Join certified ACMG/IFMGA guides on a comprehensive Avalanche Skills Training Course, level 1, in Calgary, 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
Fit
Intermediate
Would you like to gain more autonomy and safety on your outdoor winter adventures? Then you can’t miss this Level 1 avalanche training course in Winsport, Calgary, and Ptarmigan Inn, Banff in Canada.
The objective of this avalanche training 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 to practice. Our instructors have the highest level of accreditation in Canada and in the world.
Options include attending classroom training in Winsport Calgary or in Ptarmigan Inn in Banff. In Winsport Calgary the classroom session is on Wednesday & Thursday evenings 6-10 pm OR Saturdays starting at 09:00am ending at 4:30am. In Ptarmigan Inn in Banff the Classroom Session is on Saturdays or Tuesdays starting at 09:00am ending at 4:30am.
Keep in mind that classroom sessions, which we recommend, will take place with adequate social distancing. We will also facilitate Zoom feed access. 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!
Classroom Sessions are in Winsport Calgary or in Ptarmigan Inn in Banff. In Winsport Calgary the classroom session is on Wednesday & Thursday evenings 6-10 pm OR Saturdays starting at 09:00am ending at 4:30am. In Ptarmigan Inn in Banff the Classroom Session is on Saturdays or Tuesdays starting at 09:00am ending at 4:30am. On Classroom sessions we will cover:
The root causes of avalanches
Understanding basic weather concepts and patterns contributing to avalanche hazards
First-hand experiences from the instructors used for case studies
Group dynamics, risk tolerance, and discovering your personal mountain intuition
Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale ATES
Snow crystal growth and metamorphism (snow science)
Avalanche Canada daily Avalanche Bulletin
A quick intro to companion rescue and avalanche gear which will be covered during the field day
Open discussions and question periods among the class participants
Please bring any gear you own and have questions about to the classroom session.
Field days will be held at Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass, in some cases due to conditions the field day location may change, this will be discussed in class.
Day two is spent in the field putting to use newly learnt skills:
Companion Rescue
Snowpack analysis and weak layer recognition
Group dynamics and management
Risk tolerance and mountain intuition
Terrain use and avoidance
Understanding changing mountain wx and the effects it has on the snow-pack
Skiing and riding the POW!
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. |
Meeting point Winsport Calgary, Alberta or Ptarmigan Inn, Banff. |
Poles
Goggles
Backpack
Sunglasses
Watter bottle
Ski equipment
Climbing skins
Other gear: Skis, It is recommend to use a shorter (160 - 185cm) mid-fat to fat ski designed for powder and spring snow conditions Climbing skins 'Stick-on type' Ski Poles/ split boarders too Ski boots/ snowboard boots Snowshoes Avalanche beacon with fresh batteries Snow shovel Collapsible probe Daypack, 35-45 L Sunglasses and ski goggles Thermos flask and or water bottle Sun block & Lip Cream Pocket knife Headlamp with fresh batteries 1st-Aid Kit
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.
Matt Stephens
5.00
July, 2022
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Vic Heilweil
5.00
March, 2022
I just wanted to say that Tamara (working for Jeff) was an excellent guide, starting off with a good and concise review of avalanche rescue (beacon search). Throughout the tour, she was very conscientious that everyone in our group was feeling good and that we moved through avalanche terrain safely. She was very knowledgeable of the route offered very good insight regarding local snow conditions. We all felt very fortunate to have had her as our guide that day!
Marie-Desneiges Landry
5.00
February, 2022
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Tom Knapp
5.00
January, 2022
Jeff the guide was brilliant from start to finish! Was my first time Splitboarding and he had loads of handy tips. Good bloke and great day out!
Lucas Choquette
5.00
August, 2021
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Karl McNelly
5.00
April, 2021
The back country is just over that ridge - just right there. You need a guide to access it safely though, and Jeff knew exactly where to go and what to do to create a fantastic - first time splitboarding experience for me. I've been to Lake Louise so many times, now I've seen a little of what is AROUND Lake Louise and my mind has been expanded. Will be back for more adventure for sure!
Timo Plieth
5.00
April, 2021
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Oleg nikiporets
5.00
March, 2021
That was a wonderful ski-tour experience. Everything was well organized, and there was good communication.The choice of daily spots was well planned based on avalanche safety and natural beauty. Special thanks to local guides (Jason and Tamara) for all their efforts and passion, which made this trip a very special experience. I definitely look forward to do another ski-tour trip next year or summer adventure with Jeff or his guides.
Dominique Lemaire
5.00
February, 2021
Excellent service, Guides are very knowledgeable and safety is #1
Amjad Ali
5.00
September, 2020
Jeff is an exceptional individual and excellent mountain guide. Our climb up Athabasca was a truly amazing experience. I saw a sea of mountain peaks that I had never seen before. Alpine air adventures offers in my opinion the best value for money when it comes to alpine climbing. Highly recommended!
Laurel Hoover
5.00
August, 2020
Organized amazing tours for me while I was in Banff.I learned to rock climb and the next day I did a multi-pitch climb. I also did the Sulphur Mountain trek. The guides were excellent and I had so much fun! Would love to do more tours with them!
Mike Mutrie
5.00
August, 2020
We have been going on mountaineering and ski trips with Jeff Bullock for about five years now. Most recently, we climbed Mt. Athabasca with Jeff in August 2020. No matter what the adventure, we love Jeff’s approach to guiding. We always feel safe going with him and always have a great time. Jeff brings humility, humour, honesty, a passion for teaching and great stories. We will continue to do our dream trips with Jeff and Alpine Air Adventures in the future!
George Michel
5.00
March, 2020
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Cassandra Rigo
5.00
March, 2020
Ben guided us to Marble Canyon and it was a really awesome and rewarding experience! Ben was really cool and relaxed about everything, the whole process was made extremely simple, and he went so far as to teach us a little more than we had originally expected to learn. We got extremely lucky with the weather and hiked back with blue skies and the sun shining! Thank you very much!!
Laurence Jacqmain
5.00
March, 2020
Great day of touring in the amazing surroundings around Lake Louise - the vue and silky powder snow were worth the effort of climbing!
Henry James
5.00
February, 2020
I had such a great experience skiing backcountry for the first time! Jeff was an amazing guide and really helped us learn how to use backcountry equipment and avalanche gear. My only concern was that we were forced to change the date of our trip quite last minute and we were not given much information about the trip until only 1-2 days in advance. However, the trip itself was incredible! Thank you for such an amazing experience!
Kenjiro Tsubota
5.00
February, 2020
In my tour, Jeff Bullock was the coordinator and Tamara guided the tour. Jeff kept me informed in a timely manner. Tamara was cheerful and wonderful guide. I not only enjoyed back country skiing, I learned how to search buddies by avalanche beacon. In addition, I enjoyed conversation all through the way. Thank you you both very very much!
Jacobus
5.00
February, 2020
Absolutely exceeded expectations! Everyone had a great time with more than enough variety to satisfy everyone’s skill level. Would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in getting started or progressing their ice climbing.
Kameron Fordyce
5.00
February, 2020
Guide was Aaron Enns, not Jeff Bullock.
Ville Vesterinen
5.00
February, 2020
Really enjoyed our time with our guide, Troy. 5/5 Experience! Highly recommend.
Peter O
5.00
August, 2019
Another great couple trips with Jeff (both multi-day mountaineering and a rock climbing outing). As always he's a great guide that's fun to spend time with and climb with safely and efficiently. Have been out with him many times and plan on many more.
Candice Ehresman
5.00
August, 2019
Our guide Phil was amazing! We went rock climbing with my 5 & 7 year old and he was very knowledgeable & encouraging while keeping their safety in mind. The kids learned a lot while having a great time. I would use their services again. It was awesome!!
Flo Silver
5.00
August, 2019
Good communication, great trip, excellent adventure. Guides worked hard to tailor the experience to suit skills and experience.
Laurentz De Witte
5.00
July, 2019
We went rock climbing in Sunshine Village with Phil. Great instructor! After getting us through all the basics of rock climbing we started the day with a quite easy climb. Through the day the difficulty increased which made it very challenging. We never felt unsafe and were very satisfied at the end! Perfect day! Would recommend it to everybody!!
Kymberley Hill
5.00
July, 2019
Highly, highly, highly recommended. If at all deliberating about getting out with Alpine Air Adventures: don’t. You will definitely not regret spending time with these guys, as this is far from your average “tour” experience; it’s pure bucket-list. Myself and a buddy recently spent the day with Jeff, and he was incredible - such a fantastic day. 2:1 guided rock climbing in Banff, and we loved every second. Jeff was patient (even with a complete novice like myself), and tailored our experience to exactly what we wanted, and the conditions of the day. Just ten minutes from meeting Jeff, I felt 100% comfortable, and knew I was in the most expert of hands. Jeff is incredibly patient and extremely knowledgeable, with a relaxed, super-friendly approach – not to mention an awesome sense of humour that makes it feel like you’re out on an adventure with a good friend. I could not recommend Jeff and AAA more. Amazing – can’t wait to go out with them again.
Jonathan DeMent
5.00
July, 2019
My guide was Christian from the same company (vs Jeff). I was thrilled with the service, friendliness, knowledge, and professionalism. We went to Sunshine Slab near Banff to sport climb for a half day. We managed to get a lot of memorable climbs in a short amount of time. I would gladly use these guys again.
Dov Gil-Har
5.00
August, 2018
Jeff was so kind to the kids, he encouraged and motivated our 12 y/o eldest, and was tolerant and patient with our 9 y/o young one. Extremely recommended for families. We had much fun on the Banff cliffs.
Aidas Aliosaitis
5.00
August, 2018
Guides was the best ones!!! Super stars:)
Samantha Reid
5.00
July, 2018
I had an incredible day with Alpine Airs intro to climbing! Our guide was fantastic and I felt comfortable the whole time! Pretty sure I’m addicted to rock climbing now!
Companion713185
5.00
July, 2018
Summitted mt. Athabasca with Jeff and it was an unbelievable experience. Breathtaking views and excellent coaching along the way
Aditya G
5.00
June, 2018
I have been on 3 summer solstice mountaineering trips with Jeff over the last 3 years and they have all been incredible experiences! 2016 : first time putting on crampons, using an ice axe etc, AAA guides were great instructors. Based on an evaluation of the weather and conditions we switched objectives from Athabasca to A2 and had an excellent trip despite the forecast. 2017: Climbed Athabasca with a couple from Manitoba who had never been to the Rockies. Jeff did a great job managing the different skill and fitness levels in the team! 2018: Got within 10 minutes of the summit of Mt Andromeda, turned around by a storm. Jeff and Monte struck the perfect balance between keeping the group safe and pushing towards the objective.
Group of 1 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 2 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 3 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 4 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 5 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 6 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 7 | CAD 274 Each |
Group of 8 | CAD 274 Each |
Want a different number of travellers?
- Guiding fee
- Group equipment avalanche equipment
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Pre-course 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.
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