Is this course for you?
This AST 2 course based in Revelstoke has been designed for ski tourers/splitboarders who want to learn how to navigate the complex terrain in Rogers Pass. As the students, you will be planning the trips, breaking trail, and leading us downhill. All this will be under the supervision and guidance of your instructor.
Objectives on "High" avalanche danger days often involve avoiding all avalanche slopes at destinations such as Fuzzy Knob. On "Low" avalanche danger days, almost anything is possible..... In the past we have even skied the North Face of Mt Green with a fit and competant group. The objectives on your course will depend on the conditions and group fitness/ski ability level. We won't push anyone to do anything you're uncomfortable with, and we won't let you go anywhere we feel uncomfortable with.
If you've completed an AST 2 in the past and are thinking about refreshing or furthering your learning, please check out the Advanced Avalanche Course (like an AST 3).
Instructors
This course will be taught by Alex Geary or Madeleine Martin-Preney. We are both CAA Avalanche Professionals and certified ACMG Ski Guides, who have been living in Revelstoke since 2010.
Itinerary
Day 1 is mostly online classroom based, with a couple of hours outside in Revelstoke for avalanche rescue training. We'll meet online at 8:30am. Here we'll go through the theory and planning to get ready for our field days. We'll be finished online by 5:30pm.
Days 2-4 will be full days in the field led by you. We will have short evening sessions on days 2 and 3 for trip planning. We will probably spend most of our time at Rogers Pass, but we might also visit Mt MacPherson, The Gorge, or other local areas depending on weather and snow conditions.
Prerequisites - AST 2
- Over 19 years old (unless accompanied by a parent)
- 20 days experience ski touring/split boarding
- Confident skiing/riding expert terrain at a typical ski area (eg. Double Black Diamond runs at RMR, Whistler, Kicking Horse)
- Able to climb 1200m vertical in a day
- AST 1 Course or equivalent
This will allow us to access interesting terrain and get away from the busiest zones to maximize learning opportunities. If you are unsure of your ability please send us an email.
AST 2 Dates
December 27th - 30th 2025
January 23rd - 26th 2026
$785 + 5% GST
Max 6:1 ratio
We also recommend our lodge based AST 2 course as part of the Ultimate Everything Course, which includes a Glacier Travel Course and The Art of Uptracking Course.
E-Transfer to gearysguiding@gmail.com is the preferred method of payment, otherwise please use the button below for credit card payments.
Please make sure you have read through the booking conditions before making a payment. This includes completing the Waiver and Registration Form.
If you have a group of 6 people and you want to schedule a custom course, please contact us.
Equipment
EquipmentPlease bring the following:
- Skis or splitboard with touring bindings and skins that fit. (Snowshoes are not permitted).
- Ski crampons MAY be required in some conditions.
- 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
- 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
- Avaluator 2 (can be shared with another participant)
- Map for Rogers Pass (can be shared with another participant)
- Annual Winter Permit for Rogers Pass
- Compass (can be shared with another participant)
- Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Tremper 2001 (Recommended)
- National Parks Pass for Rogers Pass
If you need to rent equipment, Revelstoke Powder Rentals have everything you might need. They offer a 10% discount to course participants. You can call them at 250-814 4POW (4769) or visit their website.