AST1: Avalanche Skills Training

Service Description

8 spots available Participants will meet at 7:30am before heading to the course location. Meeting location will be e-mailed to participants 1-2 days prior to the course. 4x4 with chains or carpooling will be required The planned location is Squamish. Due to the nature of this course, weather plays a role. If the snowpack is not deep enough in Squamish, we will re-locate the course to Whistler, in which case a lift ticket will be required. Participants will be updated ASAP if the course is moved. This is a full day course, you will be done around 4:30-5pm There will be a 2-hour online training to be completed before December 7th. The link will be e-mailed to participants a few days before the course. You will need to bring: -Snowshoes -Beacon -Probe -Shovel -Lunch All of the above can be rented from Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Squamish. Call ahead of time to reserve your rentals and let them know that you will be renting these items for an AST1 course and they will give you a discount. What you will learn: The 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 -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 Includes: -Course material (decision-making handbook) -Access to the online course for 60 days -1 days instruction from CAA members and ACMG guides Does not include: -Avalanche rescue equipment -Snowshoes -Backcountry lift ticket (if required) -Lunch Cancellation policy: Cancellations made before November 7th will receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations made on or after November 7th will not receive a refund.