Avalanche Skills Training – AST 2

 

Not sure which program is best for you? Take a look at our Course Progression Map.

 

The Course:

 

Lake Louise & Rogers Pass are in the Heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. These are both excellent locations for the AST level 2. With a variety of snowpack structure and terrain that is crucial for advanced avalanche training in the mountains. The group will spend Day one in Lake Louise, Days 2 & 3 in Rogers pass and Day 4 in the Yoho National Park or Lake Louise area. These final logistics may change depending on weather and avalanche conditions. This is the best AST 2 format as you will experience more snowpack structures and terrain.

 

Leading up to the course, the AAA guides will be in touch to engage the pre-trip planning for field days and to begin the forecasting process. Throughout any winter, this is an ongoing process that not only requires due diligence with note taking but also keeping an intuitive approach in regards to who you are traveling with and the mountains you want to ride.

 

Pre-Course Reading:

 

All AST 2 Participants receive Avalanche Canada Curriculum and professional field book for field notes and weather observations. A PowerPoint will be sent to participants in the final logistics email which must be read before joining the course.

 

The Details:

 

Field days are spent putting newly learnt skills and previous knowledge to the test, be prepared to lead the group in the field and during AM/PM meetings. 

 

• • Advanced Companion Rescue
  • Deep burials, multiple burial scenarios, first aid response, Heli LZ recognition and prep, moving patient if needed
  • Leading a group up & down in challenging and complex avalanche terrain
  • Risk tolerance and decision making model
  • Snowpack analysis using a variety of online and onsite tools
  • Understanding online weather products and changing mountain weather
  • Group decision making, flow of communications
  • You will receive a comprehensive pre course information package
  • Final logistics email will be sent to the group 3 days before course start date

Day 1: 8:30am meet in Lake Louise ready for a day tour. Companion rescue and snowpack analysis review plus ski tour. Travel to Golden for the night, discuss day 2 logistics.

 

Day 2: Rogers Pass ski tour, location to be decided by the group after group meeting. Golden base evening meeting to discuss day 3 logistics.

 

Day 3: Rogers Pass ski tour, location to be decided by the group after group meeting. Golden base evening meeting to discuss day 4 logistics.

 

Day 4: Yoho or Lake Louise tour. Course wrap up & debrief

 

Private dates are available if you have a group of friends organized, contact the AAA office to discuss details.

 

A detailed course package will be emailed 3 days prior to course commencement.

 

If you have an exceptional experience and would like to leave a tip for your guide, 10-15% is a customary amount. You can pay with cash or contact the AAA office directly to arrange.

 

• Please read and review our waiver prior to booking.
• Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group
• All of our guides have undergone training and evaluation by the ACMG, meeting the established criteria of a globally acknowledged professional organization.