This 4-day course will provide serious backcountry skiers/snowboarders and winter enthusiasts with a more comprehensive understanding of decision-making in the backcountry.

The program involves a combination of hands-on practical field experience with evening theory sessions.  By the end of the program participants should have a good understanding of: the Avaluator as a trip planning tool, the Avalanche Danger Ratings, safe route-finding in avalanche terrain, group travel techniques, and avalanche rescue.

This program is limited to participants 19 years and older and participants should be at least strong intermediate skiers or snowboarders.

For more information on the AST programs, visit the Canadian Avalanche Center (CAC) web-site.

Upcoming Courses:

AST Level 2: Dates to be announced.

• Location: In and around the Revelstoke area, as well as Rogers Pass.
• Price: TBA.
• E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information and availability

Certification:

Upon completion of the courses listed above, participants will receive an AST Level 1 or 2 certificates, recognized by the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC).  These certifications are also prerequisites for more advanced courses offered through the CAC.

Prerequisites:

Students must be able to carry a backpack up to 30 liters and travel on backcountry skis or snow shoes to the field sites.  AST Level 2 and intro to backcountry participants should also be strong intermediate skiers or boarders with a high level of physical fitness.

Instructors & Group Size

Instructors have certifications with the Canadian Avalanche Association and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Cold Smoke Guiding Services maintains low instructor to student ratios to ensure that individual needs are met.  The maximum course size is 12 participants.

Related Information:

• Equipment & Clothing List
• Sample AST Level 2 Course Agenda