The AST 1 course is an introductory level avalanche course that is designed to be the foundation of your avalanche education. The curriculum has been carefully drafted by Avalanche Canada, the highest standard of avalanche education.
With Revelstoke Alpine School our AST 1 Plus course offers you 2 full days of hands on learning in the Backcountry, this gives you the opportunity to become familiar with the planning component to backcountry skiing and the chance to practise and build on the skills of day 1.
Pre Course
There is a 6.5 hr online pre-course that is designed to take the place of the classroom component of the course. This can be completed at your own pace prior to the course stating.
The course will begin the evening before with a zoom call to clear up any loose ends and set some expectations for the course.
Day 1 & 2
We will meet at the trail head of the predetermine location and discuss weather forecast, weather observations, avalanche bulletin, and the objectives for the day.
The field days will be interactive hands on learning. We will cover the course curriculum, but we will focus on the desired outcome of the the group. If the group decides they would like to focus on snowpack observations then we can do that.
Equipment List
These are the items that you will be required to bring:
- Skis, boots, poles and climbing skins: for backcountry touring, AT, Telemark, or Splitboard
- Helmet suitable for skiing (helmet use is recommended for all downhill skiing activities).
- Daypack: A backpack with a capacity of 30-40 litres will allow you to carry all your gear.
- Outerwear jacket: An outer layer waterproof/breathable shell with hood (Gore-tex, etc.). Non-insulated is best.
- Outerwear pants: waterproof/breathable shell. Full zips are ideal for venting and ease of on/off with boots on
- Personal clothing layers: layering works well, no cotton.
- Gloves: warm mountaineering or ski gloves with removable liners. Bring 1 pair, plus 1 pair extra liners, or 2 pair of gloves.
- Toque/warm hat: wool or fleece
- Hat with sun visor: baseball cap, etc.
- Sunglasses: must have 100% UV blockage and ideally provide full protection with wrap-around style, or side shields
- Ski goggles:
- Headlamp: small size with extra batteries
- Water bottle/hydration system: 1 litre minimum, 2 litres is ideal. For hydration/hose systems use insulated hoses to reduce freezing
- Small thermos: optional, but very nice to have a hot drink during the field days!
- Note pad and pencil: optional
- Avalanche shovel.
- Avalanche transceiver.
- Avalanche Probe.
- Climbing or Ski Harness
- Avaluator Trip Planner (provided in course material)
Some items on the list may be borrowed from Revelstoke Alpine School, but it is recommended that you purchase your own and get familiar with the equipment. Let me know in advance if you are missing anything.
