Gearys Guiding AST1 course was the REAL DEAL! ... There was a wealth of information shared ... but Alex and Taylor made it easy to absorb and understand. ... A thorough introduction to what I hope will be a rich, rewarding, and safe backcountry skiing experience.
The AST 1 Course is the beginning of your formal avalanche training. Click here for more details from Avalanche Canada.
Itinerary
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 in the weeks prior to the course 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 (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.
Instructors
This course will be taught by Alex Geary or Madeleine Martin-Preney, who are both CAA Avalanche Professionals and certified ACMG Ski Guides. We have both been living in Revelstoke since 2010.
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 access 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 in early season conditions requires good ski/snowboard control. If you are unsure of your ability please send me an email.
Please check there is still space available before sending payment. There are often cancellations last minute. If you'd like to be put on the waiting list, please click on the button to complete the registration form below.
Please make sure you have read through the booking conditionsbefore 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.
Equipment - AST 1
Day 1 is online, you will need a computer and wi-fi.
Day 2 will be a full day in the field. Each person will need the following:
Warm and weatherproof clothing for standing around in the mountains.
Gloves
Goggles
Sunglasses
Helmet (optional)
If you need to rent equipment, Revelstoke Powder Rentals have shovels, probes, transceivers, touring skis with skins, splitboards with skins, poles and boots. They offer a 10% discount to course participants. You can call them at 250-814 4POW (4769) or visit their website.
