TEEN AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING 1 (AST 1) - WHISTLER

Teen AST1 is a unique opportunity for younger skiers and snowboarders to learn basic backcountry travel knowledge and skills in a group of their peers. If your teen is eager to explore beyond the resort, or to join you for an amazing family adventure, Teen AST1 is more than just age-restricted avalanche training. Our Teen guides know adolescents learn differently than adults, how to capture their interest and keep material fun and engaging, and how to safely oversee a field day in the Whistler or Blackcomb backcountry.

Students will emerge with an AST1 certificate, and all the fundamentals to start exploring new terrain. After an online precourse, day one is spent in the classroom discussing terrain, snowpack formation, weather, decision making, common biases, equipment and trip planning.

Day two starts with a brief pre-trip discussion, lead by students with guidance from their instructor, and a last minute gear check. The rest of the day is spent in the field, learning how to look at terrain with a critical eye, evaluate the snowpack from observations and tests, how to select safe and effective routes both up and down, and companion rescue skills.

Course includes:

Course includes:

• 1.5 - 2hr pre-course using an online interactive learning platform
• Backcountry avalanche awareness book
• Avaluator booklet and avaluator slope assessment field card
• Canadian avalanche association mandatory student fee
• Companion rescue field card
• Use of snow study kit with thermometer, crystal screen and loupe
• Avalanche skills training level 1 certificate (upon successful completion)

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

Everyone will sign waivers and the guide will review the AST Pre-Test 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.

Parking: Please note that the nearest parking for this course is located at the Whistler Day Lots

The guide will lead a short briefing (discussing current conditions and weather) and have everyone perform a gear check. From there you will head up the mountain to apply the skills you learned on Day 1. The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a quick debrief and discussion of what steps you can take after your AST1.

MSAA Loyalty Program: Following the AST-1 Course all students will be added to the MSAA loyalty program. All students will receive a 10% discount on any future course with MSAA. Following the AST-1 Course we reccomend all students take the AST-2 course within the next 1-2 seasons. For more information contact our office.

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 1: (Classroom Day)

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

Clothing:

• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Mid layer fleece top
• Insulating top and bottom under layers and socks
• Warm hat/toque and balaclava
• 2 pairs of gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Equipment:

• Lift Pass
• Backpack-25-35 Litres
• Alpine touring skis/splitboard, skins, bindings, and boots
• Avalanche Safety Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Helmet
• Poles
• First Aid Kit with blister kit
• Rite in the Rain notebook and pencil (optional)
• Map, compass, GPS (optional)
• Lunch, snacks, and water

Day 1 (Classroom):

• Snowpack: Crystals & Layers
• Terrain
• Environmental Factors in Avalanche Formation Terrain
• Avalanche Hazard Mitigation
• Avalanche Danger Resources
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Companion Rescue Technique Familiarization
• Pre-Trip Planning & Avalanche Bulletin/Avaluator
• Decision Making Competence

Day 2 (Outdoor):

• Trailhead Procedures
• Companion Rescue
• Avalanche Terrain Travel
• Snowpack and/or Avalanche Observations
• Snowpack Tests
• Avalanche Terrain Descent

Click HERE for the full curriculum