Avalanche Skills Training - AST 1

Join our Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course in Banff and Lake Louise, designed for skiers, snowboarders, and backcountry adventurers who want to travel safely in avalanche terrain. This two-day program, delivered in partnership with Avalanche Canada, combines online classroom learning with a full day in the field. Learn how to assess avalanche risk, interpret terrain and snowpack, and practice real-world rescue techniques so you can explore the winter backcountry with confidence.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1)

Learn Avalanche Safety in Banff and Lake Louise.

The Course

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course is the essential first step for anyone exploring the winter backcountry. Whether you ski, snowboard, splitboard, or snowshoe, this hands-on training gives you the knowledge and confidence to make safer decisions in avalanche terrain.

Delivered in partnership with Avalanche Canada, this two-day avalanche safety program includes one day of interactive online learning and one full field training day. You’ll learn how to interpret avalanche bulletins, assess terrain and snowpack conditions, and apply effective rescue and travel techniques.

By the end of this avalanche safety course, you’ll have practical tools to identify hazards, manage risk, and travel responsibly in the mountains.

Who Should Take AST 1

• Backcountry skiers and snowboarders
• Splitboarders and snowmobilers
• Snowshoers and winter hikers
• Beginner to intermediate mountain adventurers

No previous avalanche training is required. To progress to Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2), completion of AST 1 or equivalent experience is required.

Course Itinerary

Day 1: Online Classroom Session (via Zoom)

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Root causes and types of avalanches
• Mountain weather patterns and avalanche hazard
• Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
• How to read and interpret the Avalanche Canada Bulletin
• Snow science: crystal formation and metamorphism
• Group decision making and risk management
• Introduction to avalanche rescue gear (transceiver, probe, shovel)
• Open discussion and Q&A

Day 2: Field Day — Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Companion rescue and transceiver practice
• Snowpack analysis and weak layer identification
• Terrain assessment and safe route selection
• Group management and communication in avalanche terrain
• Mountain weather observation and its effect on snowpack
• Skiing and riding fresh backcountry powder

Important Course Information

• Participants under 18: A parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver of liability.
• Participants under 16: A legal guardian must attend the course with the student.
• All participants receive official Avalanche Canada curriculum materials and the Avaluator decision-making tool.
• Private AST 1 courses are available for organized groups — contact the AAA office for custom dates.
• Combine AST 1 + AST 2 for a full six-day avalanche education pathway and receive a 10% discount when booking both through AAA (valid up to two years between courses).

Course Package

A detailed course package will be emailed 3 days before your course begins.

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.