Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST 2) - Whistler

If you’ve taken AST-1 and gained some backcountry experience, AST-2 provides an opportunity to enhance your skills through the Avalanche Canada course and additional MSAA curriculum.

Students will spend one day in the classroom building on their existing knowledge and concepts about snow science, terrain, weather, planning, and emergency management. The following three days will be spent in the field with our most experienced guides. During this time, classes will delve into advanced snow assessment, stability tests, more complex ideas about decision-making, trip planning and route finding, managing unforeseen events, and more challenging companion rescue scenarios.

While AST-1 lays the groundwork for safe exploration, AST-2 delves deeper, providing the expertise, understanding, and hands-on experience needed to venture into more challenging terrains, embark on multi-day excursions, pursue exhilarating objectives, and serves as the culmination of your recreational avalanche education.

Course includes:

• See “Itinerary” tab for course break down (online learning, video call & 3 field days)
• Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Certificate (upon successful completion)
• Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain fieldbook
• Canadian Avalanche Association mandatory student fee
• Use of snow study kit with thermometer, crystal screen and loupe
• Recommended Reading: Students are encouraged to purchase ‘Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain’ to enhance their learning

Lift Ticket *Days 1-3 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.

Looking to learn while being fully immersed in the backcountry? Check out our Hut Based AST2, which spends three days at the Kees & Claire Hut!

**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

• Online Course: Complete a 5-7 hour self-paced online course in avalanche theory. This must be done during the week prior to your field day.
• Online Meeting (7 PM): Meet your instructor and fellow participants in one mandatory evening online session on the night or two before your field day. This session will review critical course concepts and get you prepared for hands-on learning.

Day 1-3: Field Days – 8:30am – 4:30pm

The guide will conduct a brief discussion about current conditions and weather, and then everyone will do a gear check. From there, you will head up the mountain to practice the skills you learned in the classroom. The days will end at around 4:30 pm with some homework. At the end of the course, there will be a debrief and a discussion about the next steps you can take after completing your AST2.

Location: Depending on group ability and conditions, the field days can be hosted in other destinations, such as the Duffey or Squamish. This will be a group decision made on either day 1 or 2. If you have purchased lift passes for this course and the field day location changes, MSAA will issue a 100% refund.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals, we have teamed up with local rental companies to provide discounted rates.

Day 0.5: (Online & Video Call)

• Pen
• Paper/notebook
• Laptop

Day 1-3: (Field Days): 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:

• Lift Pass (If you do not have a season pass or Epic Pass or Edge Card, you can purchase a backcountry ticket from MSAA).
• 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 Pre-Course & Guide Video Call):

• AST1 Review
• Group Leadership
• Avalanche Types
• Terrain Management Techniques
• The Avalanche Forecast
• Trip Planning
• Avalanche Danger Exceptions
• Companion Rescue Theory

Day 1 (Field Day):

• Trailhead Procedures
• Obtaining Field Observations
• Advanced Companion Rescue
• The Bulletin & Avalanche Problems
• Perform Snowpack Test
• Situational Awareness & Leadership
• Recognizing Terrain Transitions
• Recognizing Avalanche Hazard Areas
• Safe Travel Techniques & Group Management
• Snow Stability Test
• Snowpack & Weather Recording

Homework:

• Local Avalanche Bulletin
• Weather Forecast
• Mountain Conditions Report
• Field Findings

Day 2 (Field Day):

• Leadership in Avalanche Terrain
• Independent Safety Decision Making
• Safe Track Setting
• Situational Awareness & Leadership
• Safe Travel Techniques & Group Management
• Advanced Companion Rescue

Homework:

• Local Avalanche Bulletin
• Weather Forecast
• Mountain Conditions Report
• Field Findings

Day 3 (Field Day):

• Recap of lessons from previous two days
• Dealing with Terrain Crux
• Course Debrief
• Final Safety Discussion
• Next Steps: Mountain Navigation, Crevasse Rescue, Ski Mountaineering

Click HERE for the full curriculum.