Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) - Online course
Your backcountry education starts with our professional guides and two days of fundamental travel, rescue, and risk management skills. MSAA works closely with Avalanche Canada to develop, refine, and deliver the best and most current avalanche training available.
Book online or contact our office to ask any questions: 1-604-938-9242 or [email protected]
COURSE INFORMATION
Unlock the essentials of backcountry safety with our Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 1 online course, designed using Avalanche Canada’s world-leading curriculum. This course is your first step towards exploring the backcountry with confidence. You’ll gain a solid understanding of avalanche theory and be equipped with the tools to make informed, smart decisions in the mountains. Plus, you'll learn the latest techniques in avalanche companion rescue.
Our comprehensive program includes:
- 4-6 hours of self-paced online learning & exam: Complete foundational avalanche training at your own pace, from the comfort of home.
- 2 hour live online session: Meet with your instructor and fellow adventurers the evening before your field day to review key concepts.
- Full field day on the mountain: Put your new knowledge to the test! You’ll head out into the mountains with an experienced guide to practice hands-on skills, review avalanche safety tools, and dive into a full day of practical, field-based learning.
Whether you’re new to the backcountry or looking to sharpen your skills, this course will prepare you for real-world challenges and set the foundation for safe, smart adventures.
Snowboarders: To facilitate smooth integration with skiers we require that all snowboarders use a splitboard and not snowshoes. If you plan on only travelling in the backcountry using snowshoes we recommend our Snowshoe AST-1 Course.
Lift Ticket *Whistler Field Day only: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a Lift Ticket through our office at checkout.
**All Courses subject to a minimum number of participants. 48 hour notice will be given if the minimum number has not been reached.Day 0.5: Online Learning + Field Day Prep
Day 1: Field Day - 8:30am - 4:30pm
The guide will lead a short briefing (discussing current conditions and weather) and have everyone perform a gear check. Then you will spend a full day on the mountain with your guide, applying the theory you’ve learned online. We’ll review key concepts, practice avalanche safety techniques, and engage in hands-on exercises such as terrain analysis, companion rescue drills, and using avalanche safety equipment like transceivers, probes, and shovels. The day will end at approximately 4:30 pm with a quick debrief and discussion of what steps you can take after your AST1.
MSAA loyalty Program: Following the AST-1 Course all students will be added to the MSAA loyalty program. All students will receive a 10% discount on any future course with MSAA. Following the AST-1 Course we reccomend all students take the AST-2 course within the next 1-2 seasons. For more information contact our office.
Rentals/Purchase:
If you require rentals we have teamed up with local rental companies to provide discounted rentals. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!
Day 0.5: (Online)
Day 1: (Field Day): Dress appropriately for the conditions.
Clothing:
- Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
- Down or synthetic insulated jacket
- Mid layer fleece top
- Insulating top and bottom under layers and socks
- Warm hat/toque and balaclava
- 2 pairs of gloves
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Equipment:
- Lift Pass
- Backpack-25-35 Litres
- Alpine touring skis/splitboard, skins, bindings, and boots
- Avalanche Safety Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Helmet
- Poles
- First Aid Kit with blister kit
- Rite in the Rain notebook and pencil (optional)
- Map, compass, GPS (optional)
- Lunch, snacks, and water
Day 0.5 (Online Learning):
Online Course:Day 1 (Outdoor Field Day):
- Field review of online course content: reinforcing avalanche theory, terrain analysis, and snowpack assessment
- Companion rescue practice: hands-on use of transceivers, probes, and shovels
- Rescue simulations: practicing single and multiple-burial scenarios
- Safe travel practices: terrain identification and route-finding in avalanche terrain
- Group decision-making exercises: addressing human factors in real-world scenarios
- Avalanche danger assessment: identifying warning signs, using weather and snowpack analysis tools
- Avaluator system: applying the Avaluator decision-making tool in the field
- Wrap-up and debrief: summary of key takeaways, final Q&A with your instructor
The important details:
Season: Nov – Apr
Duration: 1.5 Days
Location: Whistler
Max Ratio: 8 Clients to 1 Guide
Prerequisites: Average Fitness & Intermediate Skier
Minimum Age: 16 yrs
Price: Weekend: $269 Midweek: $219 | $1499/private (up to 8ppl)
BOOK COURSE:
Request Alternative Dates:
Have a date in mind that is not available to book? Request an alternative date and if we have more than 3 participants interested we will open the date.
NEXT STEPS
Guided Backcountry Clinic
A “fast-track” clinic specifically designed to take one’s introductory skills to the next level!
Avalanche Skills Training 2
Our Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course teaches managing and mitigating avalanche and mountain hazards.