Banff Avalanche Skills Training
The Banff and Lake Louise areas, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offer an ideal setting for avalanche skills training. With rugged terrain, abundant snowfall, and a reputation as a premier destination for backcountry skiing and splitboarding, it’s no wonder these regions attract adventurers looking to enhance their avalanche safety knowledge.
If you’re seeking avalanche skills training in the Calgary, Alberta region, Alpine Air Adventures (AAA) stands out as the best option. With over 20 years of experience instructing AST courses, AAA is certified and holds professional memberships with the following organizations:
Avalanche Canada has developed a standardized curriculum for AST programs, delivered to the public through partners like Alpine Air Adventures.
Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1) Level 1
This entry-level course covers essential avalanche knowledge and skills, including:
- Recognizing avalanche terrain
- Reading the public avalanche bulletin
- Using avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, and probe)
- Performing companion rescues
- Making informed decisions to minimize risk
Day 1: Classroom Topics
- Root causes of avalanches
- Basic weather concepts and patterns contributing to avalanche hazards
- Case studies from instructors’ first-hand experiences
- Group dynamics, risk tolerance, and developing personal mountain intuition
- Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
- Snow crystal growth and metamorphism (snow science)
- Interpreting Avalanche Canada’s daily Avalanche Bulletin
- Introduction to companion rescue and avalanche gear (in-depth practice during field day)
- Open discussions and Q&A with participants
Day 2: Field Topics
- Companion rescue techniques
- Snowpack analysis and recognizing weak layers
- Group dynamics and management in avalanche terrain
- Risk tolerance and mountain intuition
- Terrain usage and avoidance strategies
- Understanding changing mountain weather and its impact on the snowpack
- Skiing and riding the POW!
Avalanche Skills Training (AST 2)
For those who have completed AST 1 and want more advanced knowledge, this 4-day course dives deeper into avalanche forecasting, terrain assessment, and advanced rescue techniques.
What to Expect:
- Daily skiing or splitboarding in avalanche terrain (conditions permitting)
- Opportunities to lead the group during field exercises and AM/PM meetings
- Applying newly learned and previous skills in real-world scenarios
Advanced Topics:
- Advanced companion rescue: deep burials, multiple burial scenarios, first aid response, helicopter landing zone (LZ) recognition and preparation, patient movement
- Leading groups in complex avalanche terrain
- Advanced snowpack analysis using online and on-site tools
- Understanding online weather resources and mountain weather changes
- Group decision-making and communication flow
Participants will receive a comprehensive pre-course information package.
Certifying Organizations
- Avalanche Canada: Provides the curriculum for AST programs.
- Canadian Avalanche Association: Sets professional standards for avalanche safety.
- Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG): Represents trained and certified guides committed to public safety in climbing, skiing, splitboarding, and hiking.
- International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA/UIAGM): Establishes international standards for mountain guiding and supports professional ethics, training, and development.
About Alpine Air Adventures (AAA)
Operating since 2005, AAA is a trusted local guiding company known for its professional ACMG/IFMGA instructors with extensive experience in avalanche safety, mountain guiding, and backcountry rescue.
Courses Offered:
- Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1 & 2)
- Advanced Avalanche Rescue
- Custom courses tailored to specific groups or needs
- Crevasse rescue
- Ski touring days in the Rockies and Rogers Pass
- Spring ski and splitboard mountaineering
Website: Alpine Air Adventures
3 Key Considerations
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Level 1 vs. Level 2:
- AST Level 1 is perfect for beginners looking to make safe decisions in avalanche terrain.
- AST Level 2 is ideal for experienced backcountry enthusiasts seeking deeper knowledge of avalanche forecasting and terrain assessment.
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Winter Conditions:
Banff winters are cold and snowy, so dress in layers and prepare for variable weather. AAA provides a logistics package with all necessary details. -
Prerequisites:
- No prior experience is required for AST 1.
- AST 2 requires AST 1 or equivalent backcountry experience. Participants should be strong intermediate skiers or riders with backcountry touring experience.
Conclusion
Avalanche skills training is an essential step for anyone venturing into the backcountry, whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, ice climber, or mountaineer. The Banff and Lake Louise areas offer an unparalleled environment to learn and practice these skills, with experienced guides from Alpine Air Adventures ensuring a safe and engaging experience. By completing an AST 1 or AST 2 course, you’ll not only gain valuable knowledge and confidence but also become a more responsible member of the backcountry community.
Don’t wait until the snow falls—start preparing for your next adventure today. With the right training, tools, and mindset, you can safely explore the awe-inspiring terrain of the Canadian Rockies.
