Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) - Whistler

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!

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.

Lift Ticket *Day 2 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.

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.

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

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.

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:

• 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

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