AST Level 1 - Banff

2021/22 AST 1 classroom session will be done via Zoom. We feel it is very important to be engaged with the classroom instructor as there are always unique questions with every group of students. All AAA guides are certified by the Canadian Avalanche Association and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, look for the logos which prove the highest level of accreditation in Canada and the world. We look forward to instructing you on your mountain journey.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1  (AST1) consists of day one in the classroom and day two in the field. Alpine Air Adventures in partnership with Avalanche Canada delivers AST training curriculum designed to enable people to travel in the back country safely, understand where to obtain current information and understand the onsite snow pack dynamics and terrain use.

Classroom Session is on Saturdays or Tuesdays starting at 09:00 and are held on ZOOM. A detailed course package will be emailed when booking is made.

Field days will be held at Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass, in some cases due to conditions the field day location may change, this will be discussed in class.

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

Some of the topics discussed during class

• The root causes of avalanches
• Understanding basic weather concepts and patterns contributing to avalanche hazards
• First hand experiences from the instructors used for case studies
• Group dynamics, risk tolerance and discovering your personal mountain intuition
• Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale ATES
• Snow crystal growth and metamorphism (snow science)
• Avalanche Canada daily Avalanche Bulletin
• Quick intro to companion rescue and avalanche gear which will be covered during the field day
• Open discussions and question periods among the class participants
• Please bring any gear you own and have questions about to the class room session

Day two is spent in the field putting to use newly learnt skills

• • Companion Rescue
  • Snowpack analysis and weak layer recognition
  • Group dynamics and management
  • Risk tolerance and mountain intuition
  • Terrain use and avoidance
  • Understanding changing mountain wx and the effects it has on the snow-pack
  • Skiing and riding the POW!

All AST 1 Participants receive Avalanche Canada Curriculum and The Avaluator decision making tool.

Students must have snowshoes, ski touring or splitboard equipment for the field day. All avalanche safety equipment, shovel, probe and transceivers are included in the cost if needed. AAA uses Mammut avalanche equipment.

All instructors are certified by the Canadian Avalanche Association and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and or the IFMGA

Maximum 8 students: 1 instructor on the field day.

If you are an avid back country user, think of this training as a 6 day course, starting with AST 1 (2 days) then progressing to the AST 2 (4 days). If booking both courses with AAA you will receive a 10% discount on both courses, up to 2 years between AST 1 & 2.

AAA is a full service guiding company, employing ACMG/IFMGA guides who are certified to work in any terrain or discipline in Canada and globally.