Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Squamish, and you can get a discount on the rentals by telling them it's for an AST1 course. This cost is not included in your purchase/registration of the course and must be paid by you. Last year the cost worked out to around $25.

** You will be required to meet your guide in Squamish and the group will then convoy to the trailhead. Depending on weather conditions, chains may be required to access the road as enforced by BC Transportation.

** Half day of online learning to be completed in the week leading up to your field day 

Your purchase includes:
Course material (decision-making handbook)
Access to the online course for 60 days
1 day of instruction from an ACMG guide

Your purchase does not include:
Avalanche rescue equipment
Backcountry lift ticket
Lunch
3rd party cancellation insurance
Transportation

Cancellations

Cancellations prior to November 27, 2025 will receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee.

Cancellations made on or after November 27, 2025 will not receive a refund.