Avalanche Skills Training AST 1 in Banff and Lake Louise
Join certified ACMG/IFMGA guides on a comprehensive Avalanche Skills Training Course, level 1, in Banff, Canada. The course is divided into classroom theory and one field day practice to put skills to use. An ideal course for backcountry and ski touring enthusiasts.
Group
Rockies
2 Days
Jan, Feb, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Practice Avalanche safety skills in a controlled environment.
- Acquire theoretical and practical techniques for your backcountry adventures.
- Join certified guides on a 2-day comprehensive avalanche training course.
Description
**Offered from November 1st to May 31st. You can rather join a weekend group or a midweek group. We depart every Tuesday and Saturday. **
Would you like to gain more autonomy and safety on your outdoor winter adventures? Then you can’t miss this Level 1 Avalanche Skills Training course in Canada.
The objective of this AST course is to enable people to travel in the backcountry safely. Additionally, this course will give you information and skills about obtaining current information, onsite snowpack dynamics, and terrain. It is split into a theoretical classroom setting and a field day at Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass to put the skills into practice. Our instructors have the highest level of accreditation in Canada and in the world.
Keep in mind that classroom sessions, which we recommend, will be online via ZOOM. Once the theoretical part of the course has been completed, we will move on to the practical aspects on a unique field day where we will put the skills that we have seen in the classroom to the test. You can find a detailed outline of the course below.
Attending this avalanche training course will give you the skills to keep you safe on your backcountry adventures. Ready to give it a shot? Then contact us now and sign up!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Avalanche equipment
Price details
- WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Precourse logistics,
- Avalanche Canada AvCan Curriculum with AvCan text and The Avaluator,
- Avalanche Transceiver, shovel and probe,
- ACMG/IFMGA Certified Ski & Mountain Guides,
- CAA Certified Instructors,
- AvCan Certificate of completion,
- Spacious classroom to facilitate social distancing at Winsport or Ptarmigan Inn.
- WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Pre/post accommodations,
- Transportation.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Classroom day
For the weekday course, the classroom session is on Tuesday, and on weekends it's on Saturday, either option starts at 09:00 am and will finish approx 3/4 pm, it will be via ZOOM. A detailed course package will be emailed 3 days prior to course commencement.
Topics:
- Root causes of avalanches
- Basic weather concepts and patterns that contribute to avalanche hazards
- Case studies
- Group dynamics, risk tolerance, and personal mountain intuition
- ATES (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale )
- Snow science
- Avalanche Canada daily Avalanche Bulletin
- Intro to companion rescue and avalanche gear
- Open Q&A
Day 2: Practice
The field day will be held on Wednesday or Sunday at Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass. In some cases, due to conditions, the field day location may change, this will be discussed in class. The start and finish times will be similar to that of the classroom.
Topics:
- Companion Rescue
- Snowpack analysis and weak layer recognition
- Group dynamics and management
- Risk tolerance and mountain intuition
- Terrain use and avoidance
- Understanding changing mountain weather conditions and the effects it has on the snow-pack
- Skiing and riding
Details
More info
All AST 1 Participants receive Avalanche Canada Curriculum and The Avaluator decision-making tool.
Students must have snowshoes, ski touring, or splitboard equipment for the field day. All avalanche safety equipment, shovel, probe, and transceivers are included in the cost if needed. AAA uses Mammut avalanche equipment. Maximum 8 students: 1 instructor on the field day.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Poles
Ski equipment
Sunglasses
Goggles
Climbing skins
FAQs
Do I need to bring my own touring equipment?
You will need to bring your own touring equipment. This can be rented in Banff, Canmore, or Calgary.
Is avalanche gear included?
Yes, we will provide beacons, shovels, and probes if you do not have your own.
Is the classroom portion online?
Yes, the classroom session is online.
Will we do any skiing?
We generally include skiing in the day, but this will depend on the skillset of the entire group.
About the guide
-Jeff
4.9
(68)
Mountain Guide
Alpine Air Adventures is an independent mountain guiding business run by Jeff Bullock. I am a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, with my training and certification through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and the Canadian Avalanche Association.
We specialize in outdoor Banff adventures including: rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, avalanche courses and improvised rope rescue courses.
Based out of Banff, Alberta, Canada in the heart of the rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alpine Air offers everything mountain. My main emphasize is to offer safe and unforgettable Banff adventures to my guests. With the allure of the mountains right at my doorstep I am always keen to take on any adventure and I am excited to have you along. Contact me to begin organizing your dream mountain ascent or descent.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
ACMG | IFMGA
What people are saying about -Jeff
Abby
The only tough part was trying to arrange transport from Banff to the Lake O'hara parking lot. I don't drive so it would make more sense if the tour company could arrange for that service too? If that's possible?
Hugo
Marie
Sarah
We had a great tour with Bren from Selkirk Powder Descents. Snow conditions were not favorable as it is mid April but we have never been to this area and it was great to get a flavor of the backcountry at Roger's Pass. If we go back to this area, we would definitely contact Bren/Selkirk Powder Descents!
Lipi
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