AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING 1 (AST 1) SNOWSHOE - SQUAMISH

Avalanche Skills Training 1 is designed by Avalanche Canada to build the core skills necessary for safe backcountry travel. MSAA's highly experienced guides spend the first day diving into the fundamentals of snow science, terrain assessment, risk management, planning, and dealing with emergencies.

The first day is held indoors in a classroom to facilitate effective theory instruction. The day begins with a discussion of the online pre-course, followed by decision-making exercises and a navigation workshop.

Day two is all about getting on the snow, applying the ideas from day one, refining basic skills, and learning new ones. You'll also practice safe travel techniques, perform basic snowpack assessments, acquire critical companion rescue skills, and gain a new perspective on terrain!

This introductory avalanche skills course is specifically designed for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, hikers and ice climbers. If you venture into terrain where avalanche risk may exist, this course is for you.

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)

**All Courses subject to a minimum number of participants. 48-hour notice will be given if the minimum number has not been reached.**

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 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

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.