AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING 2 (AST 2) - HUT BASED

AST-2 is designed to tie together fundamentals from AST-1, some experience, and build on those to give students the advanced skills to explore further. After a day in the classroom, students spend three days and two nights in the field with an ACMG/IFMGA CAA Level 2 guide at one of several amazing alpine huts.

Our guides will show you new ways to observe terrain and plan for safe, efficient travel, more in-depth snow analysis and snow stability tests, how to plan for challenging objectives or multi-day adventures, and how to take a broader look at risk management strategies.

Progress from a basic backcountry traveler to someone who plans and thinks like a guide with this immersive four-day course. AST 2 consists of Avalanche Canada curriculum augmented with custom MSAA material to maximize your learning experience.

Course includes:

• Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Certificate (upon successful completion)
• Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain Fieldbook
• Canadian Avalanche Association Mandatory Student Fee
• Use of Snow Study Kit with Thermometer, Crystal Screen and Loupe
• Recommended Reading: Students are encouraged to purchase ‘Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain’ to aid their learning

Lift Ticket *Day 2 only: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a Lift Ticket through our office at checkout.

Day 1: Classroom portion - 9:00am - 5:00pm (not based at the hut)

Everyone will sign waivers and the guide will review what you covered in your AST1 before starting on the course theory. The day will include a short morning and afternoon break as well as a lunch break. The day will end with a debrief along with homework, some handouts and a resources list.

Day 2-4: Field Days - 8:30am - 4:30pm

The guide will lead a short briefing (discussing current conditions and weather) and have everyone perform a gear check. From there you will head to the hut to apply the skills you learned in the classroom. The days will end at approximately 4:30pm with homework. The end of the course will have a course debrief and discussion of what steps you can take after your AST2.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals we have teamed up with local rental companies to provide discounted rentals. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Day 2-4: (Field Day): Dress appropriately for the conditions.

• Touring skis or splitboard and skins
• Poles (telescopic poles required for splitboarders)
• Ski / snowboard boots
• Lift pass
• 45L + pack
• Light Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Water bottle(s) (Minimum 1L capacity)
• Multi-tool
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Goggles & Helmet
• Personal Care Kit (toilet paper, toothbrush/toothpaste, personal medical drugs)
• General Repair Kit: to repair packs, clothing, Thermarest, etc.
• Blister kit/First Aid
• Avalanche safety kit
• Harness (optional depending on location)
• Glacier travel kit (optional depending on location and only if you know crevasse rescue)
• Ski and/or boot crampons depending on conditions and objective
• Mountaineering axe depending on conditions and objective

Optional:

• Thermos
• Ear Plugs
• Reading Material
• Camera
• Bandana
• Map, compass, GPS
• Field book and pencil
• Watch (with altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer)
• Hut Booties/Slippers

• AST1 Review
• Group Leadership
• Avalanche Types
• Terrain Management Techniques
• The Avalanche Forecast
• Trip Planning
• Avalanche Danger Exceptions
• Companion Rescue Theory

• Trailhead Procedures
• Obtaining Field Observations
• Advanced Companion Rescue
• The Bulletin & Avalanche Problems
• Perform Snowpack Test
• Situational Awareness & Leadership
• Recognizing Terrain Transitions
• Recognizing Avalanche Hazard Areas
• Safe Travel Techniques & Group Management
• Snow Stability Test
• Snowpack & Weather Recording

• Local Avalanche Bulletin
• Weather Forecast
• Mountain Conditions Report
• Field Findings

• Leadership in Avalanche Terrain
• Independent Safety Decision Making
• Safe Track Setting
• Situational Awareness & Leadership
• Safe Travel Techniques & Group Management
• Advanced Companion Rescue

• Local Avalanche Bulletin
• Weather Forecast
• Mountain Conditions Report
• Field Findings

• Recap of lessons from previous two days
• Dealing with Terrain Crux
• Course Debrief
• Final Safety Discussion
• Next Steps: Mountain Navigation, Crevasse Rescue, Ski Mountaineering

Click HERE for the full curriculum