AST 1 - Revelstoke
"Would recommend taking this [AST 1] course to anyone thinking of travelling in the backcountry, it was very informative and enjoyable"
(Connor Callaghan)
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.
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 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 - AST 1
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 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.
AST 1 Dates & Price
Dec 2nd-3rd 2023 - FULL
Max 8:1 ratio
$295 + 5% GST
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 [email protected] 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:
- Annual Winter Permit for Rogers Pass
- Skis or splitboard with touring bindings and skins that fit. (Snowshoes are not permitted because they will limit the amount of terrain we can cover).
- Ski/snowboard poles
- Ski/snowboard boots compatible with your setup.
- Digital Avalanche Transceiver (3 antenna)
- Avalanche Probe
- Avalanche Shovel (must be collapsible)
- Daypack (~30L).
- Lunch and snacks
- National Parks Pass for Rogers Pass
- Water or thermos bottle (recommend 1-1.5L)
- Headlamp
- Personal 1st aid kit (blisters, band-aid’s etc.)
- Warm and weatherproof clothing for moderate periods of inactivity in the mountains.
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Sunglasses
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.