AST-2 (4-day course)

Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST-2): $675. + GST
Included in Canada West Mountain School AST-2 courses:

• 4 days of AST-2 course instruction by Professional Members of the CAA
• AST-2 Certificate at completion of course
• Avalanche Manual “Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain”
• CAA Rite in the Rain Field Book “Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain”
• Course student handouts and reference materials
• Use of Snow Science kit (thermometer, screen, loupe, etc)
• Ongoing free consultation services from Canada West Mountain School
• 50% off future Avalanche Refresher courses with Canada West Mountain SchoolAvalanche Safety Equipment rentals:
  $50. (optional, Avi gear can be supplied by student)
  CWMS Rentals Include Transceiver, G3 Shovel, and G3 Probe for all field days of the AST-2 course

Whistler/Blackcomb lift access
Lift access for Whistler/Blackcomb is required for 2 (or possibly more) days and is not included in the course fee. Students can use their own season pass or any other lift passes they have. If students do not have a lift pass already, Canada West Mountain School can supply a Backcountry Pass, just select the add Lift Access option when booking.If any location changes occur during the course, you can obtain a Backcountry Pass from your instructor at that time; or, we will issue a refund for any passes that are purchased but unused.

2024-25 Dates for AST-2 (4-day Course)

• December 27-30, 2024
• January 24-27, 2025
• February 21-24, 2025
• March 14-17, 2025

This AST-2 is conducted over 4 consecutive days. Please note that the first day of the AST-2 Advanced Avalanche course may include a morning classroom theory session held in W Vancouver or Squamish. Please confirm with our office in advance about the specific itinerary for your course dates.

This course is designed to enable students with a solid understanding of Avalanche Safety principles to build on their existing knowledge.

The primary focus will be on developing and implementing a system for assessing and evaluating potential avalanche slopes in the backcountry in regards to the hazard that they present. This is not meant to be a forecasting course, nor a course that dwells on the scientific collection and recording of snowpack and weather observations. Rather, the course will emphasize the practical collection and analysis of relevant data that an average backcountry skier would be able to use as the basis for making their decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain.

The first day of the course is conducted as a combination of in-person class theory and outdoor practical field sessions. This session is held at one of our training locations in North Vancouver and does not include an on-snow session.

The following 3 days are held at a variety of backcountry locations to experience different snowpacks and conditions. Each field session will be preceded by a morning theory session and an afternoon follow-up class session. Final locations will be decided the week prior to the course dates and will be based on current snow, weather, and road conditions.

Learning outcomes for the Canada West Mountain School AST-2 program:

• Develop a systematic approach towards evaluating snow stability and hazard which includes the collection of weather, snowpack, and terrain information
• Be able to recognize safe terrain and routes in avalanche terrain, and know methods of avoiding hazardous regions
• To refine, through practice and application, the best strategies for route finding and terrain analysis for safe backcountry travel
• Understand snow avalanche mechanics, including correlation of weather to snowpack, layering, effects of temperatures, principles of slab failure, leading causes of instabilities, and forces involved in avalanches
• Learn methods of observing, collecting, and recording information in the field through activities such as hasty-pits; observations of avalanche activity, wind loading, snow distribution, and depth; snow testing; weather observations; and, terrain assessment
• To know how and when to perform a variety of shear tests, such as pole test, compression test, burp, ski cutting, Rutschblock; and, to know how to relate each test to the overall “big picture”
• To be able to perform self-rescue procedures and protocols, including multiple transceiver searches

On Day-1 the class session will start at 9:00, delivered at one of our training Classrooms in North or West Vancouver. Full details will be made available along with pre-course assignments and study materials.

At these class sessions you will also receive instructions for the specific meeting points for the remaining field days of your course, as these locations will be decided based on current snow and weather conditions. Locations will usually include the backcountry regions of Mount Seymour, Whistler, Blackcomb and in the Duffey Lake Road region.

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.

All Instructors on our AST-2 Avalanche courses are Professional Members of the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and hold 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.

This course is designed to enable students with a solid understanding of Avalanche Safety principles to build on their existing knowledge.

The primary focus will be on developing and implementing a system for assessing and evaluating potential avalanche slopes in the backcountry in regards to the hazard that they present. This is not meant to be a forecasting course, nor a course that dwells on the scientific collection and recording of snowpack and weather observations. Rather, the course will emphasize the practical collection and analysis of relevant data that an average backcountry skier would be able to use as the basis for making their decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain.

The first day of the AST-2 course includes all the theory, held during an in-person class. This Day-1 class session will be conducted in an interactive and engaging manner and will allow students to prepare for the 3 days of practical, backcountry field sessions.

The following 3 days are held at a variety of locations to experience different snowpacks and conditions. Each field session will be preceded by a morning theory session and an afternoon follow-up class session.

Learning outcomes for the Canada West Mountain School AST-2 program:

• Develop a systematic approach towards evaluating snow stability and hazard which includes the collection of weather, snowpack, and terrain information
• Be able to recognize safe terrain and routes in avalanche terrain, and know methods of avoiding hazardous regions
• Understand snow avalanche mechanics, including correlation of weather to snowpack, layering, effects of temperatures, principles of slab failure, leading causes of instabilities, and forces involved in avalanches
• Learn methods of observing, collecting, and recording information in the field through activities such as hasty-pits; observations of avalanche activity, wind loading, snow distribution, and depth; snow testing; weather observations; and, terrain assessment
• To know how and when to perform a variety of snow tests, such as pole test, compression test, burp, ski cutting, Rutschblock; and, to know how to relate each test to the overall “big picture”
• To be able to perform self-rescue procedures and protocols, including multiple-burial transceiver searches

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.

Backcountry Touring gear
Proper backcountry touring skis, bindings, and climbing skins are required for all practical on-snow field sessions; or, a split-board and climbing skins. Snowshoes are not allowed on Whistler courses; if you plan on using snowshoes and carrying a snowboard you must contact the CWMS office in advance.

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 already strapped on (underneath all outer layers of clothing).

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 $50 for a 4-day AST-2 course and include a Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe for all 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.

Snowshoe-specific AST-2 courses are offered on a Custom basis, please contact our office for more information if you are interested in attending our AST-2 course on Snowshoes.

Please contact our office in advance if you have any questions or concerns about your gear.

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.

Proper backcountry touring skis and climbing skins are required for all field sessions; or, snowboard and snowshoe combo; or, a split-board and climbing skins.

Lift access is required for Whistler/Blackcomb for at least 2 days of the course. If you require lift access , please contact our office to purchase a Backcountry Lift Pass.

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. The best way to ensure that weather does not take away from your course is to be well prepared with good quality gear.

If snow or weather conditions are not suitable on any specific day, alternate locations may be used including Whistler/Blackcomb, Duffey Lake road area, 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 alternate days.

Where are the AST-2 courses conducted?
We conduct the initial Theory training using Live Zoom presentations, so students can attend from any location of their choice on Day-1

The practical field sessions are typically held in the Duffey Lake region; in the Backcountry behind Whistler/Blackcomb; occasionally in the Diamond Head area near Squamish; or, the Coquihalla Pass near Hope. All field locations are chosen based on the best current conditions for the AST-2 course objectives.

How long are the days?
Each day of the AST-2 course will start at 0800 and usually finishing by 5 pm. Of course, this will vary due to weather and daily objectives, but plan on finishing at 5 each day.

Waiver & Medical Disclosure Forms
Participants on Canada West Mountain School programs must complete the following:

• Canada West Mountain School Waiver form
• Avalanche Canada Waiver (online review only, must be signed in person on Day 1 of the course)

Cancellation & Transfer policy
Review the CWMS cancellation and transfer policy:

• Canada West Mountain School Refund/Transfer Policy