Avalanche skills training (AST)

Learn from the Sea to Sky's leading avalanche skills educator.

Learn from the Sea to Sky’s leading avalanche skills educator. Receive the latest Avalanche Skills Training (AST) safety and rescue skills with our expert instruction. Our AST instructors are highly skilled and are constantly upgrading their knowledge so you receive the best and most up-to-date skills and tips to keep you safe as you explore the backcountry.

Keep building your avalanche skills with our progression of courses. Start with an Intro to Backcountry tours are available to get comfortable with your gear and moving through ungroomed snow.

Avalanche Skills Training certification level 1 is commonly known as the AST 1 Course where you will begin to learn about the hazards around you. Our one day AST refresher course is great to keep your companion rescue skills sharp. Then the next course on your list should be AST 2 course. This level 2 avalanche course is where you really learn how to make good decisions.

Courses below…

Avalanche Skills Training Courses

Nov - Apr

AST 1 Whistler

Duration: 2 Days

Prerequisites: Average Fitness & Intermediate Skier

The first step in Avalanche Canada’s Avalanche Skills Program, AST1 will build fundamental skills for safe travel through the mountains.

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Nov - Apr

Women's AST 1

Duration: 2 Days

Prerequisites: Average Fitness & Intermediate Skier

Part of our Women’s Backcountry Series, AST1 will build fundamental skills for safe travel through the mountains.

Nov - Apr

AST 2 Whistler

Duration: 4 Days

Prerequisites: Good Fitness, Backcountry Experience & AST 1 

The second step in Avalanche Canada’s Avalanche Skills Program, AST2 provides the knowledge and skills to progress beyond beginner backcountry travel.

Nov - Apr

Hut Based AST 2

Duration: 4 Days

Prerequisites: Good Fitness, Backcountry Experience & AST 1 

Level up your existing skill set while staying at one of BC’s amazing alpine huts! AST2 will give you the advances skills to safely open up more exciting terrain.

Nov - Apr

Women's AST 2 Whistler

Duration: 4 Days

Prerequisites: See Course Page

The AST 2 course consists of one classroom day and three days of extensive field sessions on the mountain focusing on advanced terrain analysis, snowpack assessment and rescue skills.

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AST 1+ Whistler

Duration: 3 Days

Prerequisites: Good Fitness & Intermediate Skier

AST1+ adds an extra day to AST1 spent in the field practicing and refining critical skills.

Nov - Apr

AST 1 Squamish

Duration: 2 Days

Prerequisites: Average Fitness & Intermediate Skier

The Sea-to-Sky’s leading avalanche skills provider now offers AST1 in Squamish. Same great training, closer to home!

Nov - Apr

Teen AST 1 Whistler

Duration: 2 Days

Prerequisites: Average Fitness & Intermediate Skier

MSAA’s Teen AST guides have the specific skills and experience to work with youth age 13-16, building the foundation for a lifetime of backcountry fun.

Nov - Apr

Companion Rescue Clinic

Duration: 1 Day

Prerequisites: AST 1

This clinic will polish your existing skills and introduce advanced techniques for faster rescue or complex scenarios.

Nov - Apr

Women's COMPANION RESCUE SKILLS CLINIC

Duration: 1 Day

Prerequisites: Average Fitness & Intermediate Skier

Spend the day with a guide who will teach you the most up-to-date Search and Rescue techniques to make you a more valuable member of your touring party.

Nov - Apr

Avalanche Skills Refresher

Duration: 1 Day

Prerequisites: Average Fitness, AST 1

Does your backcountry skillset have some dust on it? Join an AST1 field day to freshen up your fundamental knowledge and skills.

Nov - Apr

AST 1 Snowshoe - Squamish

Duration: 2 Days

Prerequisites: Average Fitness

Our two-day AST 1 course provides avalanche skills training which includes avalanche phenomenon, trip planning, the principles of safe travel in the backcountry avalanche rescue and much more.

Nov - Apr

AST 1 Snowshoe - Whistler

Duration: 2 Days

Prerequisites: Average Fitness

This introductory avalanche skills course is designed for snowshoers, hikers, and ice climbers who want to develop the skills for safe travel in backcountry terrain where avalanche hazard exists.

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UNSURE WHICH COURSE TO TAKE?

Have a question about one of our courses, guided trips or tour? Speak with one of our expert guides today.