AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING 1+ (AST 1+) - WHISTLER

The AST1+ curriculum was developed by MSAA’s ACMG Mountain Guides/IMFGA and CAA Level 2 professionals with a core principle in mind: practice makes perfect. We start with an online self-paced course focusing on snow, terrain, weather, rescue, and risk management.

What sets AST1+ apart from the standard AST1 program is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Over two full days, students immerse themselves in the field, honing their skills under the expert direction of an MSAA guide. They explore more terrain, receive expert advice on travel and route selection, and develop muscle memory for fast, safe, and effective companion rescue.

Field days: Spend two days in the Whistler Blackcomb backcountry learning how to evaluate terrain, select travel routes, make decisions based on conditions, perform snow stability assessments, and rescue companions during an emergency. The “plus” day provides time to hone new skills and take full advantage of our guides’ wealth of knowledge and experience!

Course includes:

• 4-hour self-paced online 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.

Lift Ticket *field days 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.

Online Self-Paced Classroom: (2-3hrs)

Everyone will have access to our self-paced online learning platform.

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+.

Parking: Please note that the nearest parking for this course is located at the Whistler Day Lots

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!

Online Course:

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
• 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

Online Course:

• 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

Field Days:

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

Click HERE for the full curriculum

Plus Day:

• Hazard identification accuracy: rating, type, layer, location, trigger, mitigation

• Safe, efficient, conservative approach, quality ski terrain identification, best; snow, aspects, elevation, incline, terrain type (anchors, trees or open, supported/unsupported) to ski/ride
• Snowpack Problems & Hazard Identification/Investigation/Mitigation Performance
• Downhill ski/riding Performance
• Human factors