Is the AST 1 course for you?

The AST 1 Course is the beginning of your formal avalanche training. Click here  for more details from Avalanche Canada.

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Itinerary - AST 1

Day 1 is online, so you don't have to be in Revelstoke. You can complete the classroom component of the course at your own convenience (doesn't have to be this day) before a 2 hour long Zoom call from 5pm to 7pm. On the call we will discuss current conditions and make plans for the field day.

Day 2 we will meet at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre at 8am (or an alternate location near Revelstoke if conditions require, so please don't stay in Golden), ready to spend the day in the field. The second day we will apply the theory learnt online, focusing on the following skills:

• Terrain assessment
• Appropriate backcountry travel techniques
• Snowpack observations
• Efficient use of avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels
• Avalanche rescue scenarios

After the course close we should be finished by 3:30pm at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. However, unexpected things can happen in the mountains such as highway closures, so it's best not to make plans immediately after the course.

We have a maximum ratio of 8:1 for AST Level 1 courses, with minimum “black run” ski/snowboard ability, to ensure your learning is maximized. Please inquire if you are unsure if your ski/snowboarding ability is sufficient.

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Instructors - AST 1

This course will be taught by Alex Geary or Madeleine Martin-Preney, who are both certified by the ACMG and are Professional Members of the CAA. We have both been living in Revelstoke since 2010.

 

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Prerequisites - AST 1

Participants must be at least 19 years old (unless accompanied by a parent) and confident skiing/riding advanced terrain at a typical ski area (eg. Black Diamond runs at RMR, Whistler, Kicking Horse). This will allow us to safely access more interesting terrain in early season conditions to maximize learning opportunities. We won't plan on skiing anything very steep, but skiing out the hiking trail down Connaught Creek or navigating the alder at the bottom of NRC Gullies safely in early season conditions requires good ski/snowboard control. If you are unsure of your ability please send me an email.

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AST 1 Dates & Price

Nov 30th - Dec 1st 2023 

Dec 2nd-3rd 2023

Max 8:1 ratio

$295 + 5% GST

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Please make sure you have read through the booking conditions before making a payment. This includes completing the Waiver and Registration Form.

E-Transfer to gearysguiding@gmail.com is the preferred method of payment, otherwise please use the button below for credit card payments.

If you have a group of 6 people and you want to schedule a custom course, please contact us.