Avalanche Skills course

This is an introductory course designed for skiers and boarders looking to increase their knowledge and decision making skills in the winter environment. This course will provide the skills necessary to lead ski trips in the mountains.

In the classroom we use slides, handouts and video with an up to date 2011 curriculum, materials and student handbooks that are provided by the Canadian Avalanche Centre.

With Simple, Challenging and Complex terrain out the front door to Icefall Lodge, the field time is of high quality.  In 8 days you get to live and breathe with the mountain weather and experience how it will affect our avalanche conditions.

Two avalanche courses and certificates in one week!
With our Instructor Mike Mariash

CAC logo

AST Level 1     First steps to safe backcountry use in the winter. 

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
  • Learn the difference between Simple,, Challenging and Complex Avalanche Terrain
  • Trip Planning
  • Intro to Decision Making and Human Factors
  • Where to find current avalanche hazard bulletins
  • Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
  • Avalanche Search and Rescue Practice

 

AST  Level 2    Decision Making and Managing Risk in Avalanche Terrain

  • In depth look at Avalanche Character and types
  • Use route finding to take advantage of nuances in terrain to manage personal risk
  • More Search and Rescue Practice with Real Life scenarios for multiple burials
  • Advanced Trip Planning that uses a systematic approach to evaluating snow stability, identifying hazards, examines HUMAN factors and collects weather and terrain information
  • Observe trends in the weather and how they affect the mountain snowpack
  • Photograph and Terrain Exercises for safely planning a route, identifying hazards and how to manage risk
  • Course Debrief with competence assessment and where to go next

The Avalanche Skills Training course includes:
- "Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain" Fieldbook for Avi & Weather observations
-  CAA-developed course materials, updated 2011
- Industry recognized AST-2 Certificate of Completion
-The Avaluator; a decision making tool used in the field
-Companion Rescue Card;  Step by step guide to avalanche rescue
- Student Manuals: 
Freeriding in Avalanche Terrain, and 
Bruce Trempers’ “Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain”
-Instruction by Mike Mariash

Dates: January 7- 14, 2012
Price: $1950 + HST
Included:

  • Accommodation at Icefall Lodge
  • All meals
  • Helicopter transportation to and from the lodge
  • Guiding and instruction from ACMG Guide.


Requirements:

  • Good physical condition
  • Intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability
  • Ski touring (or split board) and avalanche safety equipment