AST-1 PLUS (Seymour & Whistler)
The Canada West 2.5 day AST-1 PLUS Avalanche Skills course has been updated to include our Virtual Classroom online learning sessions in advance of 2 full days in the field! The best combination of theory and practical field training possible sets the standard for AST programs. We pioneered the original AST-1 PLUS programs over 35 years ago and continue to improve every season, using two different mountain regions for the most effective use of your time – 1 day on Seymour plus 1 day behind Whistler/Blackcomb – with the most hands-on time of any AST-1.
Canada West Mountain School is an Authorized AST Provider
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Optional Add-Ons
Lift Access (1-day) $45.00
Avi Kit (2 day) $40.00
Cost Details
- 2.5 days AST-1 course instruction:
3-hours of Self-directed Virtual Classroom online theory sessions
1.5-hr online Zoom class session with your Instructor, Thursday evening prior to course date
Day-1 practical field session in Mount Seymour backcountry
Day-2 field session held in Whistler/Blackcomb alpine backcountry - BONUS DAY – all students on Canada West Mountain School AST-1 courses are eligible to join on a FREE AST Refresher course during March and April. Details to be posted.
- AST-1 Certificate issued by Avalanche Canada
- Avalanche Manual “Avalanche Skills Training Handbook”
- 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
- 15% off AST-2 scheduled courses with Canada West Mountain School
Dates
Description
- 3 hours of self-paced Online Learning in our Virtual Classroom in advance of the field sessions
- 1.5-hr online Live Session Zoom class on the Thursday evening prior to the field sessions
- 2 full days of on-snow practical field training, conducted in separate backcountry regions
- avalanche hazard recognition
- avalanche terminology
- avalanche mechanics
- mountain weather
- snowpack structure
- basic terrain evaluation
- decision making and human factors
- equipment requirements
- introduction to Avalanche Companion Rescue
- 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
Itinerary
Equipment
Location
FAQ
Pre-requisites
Ratios
Waivers & Policies
- Canada West Mountain School Waiver form
- Avalanche Canada Waiver (online review only, must be signed in person on Day 1 of the course)
Vancouver & Whistler AST-1 PLUS Course: $350. + GST
Included in all Canada West Mountain School AST-1 PLUS courses:
Exclusive On-Course Avalanche Safety Equipment rentals:
Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe rentals are available through Canada West for $35. 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! Rentals must be booked at the 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 Acces on Whistler/Blackcomb:
All participants require lift access for the Whistler/Blackcomb day. Lift access is not included in the course fee. If you have a Whistler/Blackcomb Pass (Epic, Season, Edge, etc.) this is fine for the AST-1 Plus course.
If you do not have a Pass or cannot secure a reservation, Canada West Mountain School can supply a Backcountry Pass (select the Lift Pass option when booking).
NOTE on weather and snow conditions:
If the snow conditions on Mount Seymour are not suitable for delivering a quality course for Day-1, or for any other reasons, the course may 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
All course dates include an essential 1.5 hour (approx.) evening Theory Session held on the Thursday night prior to the course field dates, held from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. This session will be conducted by Zoom through the Canada West Mountain School Virtual Classroom. Please re-confirm the evening date and time when you register, as some AST-1 dates may have different evening class session times scheduled.
If you cannot attend the integral Thursday evening Theory Session, please consider taking one of our 2-day AST-1 Classic courses – (AST-1 Classic Mt Seymour); in Squamish (AST-1 Squamish) , or in Whistler – (AST-1 Classic Whistler).
All other Virtual Classroom e-learning material can be covered in a self-paced manner at any time prior to the field sessions.
All AST-1 PLUS course locations are held chosen 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.
Canada West Mountain School has been offering avalanche skills training courses since 1982 – our AST-1 PLUS is built on more than 40 years of experience conducting Avalanche Skills safety training to the highest standard possible. This season we are continuing with our popular Virtual Online Classroom for all aspects of the class theory learning.
The AST-1 PLUS 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 PLUS format includes:
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 first classroom evening session is an engaging session of interactive learning, group sessions, and multi-media presentations. 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.
Virtual Classroom Theory topics include:
The initial evening theory session 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:
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!
IMPORTANT – All course dates include an essential evening Theory Session held on the Thursday night prior to the course field dates. This session is held from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and will be conducted as a Live Zoom class through the Canada West Mountain School Virtual Classroom. Please re-confirm the evening date and time when you register, as some AST-1 dates may have different evening class session times scheduled. At this class session, you will also receive instructions for the specific meeting points for the first field day of your course.
Virtual Online training
Our unique self-paced Virtual Training modules are designed to be done online in advance of the course on your own schedule. You will be enrolled in our Virtual Classroom 2-3 weeks in advance of the practical portion of the AST-1 course. The Virtual classes are set up to deliver the content in an engaging and interactive style and are delivered through a series of self-paced lessons in advance of the in-person classes and practical field sessions.
You will receive instructions on how to register and access the Virtual Classroom online course content after you have registered for your AST-1 course, but you can complete this training on your own schedule and from any location of your choice. We are committed to providing the highest degree of online learning experience and flexibility; we welcome and encourage your ongoing feedback as we embark on this adventure in learning with Canada West!
Practical Training
Day-1
The first day of the practical training is on-snow, combining interactive and engaging sessions with an emphasis on group activities focusing on risk management, trip planning, rescue procedures and transceiver training. The Day-1 training is typically held in the backcountry of Mt Seymour.
Day-2
The 2nd full day of practical training will take place in the alpine backcountry of Whistler or Blackcomb mountains. practical field session will be held at Mount Seymour.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON MEETING LOCATIONS
The specific meeting locations and logistics details may vary from one course date to another, please ensure you confirm the correct location for your course date!
Students are responsible for getting to and from the course meeting locations. During the class sessions in advance of the field training, you will discuss and plan the logistics for the specific meeting points and times for the Practical Field sessions of your course.
Students are reminded to plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to all course sessions, to allow for traffic delays, poor road conditions, parking, etc. The Practical Field sessions will start promptly at the times indicated – latecomers will risk missing the field sessions as once the group has departed there are no options to join them in the field at a later time.
Avalanche Skills Course Gear List
Review this list before the course start date – Canada West Mountain School Avalanche Course Gear List. Everyone needs to be fully prepared for any/all winter conditions, the course will be conducted in all weather including low temperatures, high winds, and rain/snow.
Avalanche Safety Gear and Rentals
A Transceiver (digital 3-antennae model), Avalanche shovel, and Avalanche probe are required for each person. Please review your transceiver operating instructions before arriving on your course, and double-check battery strength. Everyone should arrive with their transceiver strapped on underneath outer clothing layers.
If you require Avalanche Safety Gear, Canada West Mountain School maintains a large rental inventory of avalanche safety equipment exclusively for our students. Our “On-Course” Avi Kit Rentals are only $40 for a 2-day AST course and include a Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe for both days of your course. The Canada West “On-Course” Avi Kit rentals will be supplied directly to you on your course – there are no hassles with going to another shop to pick them up or drop them off! Please book your rentals at the time of AST Course Registration, add “Avi Kit” when registering as they are often booked out by the time the course runs.
Backcountry Touring Gear
Proper backcountry touring skis or split-board, with climbing skins and poles are required for all practical on-snow field sessions; or, snowshoes and carrying a snowboard strapped on a pack. For Snowshoers without a snowboard, please join an AST-1 Snowshoe course in order to use snowshoes-only.
Backcountry Ski and Split-board rentals
Rentals are available at 2 locations in the Sea to Sky region in Squamish and Whistler. There are currently no suppliers in the Vancouver or Lower Mainland area for backcountry ski or splitboard rentals.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters (VPO) Squamish
VPO Squamish has backcountry ski and splitboard rentals, as well as full range of backcountry and avalanche safety gear for sale.
They also offer 1 free day of avalanche safety gear rentals to students on AST courses, use their coupon code VPOAST2025. More details can be found online at Valhalla Pure Outfitters
Evo Backcountry Whistler
Evo Backcountry in Whistler has backcountry ski and splitboard rentals, as well as full range of backcountry and avalanche safety gear for sale.
Check out their online rentals at https://www.evo.com/locations/whistler/backcountry/services/ski-snowboard-rentals
Please contact our office in advance if you have any questions or concerns about your gear.
Evening Zoom Session
The Thursday evening session will start at 6:00 PM and will be an online Live Zoom session with your Instructor. At this class session, you will also receive instructions for the specific meeting points for the first field day of your course.
Day-1
The Day-1 field sessions are typically held in the backcountry behind Mount Seymour unless otherwise noted.
Day-2
On Day-2, you will be accessing the backcountry adjacent to Whistler or Blackcomb mountains for the final portion of the course.
If weather or snowpack conditions are not suitable to conduct the course on one of these areas, occasionally alternate locations may be used such as Diamond Head near Squamish, or the Coquihalla Pass near Hope.
If weather conditions or snowpack on Seymour are not suitable for conducting the field session on Day-1, then both field days of the course will alternate between Whistler and Blackcomb. In this event, lift access will be required for both field days.
Students are reminded to plan to arrive a few minutes early to all the course sessions, to allow for traffic delays, poor road conditions, parking, etc. The field sessions will start promptly at the times indicated – latecomers will risk missing the field sessions as once the group has departed there are no options to join them in the field at a later time.
Do I need to bring special gear?
You will require an Avalanche Safety kit (avalanche transceiver (beacon), collapsible avalanche shovel, and a probe). In addition, everyone needs to be fully prepared for spending extended periods of time out in winter conditions. Canada West Mountain School has Avalanche Safety Kits available for rent, please book this at time of registration as they are often booked out by the time the course runs.
For all On-snow practical field sessions, proper backcountry touring skis and climbing skins are required; or, a split-board and climbing skins. Snowshoes may be used on courses held on Mount Seymour, Snowshoe-specific AST courses, Custom AST courses and some Regional courses. Please confirm in advance with our office if your AST-1 course is available to participate on using just snowshoes.
On some AST-1 course formats that include in-person theory sessions, you may require boots and clothing suitable for being outdoors in snow and/or rain for 2+ hours during the advance theory sessions. Please confirm with the Canada West Mountain School office in advance for your course.
What happens if the weather is not good?
Weather conditions in the mountains are constantly changing and we have developed many back-up options to accommodate poor weather. All the skills on our AST courses can be taught in virtually any conditions, without compromising the safety or integrity of the course, provided there is sufficient snow cover.
The best way to ensure that weather does not take away from your course is to be well prepared with good quality gear.
In the event that there is not enough snow in the field location, alternate locations will be used; or, the field sessions will be re-scheduled to another date. This is usually only a concern for early-season (November and early December) course dates.
Where are the AST-1 PLUS courses conducted?
All Canada West Mountain School AST-1 theory sessions include online training sessions through our Canada West Mountain School Virtual Classroom that are intended to be completed on your own time and location of your choice in advance of the course dates.
We conduct the Thursday evening Virtual Classroom training online using Zoom. Details for the Zoom sessions are in the Online Course materials. The practical field sessions on Day-1 are typically held on Mt Seymour, with Day-2 field sessions typically held in the Backcountry region behind Whistler/Blackcomb.
If snow or weather conditions are not suitable on Mt Seymour for the Day-1 field session, alternate locations may be used such as Whistler/Blackcomb, Diamond Head near Squamish, or the Coquihalla Pass near Hope. Additional lift access fees may apply if Whistler/Blackcomb is used as a field location on Day-2.
How long are the days?
The on-snow practical field sessions are typically completed by 4 pm, with an afternoon session to wrap up the course, usually finishing by 5 pm. Of course, this will vary due to weather and daily objectives, but plan on finishing at 5 each day
Intermediate or stronger skiing or snowboarding experience. Skiers and snowboarders should be comfortable skiing/riding down Blue level runs in all snow conditions (ungroomed). Ski Touring equipment or splitboard required. No previous avalanche training is required.
On-snow field sessions are conducted at 1:8 ratio to maintain safety and course quality.
Waiver & Medical Disclosure Forms
Participants on Canada West Mountain School programs must complete the following:
Cancellation & Transfer policy
Review the CWMS cancellation and transfer policy:
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Main office 604.878.7007
Squamish 604.815.3451
Toll Free 1.888.892.2266
1290 3rd St
West Vancouver, BC
V7S 2Y2
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