Avalanche Courses

Carving fresh tracks in champagne powder is the stuff of every rider's ultimate dream . . . but to venture into the uncontrolled backcountry without the tools to make good decisions is just asking for trouble. Do you have the skills to recognize all the potential hazards and minimize your exposure to them? Do you have the training to deal with an emergency if something goes wrong? Avalanche Canada's AST courses (Avalanche Skills Training) are what you need to arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions out there while shredding the pow!.

Companion Rescue Skills (CRS)

Companion Rescue

Has it been a while since your last Avalanche Course? How prepared are you if things go wrong? Techniques and technology are changing rapidly and YOU want to stay current and informed! Your partners’ lives are depending on it.  Yearly practice is required to stay honed!
This full day field course covers new equipment technology, air bag usage, new probing and shovelling techniques, beaconless searching, group rescue, multiple burials, triage and more!

All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides. These seasoned veterans lend credibility to your learning experience.

Nelson Field sessions are held in the Evening Ridge area.

Nelson Dates:
Nov. 27, 2016
Dec. 10, 2016       COURSE IS FULL
Jan. 14, 2017
$110 - Includes course certificate

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1)

AST 1

This thorough and intensive introduction to avalanche safety is a must for anyone considering entering the backcountry. Cutting edge avalanche education and techniques are utilized to provide you with the tools and knowledge to make solid decisions in avalanche terrain. Topics include hazard recognition, trip planning, route selection, slope assessment, companion rescue and human factors. The 2 day format consists of one full classroom day with videos, powerpoint, interactive exercises and planning sessions, and one field day to apply the classroom theory in the backcountry.
All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides. These seasoned veterans lend credibility to your learning experience.

Nelson field sessions are held at Evening Ridge.  Canmore field sessions are in K-Country or Kootenay National Park. You should have at least intermediate level skiing or snowboarding skills (ie. confident on blue runs).

Nelson Dates:                                               Canmore Dates:       
Jan. 27 & 28, 2018 (splitboarders only)         Contact Us for custom dates for your group                
Feb. 10 & 11, 2018  COURSE IS FULL
Mar. 10 & 11, 2018

Day 1 - Classroom: 8 am - 4 pm
Day 2 - Backcountry: 7:30 am - 4 pm
$225 (Nelson) - includes avalanche course manual, Avaluator 2 and AST 1 certificate.

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Nelson Dates

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2)

AST 2

This 3.5 day course is a must for those with basic avalanche experience looking to expand their skills and make decisions in more complicated terrain. It is also highly recommended for those interested in the CAA Level 1 professional course. Classroom theory in the evenings is partnered with plenty of field time and many opportunities to get feedback on your tracksetting, route finding and terrain selection. Course content includes snowpack analysis, stability testing, fracture characteristics, advanced rescue training, leadership & group management, terrain evaluation, and advanced trip planning.

All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides.

Prerequisites: The AST 1 course (or equivalent) and experience skiing or split boarding in backcountry snow conditions through trees.  Think you know enough to skip the AST 1?

Nelson Course - Field days at Evening Ridge, Whitewater backcountry, and Kootenay Pass area.
Canmore Course – Field days in Kananaskis, Kootenay Park and the Icefields Parkway.

Nelson Dates:                                            Canmore Dates:
Jan. 29 - Feb. 1, 2017  COURSE IS FULL Contact Us for custom dates for your group 
Feb. 17 - 20, 2017        2 SPOTS LEFT
Mar. 3 - 6, 2017

Day 1 -  Classroom: 6 pm - 9 pm
Days 2 - 4 Backcountry: 7:30 am - 4 pm (evening sessions 6 - 8:30 pm on days 2 & 3)
$445 (Nelson) - includes student manual and AST 2 certificate

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Nelson Dates
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Combined AST 1 & 2

Avalanche

This 5 day combined course rolls both AST curriculums into one and is perfect for dedicated powder hounds, ski industry candidates, or anyone looking to make decisions in complex avalanche terrain.
Field days are held in backcountry locations such as the Evening Ridge and Kootenay Pass regions. You should have experience skiing or split boarding in backcountry snow conditions through trees.
All courses are taught by CAA Avalanche Professionals and ACMG Full or Apprentice Ski Guides.

Nelson Dates:                                                     Canmore Dates:
Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 , 2017        COURSE IS FULL   Contact Us for custom dates for your group 
Feb. 11,12 & 17*-20, 2017  COURSE IS FULL
Mar. 2 - 6, 2017

Day 1 - Classroom: 8 am - 4 pm
Day 2 - Backcountry: 7:30 am - 4 pm (evening session 6 pm - 9 pm)  *Evening session Feb. 17 for split course. 
Days 3 - 5 Backcountry: ~7:30 am - 4 pm (evening sessions 6 - 8:30pm on days 3 & 4)
$640 (Nelson) - includes avalanche course manuals, Avaluator and AST 1 & 2 certificates.

Nelson Dates
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