Avalanche Skills Training – AST 2 Rockies to Rogers Pass

Join our Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2) course in the Canadian Rockies, designed for experienced backcountry travellers who want to enhance their avalanche safety expertise and leadership skills. This four-day advanced program, delivered in partnership with Avalanche Canada, combines intensive field training with advanced decision-making and rescue practice. Learn how to lead groups safely in complex avalanche terrain, analyze snowpack and weather conditions, and apply real-world risk management techniques under the mentorship of ACMG and CAA certified guides.

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Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2)

Advanced Avalanche Safety in the Canadian Rockies

The Course

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2) is a four-day advanced program for experienced backcountry travellers seeking to elevate their avalanche safety expertise and leadership abilities. Held in world-class backcountry ski destinations of the Canadian Rockies (Lake Louise, Rogers Pass, and Yoho National Park), the course offers exposure to diverse snowpack conditions and complex terrain. Developed in partnership with Avalanche Canada, the curriculum emphasizes advanced decision-making, rescue skills, snowpack analysis, and terrain management. Participants take a leading role in trip planning, group coordination, and field application of skills under the mentorship of ACMG and CAA certified guides.

All participants receive Avalanche Canada curriculum materials and a professional field book for notes and weather observations. Pre-course reading materials, including a PowerPoint overview, will be sent in advance and must be reviewed before the course begins.

Course Itinerary

Important Course Information

• Participants under 18: A parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver of liability.
• Minimum age: 16
• Must use touring skis, split-board, or telemark skis (no snowshoes)
• Pre-course reading: A PowerPoint will be sent 3 days before the course and must be read before Day 1
• All AST 2 Participants receive the Canadian Avalanche Association Professional field book
• Private dates are available. If you have a group of friends organized, contact the AAA office to discuss details

Course Package

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

Tipping Your Guide

If you had an exceptional experience, tips for guides are always appreciated. A 10–15% gratuity is customary and can be given in cash or arranged through the AAA office.

Important Documents & Policies

• Please read and review our Waiver prior to booking.
• Please read and review our Cancellation Policy.
• 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.