Women's Companion Rescue Skills Clinic - Whistler
Per Person: $159
Private (up to 6 People): $849
Location: Whistler
Duration: 1 Day
Ability: Intermediate
Fitness: Average
Prerequisites: Ski Touring
What is the WBS?
THE WOMEN’S BACKCOUNTRY SERIES is a program designed to provide the wonderful women of Whistler with the knowledge, mentorship, and community support necessary to ski & splitboard safely in the backcountry. The WBS is presented by MOUNTAIN SKILLS ACADEMY, in partnership with THE ESCAPE ROUTE, and HUNTER GATHER.
Review, refresh, and build upon your avalanche safety knowledge. Practice your companion rescue skills and advance beyond the scope of AST1 by learning how to deal with multiple burials, close-proximity multiple burials, deep burials, co-ordinate group rescues, and search without transceivers. Discussion topics also include airbags, new shovelling techniques, and avalanche incident triage.
Passholders: Please be aware that you are responsible for making your own reservation to access the lifts on clinic dates. For more information please visit: Whistler Blackcomb or to make a reservation visit: Epic Pass
Other WBS Courses: Into to Backcountry / AST 1 / Advanced Backcountry Skills Clinic
MAKE A BOOKING
Public Course Dates:
Book a Private Course and have a guide to yourself!
Book online or contact our office to ask any questions: 1-604-938-9242 or info@mountainskillsacademy.com
COURSE INFORMATION
Just the thing to step up your skills and gain confidence in the backcountry. The program is designed to give ladies a chance to advance their skills in a safe & supportive learning environment. Spend the day with a guide who will teach you the most up-to-date Search and Rescue techniques to make you a more valuable member of your touring party. We go beyond the basic rescue skills you already know and cover topics that your AST1 did not.
It is not mandatory to have taken Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST1) before taking this course but it is highly recommended.
Lift Ticket: A lift ticket is required for day 2 of this course.
**All Courses subject to a minimum number of participants. 48 hour notice will be given if the minimum number has not been reached.8:15am – Meet at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre for a gear check and trip planning.
8:30am – Use the lifts to gain quick access to the backcountry.
4pm (approximately) – Ski back to the village and end the day with a debrief at HUNTER GATHER (and a free beer or cider!)
Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals or need to purchase equipment, we have teamed up with the experts at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre. Follow the link HERE to purchase or rent gear for this course!
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
Topics Include:
- Preventative measures
- Prioritization of actions in the event of an avalanche
- Transceiver functions & limitations
- Advanced search techniques
- Multiple burial situations
- Deep burial situations
- Searching without a transceiver
- Newest shovelling/excavation protocols
- Avalanche airbag discussion
- Post-incident considerations
Click HERE for the full curriculum