AST-1 Classic Snowshoe

Avalanche Skills course for snowshoers
Avalanche test pit

Our  AST-1 Classic for Snowshoers is an Avalanche Skills course designed specifically for snowshoers traveling in the backcountry. The same technical content is covered on all Canada West Avalanche Skills courses, but we recognise that snowshoers often choose different terrain and routes. Our specially developed curriculum focuses on the unique needs of snowshoers who want to ensure they are staying safe from avalanches while in the backcountry. Based in North Vancouver and Mount Seymour.

Register Today

$275.00

Avalanche Canada Logo

Canada West Mountain School is an Authorized AST Provider

Dates:
2019/20 Snowshoe AST dates
If the date you choose is unavailable, please contact our office for wait-list options
Private dates can also be arranged.
Ratio:
1:8
Pre Requisites:
Previous snowshoeing experience. No previous avalanche training required.
Options:
Avi Kit (2 day)
$35.00
Category:

  • Vancouver AST-1 Classic Snowshoers Course: $275. + GST
    Included in all Canada West Mountain School AST-1 Classic Seymour courses:

    • 2 days of instruction:
      Day-1 split between theory and practical sessions
      Day-2 practical training in the 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 kit
    • 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 $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 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.

    NOTE on weather and snow conditions:
    If the snow conditions on Mount Seymour are not suitable for the Day-2 field session, alternate locations may be used. These may include Diamond Head or Callaghan Valley areas if suitable. If no locations are available on your course date due to poor snow conditions, field dates may be postponed (class theory session day will proceed as scheduled).

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

  • The Canada West Mountain School AST-1 Snowshoers course focuses on teaching practical methods of understanding, recognizing and avoiding avalanche hazards for snowshoe travelers, including terrain evaluation, snowpack structure, weather, safe route finding, decision making and avalanche rescue techniques.

    Our format includes 7 hours of theory and 10 hours of practical fieldwork, spread over 2 days. 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 30 years and are based on the nationally-recognized AST-1 curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada.

    Theory topics include:
    • avalanche hazard recognition
    • avalanche terminology
    • avalanche mechanics
    • mountain weather
    • snowpack structure
    • basic terrain evaluation
    • equipment requirements

    The initial theory session also will prepare you for the Day-2 field session, so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.

    Your Day-2 field training is spent in the backcountry where you will have maximum time to focus on learning and practicing skills, including:

    • terrain evaluation
    • mountain hazard assessment
    • safe route finding techniques
    • snowpack analysis
    • snow testing techniques
    • transceiver searches
    • rescue fundamentals

    Day-2 is a full day of "hands-on" practical learning in the field working on decision making, terrain, travel and rescue skills, this is where you get an opportunity to "put it all together"!

  • On day-1, the first class session will be held at one of our Classrooms. Most dates the class will be held at either our office/classroom at #240-400 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver (1 block up from MEC); or, at the West Vancouver Cricket Club in Hugo Ray Park, 1290 3rd St, West Vancouver.

    You will receive email instructions 2-3 days in advance of the course for the specific meeting points for the first day of your course. The first day of the course includes both indoor and outdoor sessions and will finish by 4 pm.

    Canada West Mountain School main office & classroom
    240-400 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver (1 block up from MEC)

    Classroom location for West Vancouver Cricket Club/Hugo Ray Park
    1290 Third Street, West Vancouver

    You will receive final meeting and location details for the class in advance, though typically this class will start at 0815 on Day-1 of the course dates, at one of the two locations noted above.

    The field sessions are held in the backcountry behind Mount Seymour. Occasionally, alternate locations may be used such as Whistler/Blackcomb, Diamond Head near Squamish, or the Coquihalla Pass near Hope.

    PLEASE NOTE
    In the event that snowpack and/or weather conditions are such that we cannot conduct a good quality field session on day 2 of your course at any of our field locations, we will allow all students to re-schedule onto a future AST-1 Snowshoers field session date of their choice. The decision to postpone the day-2 field session may not be made until 1-2 days in advance of the course dates, to allow for the latest snow and weather reports.

  • 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.

  • IMPORTANT
    The specific meeting locations vary from one course date to another, please ensure you confirm the correct location for your course date!

    On day-1, the first session usually is held at our Classroom located at #240-400 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver (1 block up from MEC) at 0815, unless other arrangements are made at the time of registration. You will receive email instructions a few days in advance of the course for the specific meeting points for the first day of your course. The first day of the course includes both indoor and outdoor sessions. The Day-1 class session will finish between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

    The Day-2 field session logistics (location, meeting times, gear, etc) will be arranged during the first day, but please plan on a 7:45 am start time and a finish time of 5 pm. Day-2 is usually held on Mt Seymour, though in cases of poor snow conditions, alternate locations may be used.

    Students are reminded to plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to 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.

    Our format includes 7 hours of theory and 10 hours of practical fieldwork, spread over 2 days of instruction. 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 30 years and are based on the nationally-recognized AST-1 curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada.

    Theory topics include:
    avalanche hazard recognition
    avalanche terminology
    avalanche mechanics
    mountain weather
    snowpack structure
    basic terrain evaluation
    equipment requirements

    The initial theory session also will prepare you for the field sessions so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.

    Your field days are spent in the backcountry where you will have maximum time to focus on learning and practicing skills, including:
    terrain evaluation
    mountain hazard assessment
    safe route finding techniques
    snowpack analysis
    snow testing techniques
    transceiver searches
    rescue fundamentals

    The final wrap up sessions are an important aspect of Canada West Mountain School programs, as this allows students an opportunity to "put all the pieces together" in a classroom session after the field sessions have finished.

    At the end of your course, 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 find out the hard way, later!

  • Avalanche Skills Course Gear List: Please review this gear list in advance of your AST-1 Classic Snowshoers 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 a day 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 snowshoes and good footwear are required for the Day-2 field session; ski poles are recommended.

    Important Gear note for Day-1 of your course:
    During the afternoon field session on Day-1 you will require a transceiver, shovel, probe and a small pack, as well as be prepared for being outdoors in any weather conditions for 1-2 hours, including footwear and clothing that is appropriate for walking and standing in snow and wet conditions, as you will be outside in any/all conditions for up to 2-3 hours. Snowshoes are not required for Day-1.

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

    Do I need to bring special gear?

    What happens if the weather or snow conditions are not good?

    Where are the AST-1 courses conducted?

    How long are the days?

  • Review these documents, and bring completed Waiver and Medical Forms to your program:

    Canada West Mountain School Waiver & Medical Form - CWMS Waiver/Med form
    Please print and review the "Medical form" and "Waiver and Assumption of Risk form" before your program and bring the printed forms to the first session of your program.

    Avalanche Course Gear List - Canada West Mountain School Avalanche Course Gear List

    CWMS Refund & Transfers policies - Refund Policy

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