AST 1: Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 is a comprehensive course that prepares participants for safe travel in avalanche-prone terrain. Through a combination of virtual and hands-on training, attendees gain the essential knowledge and skills to navigate winter adventures with confidence. From understanding mountain conditions to mastering companion rescue techniques, the AST 1 curriculum equips outdoor enthusiasts with the certification and expertise needed to explore the backcountry responsibly. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newcomer to winter activities, this course offers a solid foundation for navigating the challenges and thrills of the snowy wilderness.

Key Points

• The AST 1 course provides in-depth exploration of mountain conditions and weather patterns that influence avalanche risk.
• Participants receive hands-on training in companion rescue simulations and snowpack analyses through a two-day curriculum.
• The course aims to develop skills for avoiding and managing avalanche risks in the backcountry, leading to AvCan certification.
• Instruction is provided by ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides and CAA-certified instructors, ensuring comprehensive avalanche safety education.
• The blended format includes a virtual Zoom session covering theoretical aspects and a practical field day in Banff National Park.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Course Overview

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course provides an in-depth exploration of mountain conditions and weather patterns that contribute to avalanche risk, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate and manage avalanche scenarios safely.

Spanning two days, the course covers a range of essential topics, from understanding the science behind avalanche formation to acquiring vital survival techniques for backcountry outings.

Participants will learn to identify and avoid hazardous situations, as well as engage in hands-on companion rescue simulations and snowpack analyses.

Taught by ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides and CAA-certified instructors, the course culminates in an AvCan certification, ensuring participants are well-prepared for safe and responsible winter adventures.

Learning Objectives

Understanding mountain conditions and weather patterns that can lead to avalanches is a key focus of the AST 1 course. Participants will learn crucial skills for avoiding and managing avalanche risks in the backcountry, including vital survival techniques.

Hands-on companion rescue simulations and snowpack analyses provide practical experience to ensure participants are well-prepared for safe winter adventures.

Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to avalanche formation, enabling them to identify dangerous situations and make informed decisions.

Curriculum and Certification

As part of the AST 1 course, participants follow the official AvCan curriculum, which includes the AvCan text and The Avaluator as core materials.

Upon successful completion of the coursework, learners receive an AvCan certificate, demonstrating their mastery of the avalanche safety skills covered.

The instruction is provided by ACMG/IFMGA-certified ski and mountain guides, as well as CAA-certified instructors, ensuring participants receive top-quality education and training.

The comprehensive curriculum covers critical topics such as understanding mountain conditions, weather patterns, and techniques for avoiding and managing avalanche scenarios.

Participants also gain vital survival skills for navigating the backcountry safely and engage in companion rescue simulations and snowpack analyses.

Inclusions and Equipment

Along With the comprehensive curriculum, the AST 1 course provides participants with essential equipment needed for the backcountry activities. Avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes are all included and available for use during the program. Participants can also rent personal ski touring or splitboard equipment from local shops in the town near the field day location. However, the course does not include accommodation, transportation, or meals for attendees.

Equipment Provided	Rental Equipment Available	Not Included
Avalanche transceiver	Ski touring equipment	Accommodation
Shovel	Splitboard	Transportation
Probe		Meals

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Cancellation and Availability

The AST 1 course offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing participants to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Course availability and start times can be checked through the program’s booking system, with the first-day classroom session taking place over Zoom and the field day’s location shared during this initial virtual meeting.

• Participants can easily check for course availability and starting times.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the course.

• The first-day classroom session is conducted via Zoom.

• Field day location details are provided during the Zoom session.

Zoom and Field Day

The AST 1 course is split into two distinct components – an initial day conducted virtually over Zoom, followed by a field day at Banff National Park.

The Zoom session covers the theoretical aspects of avalanche safety, including understanding mountain conditions, weather patterns, and avalanche risk management. Participants will learn crucial survival skills and engage in companion rescue simulations.

The field day then allows learners to apply these concepts in a hands-on setting at Banff. Under the guidance of ACMG/IFMGA-certified ski guides and CAA-certified instructors, students will analyze snowpack, practice companion rescue, and gain practical experience navigating the backcountry safely.

This blended format ensures a comprehensive avalanche safety education.

Avalanche Scenarios

Avalanche scenarios constitute a critical focus of the AST 1 course, equipping participants with essential skills to identify, mitigate, and manage potential avalanche risks in the backcountry.

Through immersive simulations and case studies, the curriculum covers:

• Recognizing terrain traps, snowpack instability, and other red flags that signal avalanche danger

• Implementing effective route-finding strategies to avoid high-risk areas

• Executing proper companion rescue techniques, including efficient transceiver searches, efficient shoveling, and strategic probing

• Analyzing snowpack structure and interpreting stability tests to assess avalanche probability

These practical, hands-on lessons empower AST 1 graduates to make informed decisions and respond appropriately when venturing into avalanche-prone environments, prioritizing their safety and that of their backcountry companions.

Mountain Conditions and Weather

Understanding the intricate relationship between mountain conditions and weather patterns is crucial for recognizing avalanche triggers.

Participants in the AST 1 course learn to closely monitor factors like temperature fluctuations, precipitation levels, and wind speed, which can significantly impact snowpack stability and avalanche likelihood.

They study how warming temperatures can lead to wet snow avalanches, while cold snaps and heavy snowfall increase the risk of dry slab avalanches.

Tracking weather systems and studying snowpack structure are essential for anticipating when and where avalanches are most likely to occur.

This knowledge equips AST 1 students with the skills to make informed decisions and avoid potentially dangerous backcountry conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Ensure I Have the Necessary Physical Fitness for the Course?

To ensure the necessary physical fitness, one should engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises, build endurance through activities like hiking or skiing, and aim to be comfortable in the mountain environment prior to the course.

Can I Obtain a Refund if I Need to Cancel Less Than 24 Hours in Advance?

The course offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, cancellations within 24 hours of the start may not be eligible for a refund, as per the provider’s policy.

Is It Possible to Extend the Course Duration or Add Additional Field Days?

The course duration and field days are set by the provider. While extensions or additional field days may be possible, they would likely require additional fees and arrangements. It’s best to contact the provider directly to inquire about any customization options.

Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Personal Protective Equipment?

For this course, participants don’t need to purchase any additional personal protective equipment. The necessary gear, like an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, is provided by the organizers as part of the course package.

Are There Any Prerequisites or Prior Experience Required to Enroll in This Course?

The course typically doesn’t have any prerequisites, though some prior experience in backcountry skiing or snowboarding is recommended. Beginners are welcome, and the curriculum is designed to teach essential avalanche safety skills from the ground up.

Recap

AST 1: Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for navigating avalanche-prone terrain safely.

Through a combination of virtual instruction and hands-on field exercises, the course provides the AvCan certification, empowering participants to embark on winter adventures with confidence and preparedness.

You can check if your dates are available here: