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 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!
- Guiding fee
- 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.
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
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
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.
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