AST 1: Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 is a must-have for any backcountry adventurer. This comprehensive course covers the essential skills needed to identify and manage avalanche risks. Through a mix of virtual and hands-on training, you will learn about mountain conditions, weather patterns, and snowpack analysis. But the real test comes on the field day, where they’ll put their newfound knowledge to the test in Banff National Park. With ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides leading the way, students are sure to gain the confidence and expertise required to navigate the backcountry safely. There’s more to discover about this life-saving training program.

Key Points

• AST 1 is a comprehensive introduction to backcountry safety, covering essential skills for identifying and managing avalanche risks.
• The course follows Avalanche Canada’s AvCan curriculum, focusing on mountain conditions, weather patterns, and avalanche hazards.
• The training includes a virtual classroom session and a field excursion in Banff National Park to practice hands-on avalanche safety techniques.
• The course is taught by ACMG/IFMGA-certified ski and mountain guides and CAA-certified instructors with extensive experience in the mountains.
• Participants are required to be able to navigate snowy, mountainous terrain and must bring their own transportation to the field day site.

Course Overview

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course provides a comprehensive introduction to backcountry safety, covering essential skills for identifying and managing avalanche risks.

Over the course of two days, you will learn Avalanche Canada’s AvCan curriculum, studying mountain conditions, weather patterns, and avalanche hazards.

The first day’s classroom session, held via Zoom, lays the foundation.

The second day’s field excursion, in the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park, offers hands-on practice in companion rescues, snowpack analyses, and weak layer recognition.

Participants also learn about terrain use, group dynamics, and risk tolerance.

Taught by ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides and CAA-certified instructors, the course equips aspiring backcountry enthusiasts with the knowledge and confidence to explore the mountains safely.

Classroom Session Details

On the first day, participants gather virtually for the classroom session, which runs from 9:00am to 3/4pm.

During this time, they’ll dive into Avalanche Canada’s AvCan curriculum, studying the intricacies of mountain conditions, weather patterns, and avalanche hazards.

The lesson covers the fundamentals of avalanche awareness, equipping students with the knowledge to recognize potential dangers and make informed decisions in the backcountry.

Through interactive discussions and presentations, the certified instructors ensure that participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical aspects of avalanche safety before venturing into the field.

This solid foundation sets the stage for the hands-on learning that will take place during the second day of the course.

Field Day Location

For the field day, you will travel to either Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass in Banff National Park, where they’ll have the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge in a real-world setting. At these locations, students will practice essential skills like companion rescues, snowpack analyses, and weak layer recognition. They’ll also learn about terrain use, avoidance, group dynamics, and risk tolerance.

Location	Terrain	Avalanche Conditions
Bow Summit	Mountainous, snowy slopes	Moderate to high risk
Vermilion Pass	Alpine, exposed ridges	Variable, often complex

These field exercises are designed to build confidence and reinforce the concepts covered during the classroom session, preparing participants for safe backcountry adventures.

Training Curriculum

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) covers Avalanche Canada’s comprehensive AvCan curriculum, equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills for safe backcountry travel.

In the classroom session, students learn about mountain conditions, weather patterns, and avalanche hazards. They’ll study the factors that contribute to snowpack stability and instability, and how to recognize potential avalanche triggers. The curriculum also covers terrain use, group dynamics, and risk tolerance.

On the field day, students practice companion rescues, snowpack analyses, and weak layer identification. They’ll apply their newfound knowledge and skills in real-world conditions, solidifying their understanding of avalanche safety principles.

Instructor Qualifications

The AST 1 course is led by ACMG/IFMGA-certified ski and mountain guides who are also CAA-certified instructors, ensuring participants receive expert-level instruction on avalanche safety. These highly qualified professionals not only have extensive experience in the mountains but are also trained to teach the Avalanche Canada curriculum effectively. They bring a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to the table, making the course an invaluable learning experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The instructors’ certification and expertise ensure that students leave the AST 1 course with a solid understanding of avalanche hazards and the necessary skills to navigate them safely.

Instructor Certification	Description
ACMG/IFMGA	Association of Canadian Mountain Guides/International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
CAA	Canadian Avalanche Association
Ski and Mountain Guide	Highly skilled in mountain travel, snowpack analysis, and technical skills
Avalanche Instructor	Trained to effectively teach the Avalanche Canada curriculum

Included Equipment

Students who enroll in the AST 1 course will receive several essential pieces of equipment they’ll use during the field day portion of the training.

These include:

• An avalanche transceiver, which is a critical tool for locating buried persons in an avalanche.
• A collapsible avalanche shovel, which is used to efficiently dig through snow to rescue buried individuals.
• An avalanche probe, a long pole that’s used to locate the specific position of a buried victim.
• The Avalanche Canada AvCan text and curriculum, which provides the course materials and serves as a valuable reference guide.

Outfitted with this essential gear, students can focus on developing their avalanche safety skills during the hands-on, outdoor session.

Participant Requirements

Who can participate in the AST 1 course? The course is open to anyone with an interest in backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, or other winter activities, though certain requirements must be met. Participants must be able to drive themselves to the field day site in Banff National Park. They should also be prepared to navigate snowy, mountainous terrain on their own. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated. The course has a maximum of 8 students per instructor on the field day to ensure personalized attention.

Requirements	Details
Transportation	Participants must drive themselves to the field day site.
Mobility	Participants should be able to navigate snowy, mountainous terrain.
Accessibility	The course is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Class Size	Maximum of 8 students per instructor on the field day.

Cancellation and Payment

You can cancel your AST 1 booking up to 24 hours in advance without any penalties. Plus, participants can reserve their spot now and pay later for the course.

The course features several convenient payment options:

1. Reserve your spot now and pay later.
2. Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the course.
3. Take advantage of the flexible payment plan to secure your spot.
4. Rest assured that your payment is protected by the company’s refund policy.

This flexible approach to booking and payment makes it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to participate in the AST 1 training and develop their avalanche safety skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Rent Equipment for the Field Day?

Yes, avalanche safety equipment like a transceiver, shovel, and probe are included in the course and provided for the field day. Students don’t need to rent or bring their own gear.

Is Lunch Provided During the Field Day?

Lunch is not provided during the field day. Participants will need to bring their own lunch and snacks to sustain themselves throughout the day’s activities at the remote field site location.

What Should I Pack for the Field Day?

For the field day, participants should pack layers for cold weather, snacks, and plenty of water. They’ll also need their avalanche safety gear – transceiver, shovel, and probe – which will be provided by the course organizers.

Can I Bring My Dog to the Field Day?

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the AST 1 field day. The course prioritizes hands-on training in a controlled environment, and the presence of dogs could distract from the critical learning objectives. Participants should leave their furry friends at home for this specific program.

Is There an Age Limit for Participants?

The course doesn’t have a strict age limit, but participants must be able to keep up with the physical demands. Children under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Recap

AST 1: Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to backcountry safety.

The course covers essential skills for identifying and managing avalanche risks, including mountain conditions, weather patterns, and snowpack analysis.

Participants receive hands-on training in companion rescues and weak layer recognition, led by ACMG/IFMGA-certified instructors.

This training is an invaluable resource for anyone venturing into the backcountry, ensuring they’ve the knowledge and skills to stay safe.