AST-1 (Squamish)

Skiing up to Elfin Lakes on the way to the Garibaldi Neve
Avalanche test pit
Avalanche Test Pit in Whistler

The original Canada West Mountain School AST-1 program delivered in Squamish! Our unique AST-1 course includes 3 hours of self-paced learning in the Canada West Virtual Classroom to cover Avalanche Safety theory, followed by two field days in different mountain regions for the most effective use of your time. Our AST-1 provides you with the most hands-on time of any AST-1 course. If you are looking for a thorough Avalanche Skills Training program, the Canada West AST-1 is the answer!

Register Today

$295.00

Avalanche Canada Logo

Canada West Mountain School is an Authorized AST Provider

Ratio:
1:8
Pre Requisites:

Strong Intermediate skiing/riding ability. No previous avalanche training required.

Options:
Avi Kit (2 day)
$40.00
Lift Access (1-day)
$45.00
Category:
  • Squamish AST-1 Course: $295. + GST
    (are you a Squamish or Sea to Sky local? Use coupon code "Squamish50" and save $50!) The discount is available to all residents between Lions Bay and Pemberton, provided the registration is made with a local address.

    Included in all Canada West Mountain School AST-1 courses:

    • 2 days AST-1 course instruction:
      3-hour self-paced Online theory in our Virtual Classroom conducted before field portions
      Day-1 practical field session in backcountry near Squamish
      Day-2 field session held in Whistler/Blackcomb alpine backcountry
    • AST-1 Certificate issued by Avalanche Canada
    • Avalanche Manual "Backcountry Avalanche Awareness"
    • Avaluator V.2 Manual and decision making card
    • Course student handouts and reference materials
    • Access to our "On-Course" Avalanche Safety Gear rentals
    • Use of Snow Science equipment
    • Ongoing free consultation services from Canada West Mountain School
    • 50% off future Avalanche Refresher courses with Canada West Mountain School

    Exclusive On-Course Avalanche Safety Equipment rentals:
    Transceiver, Shovel and Probe rentals are available through Canada West for $45. The Canada West "On-Course" Avi Kit rentals will be supplied directly to you on your course - skip the hassle of going to another shop to pick up or drop off rentals before the course! Rentals must be booked at time of AST Course Registration, add "Avi Kit" when registering. CWMS On-Course Avi Kit Rentals include Mammut Barryvox Transceiver, G3 Shovel and G3 Probe for both days of your course.

    Lift Access fees: (not applicable for students with existing lift passes)
    Lift-access is required on Day-2 on Whistler/Blackcomb. If you do not have a Whistler/Blackcomb pass already, passes are available for purchase through CWMS directly.

    NOTE on weather and snow conditions:
    If the snow or weather conditions on Day-1 are not suitable for delivering a quality course in the backcountry near Squamish, the course will be held for both days on Whistler/Blackcomb. In this event 2 days of lift access are required for Whistler/Blackcomb.

    CANCELLATIONS and TRANSFERS
    Please click here for our Cancellation and Transfer Policy

    • 2024-25 dates:
    • December 14-15, 2024
    • December 28-29, 2024
    • January 4-5, 2025
    • January 25-26, 2025
    • February 15-16, 2025

  • The AST-1 course is conducted in backcountry regions with a variety of un-groomed snow conditions. While previous backcountry experience is not required, students on the Ski/Snowboard AST-1 must be comfortable skiing/riding on Blue runs in ungroomed conditions. Strong Intermediate skiing/riding skills and above are recommended.

  • Canada West Mountain School has been offering avalanche skills training courses since 1982 - our 2024-25 season AST-1 is built on more than 40 years of experience conducting Avalanche Skills safety training to the highest standard possible.

    The AST-1 course focuses on teaching practical methods of understanding, recognizing and avoiding avalanche hazards, including terrain evaluation, effective decision making, group management, safe route finding, snowpack structure, weather, and avalanche rescue techniques.

    The AST-1 format includes:
    • 3 hours of pre-course online theory, in advance of the field days
    • 1 practical field session on Day-1
    • 1 afternoon theory session at the end of Day-1 field session
    • 1 practical field session on Day-2 at a separate backcountry region

    2 Manuals are included in the course (Backcountry Avalanche Awareness and the Avaluator V.2) and form an integral part of the learning. Our AST-1 course content and materials have been developed and refined over the past 35 years and are based on the nationally-recognized AST-1 curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada.

    The Online classroom session is an engaging series of self-paced, interactive learning modules. Both of the field sessions emphasize "hands-on" practical learning in the field working on snowpack, terrain, travel and rescue skills. With 2 days of field training, ample time is available to practice core skills.

    Theory topics include:
    • avalanche hazard recognition
    • avalanche terminology
    • decision making and human factors
    • avalanche mechanics
    • mountain weather
    • snowpack structure
    • basic terrain evaluation
    • equipment requirements
    • introduction to Avalanche Companion Rescue

    The initial 3-hour online theory modules will prepare you for the practical field sessions so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.

    Skills and topics covered on the Day-1 and Day-2 practical field sessions include:
    • terrain evaluation
    • mountain hazard assessment
    • group management
    • effective decision making in Avalanche Terrain
    • safe route finding techniques
    • snowpack analysis
    • snow testing techniques
    • transceiver searches
    • rescue fundamentals

    At the end of the course, our Instructors conduct a "wrap up" session that we feel is a critical aspect of all Canada West Mountain School AST programs, as this allows students an opportunity to "put all the pieces together" before heading out on your own. During this session, you are encouraged to discuss with your instructor the content that has been covered, and to have the instructor assess your level of knowledge - we would prefer that you know your abilities now, rather than finding out the hard way, later!

  • AST 1 Skiers/Splitboarders course, Squamish
    Field Location: Diamond Head day-1; Whistler/Blackcomb day-2

    All AST-1 courses are held based on current weather and snow conditions. Itineraries and locations for each field day may vary due to changing snow conditions, weather, or avalanche danger levels.

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    Full course details and logistics are included in the Online Virtual Classroom, and are also sent out to students in advance of the course. For more info and answers to any questions, contact info@themountainschool.com

  • All Instructors on our Avalanche courses are Active or Professional Members of the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and hold Level I or Level II Professional Certification with the CAA. Additionally, Canada West Mountain School staff are dedicated educators who are experienced in teaching these skills and conducting well run, professional courses.

    All CWMS staff also attend regular Industry training and have advanced 1st aid training, and many of the Instructors in our Avalanche Training program are also professional Guides certified through the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides).

    Visit Guides and Instructors Page for complete details and background on each of our Guide Team.

  • There will be a practical field training session on Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, followed by a wrap-up theory session on Saturday afternoon/evening, finishing around 6:00.

    The 2nd field session on Sunday will be a full day in the backcountry, ending at around 5:00 pm.

    This course focuses on teaching practical methods of understanding, recognizing and avoiding avalanche hazards, including terrain evaluation, snowpack structure, weather, safe route finding and avalanche rescue techniques.

    Our 2.5 day format includes 7 hours of theory and 12 hours of practical fieldwork. Manuals are included in the course and form an integral part of the learning. Our AST-1 course content and materials have been developed over the past 40+ years and are based on the nationally-recognized AST-1 curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada.

  • Avalanche Skills Course Gear List: Please review this gear list in advance of your AST-1 course to ensure you are properly prepared - Canada West Mountain School Avalanche Course Gear List

    Transceiver, Shovel and Probe are required for each person for both days of the course
    Canada West Mountain School maintains the largest rental inventory of avalanche safety equipment exclusively for our students. Our On-Course Avi Kit rentals include the Mammut Barryvox Transceiver, G3 Shovel and G3 Probe for both days of your course.

    Our exclusive On Course Avi Kit rentals will be supplied directly to you on your course - avoid the hassles of going to another shop to pick them up or drop them off! Rentals must be booked at time of AST Course Registration as they are often booked out by the time the course runs - just select "Avi Kit" when registering for each person.

    Additionally, everyone needs to be fully prepared for 2 days out in winter conditions; the course will be conducted in all weather conditions. Please review the Canada West Mountain School Avalanche Skills Course Gear List well before the course start date.

    Proper backcountry touring skis, bindings and climbing skins are required for both of the field session on Day-1 and on Day-2 only; or, a split-board and climbing skins.

  • Questions about Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST-1) course

    Do I need to bring special gear?

    What happens if the weather is not good?

    Where are the AST-1 courses conducted?

    How long are the days?

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