AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING 1 (AST 1) - SQUAMISH

Avalanche Skills Training in Squamish is an opportunity to explore true Sea to Sky backcountry terrain without the added commute to Whistler or purchase of a resort lift ticket. During the classroom session, our experienced instructors cover the details of weather, snowpack formation, terrain, navigation, trip planning, and safe decision making.

Day two is held in the surrounding Squamish mountains. Guests can apply the theories learned in the classroom, practice assessing terrain in the field, get their hands into the snowpack, learn to coordinate an effective companion rescue, and get the best tips and tricks for efficient mountain travel from our knowledgeable guides.

Course includes:

• 1.5 - 2hr pre-course using an online interactive learning platform
• Backcountry avalanche awareness book
• Avaluator booklet and slope assessment field card
• Canadian Avalanche Association mandatory student fee
• Companion rescue field card
• Use of snow study kit with thermometer, crystal screen and loupe
• Avalanche skills training level 1 certificate (upon successful completion)

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.

Day 1: Classroom portion - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Everyone will sign waivers, and the guide will review the AST Pre-Course before moving on to theory using decision-making exercises and discussion. The day will include a short morning and afternoon break, as well as a lunch break, and will end with a debrief along with homework, some handouts, and a resource list.

Day 2: Field Day - 8:30am - 4:30pm

The guide will lead a short briefing to discuss current conditions and weather, and then everyone will perform a gear check. From there, you will head up the mountain to practice the skills you learned on Day 1. The day will end at approximately 4:30 pm with a quick debrief and a discussion of the next steps you can take after your AST1.

A shuttle service from Ridehub to Elfin Lakes can be provided for an additional fee.

We recommend that everyone without the appropriate vehicle and snow chains book the shuttle service. This can be applied at the checkout.

MSAA Loyalty Program: Following the AST-1 course, all students will be added to the MSAA loyalty program, giving them eligibility to receive a 10% discount on any future course with MSAA. Once students complete the AST-1 course, we recommend that they 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 rates. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Day 1: (Classroom Day)

Day 2: (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
• Two pairs of gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Equipment:

• 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 1 (Classroom):

• Snowpack: Crystals & Layers
• Terrain
• Environmental Factors in Avalanche Formation Terrain
• Avalanche Hazard Mitigation
• Avalanche Danger Resources
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Companion Rescue Technique Familiarization
• Pre-Trip Planning & Avalanche Bulletin/Avaluator
• Decision Making Competence

Day 2 (Outdoor):

• Trailhead Procedures
• Companion Rescue
• Avalanche Terrain Travel
• Snowpack and Avalanche Observations
• Snowpack Tests
• Avalanche Terrain Descent

Click HERE for the full curriculum