Avalanche Skills Training 1

AST 1

Avalanche Canada Skills Training 1 course or AST-1, curriculum is designed to ensure you learn the fundamentals of safe travel in avalanche terrain. Including pre-trip planning, snowpack and avalanche hazard assessment, risk management, terrain selection and avalanche rescue skills.

Our programs consist of 2 options.

Kananaskis Country based Classroom Program (1 Classroom day + 1 Field day)

Classroom day in Canmore
Field Day in Kananaskis Country

Nakiska based On-Line Program (2 On-line Sessions + 1 Field day)

2 Evenings On-line sessions (please note there will be some pre-study materials)
Field Day at Nakiska Ski Resort

Our schedule is flexible allowing us to cover all the course curriculum and maximize the quality of the learning experience. Winter conditions are variable, therefore the use of Nakiska ski hill lets us have fast access to good teaching terrain, so you spend more time learning than driving.

Our instructor’s extensive knowledge allows us to cater this training to your own needs; from backcountry skiing to snowshoeing to ice climbing.

Ratio: 1 Instructor to a maximum of 8 students (minimum 4 required to run the course).

Cost: $270.00 per person + GST.
Cost includes: Guide/Instructor, teaching material and ski lift ticket.
Cost does not include: Transportation to the area, food and technical gear.
Instructional material: Provided once registered.
Pre-registration required: For more details please contact us at guides@paramount-guides.com

AST 1 Classroom Program Dates:

Theory day in Canmore / Field Day at K-Country or Banff.

Dec 02 (Sat) and 03 (Sun), 2023. Sold Out!
Dec 27 (Wed) and 28 (Thu), 2023.
Jan 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun), 2024. Sold Out!
Feb 17 (Sat) and 18 (Sun), 2024. Sold Out!

AST 1 On-line Program Dates:

Theory day on-line / Field Day by Nakiska Ski area.

Dec 06 (Wed), 08 (Fri) and 09 (Sat) 2023.
Jan 16 (Tue), 18 (Thu) and 21 (Sun) 2024.
March 05 (Tue), 07 (Thu) and 09 (Sat) 2024. Sold Out!

Additional information

Please keep in mind that prior to heading out for our AST 1 Program all participants are required to read and agree to waiver terms and conditions prior to booking completion. In the case of the AST programs there are two waivers, one for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and another for Avalanche Canada, both of which can be found at paramount-guides.com/waivers

Our field day takes place in a backcountry winter environment. Conditions can be harsh, and you need to be dressed appropriately. Being warm and comfortable will enhance your learning experience.

This course is designed to provide a good basis for learning and is not meant to be overly, physically challenging.

Logistical details

Transportation: You should arrive by your own means to the meeting point.
Food: Bring snacks and a lunch, plus 1 to 2 litres, ideally hot drinks. Classroom day is close to a cafeteria.
Clothing: For the field day you should come prepared for a full day in the outdoors.

Equipment List:

You will need either Skis, Split board or Snowshoes plus ski poles.
Day pack large enough to hold spare clothes, lunch, shovel and probe.
Avalanche transceiver with new batteries.
Collapsible Avalanche shovel.
Avalanche probe.
Sunglasses and/or ski goggles.
Personal 1st-Aid Kit for small blister (our guide carries a 1st-Aid Kit for emergencies, plus a communication device).
Extra Gloves
Warm Clothing

Programs Details

Traditional Classroom Program:

Classroom day in Canmore from 8:30am to 4:30pm

Field Day from 8:00am to 4:30pm in Kananaski Country

On-Line Program :

2 On-line evenings sessions from 6:00pm - 9:30pm.

Field Day from 8:30am to 4:30pm, around Nakiska Ski Resort

Also requires some pre-class study.

On-line session 1 OR Morning of Classroom:

Goals and objectives for the course, agenda review, waivers.
Winter travel backcountry hazards and risks.
Avalanche events and their effect on us.
Avalanche Hazards Factors.
Avalanches characteristics, types and triggers.
Avalanche Terrain Recognition.
Introduction to the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES).
Mountain snowpack and snow metamorphism.

On-line session 2 OR Afternoon of Classroom:

Assessing avalanche hazard and reducing risk.
Avalanche Danger Scale and Public Avalanche Bulletins.
Using the Avaluator™ assessment tool.
Decision making and human factors (HALT - FACETS).
Safe travel and trip planning components.
How to react in case of an emergency - Companion Rescue.
Avalanche safety gear (transceivers, shovel and probe).
Field Day logistics - Planning and getting ready.

Field Day (lunch will be in the field)

We will meet either in Canmore by 8.00 or at Nakiska’s parking lot by 8.30. More specific details will be provided at the end of the theory part. If it is at Nakiska we will use the chairlift to rapidly access the upper part of the mountain, where the training will take place or if at K-Country, the idea is minimize driving time but also find the right conditions, so the place will be determine at the end of the classroom day.

Topics for the Field Day

Meet, review and check avalanche training gear.
Review the Daily Process - Including weather and public avalanche bulletin discussion.
If at Nakiska receive lift pass, if on K-Country drive to the trailhead
Group Management, Travel Habits and Decision-Making.
Route selection, track setting and terrain recognition.
Reviewing and practicing the use of Avaluator™.
Field observations (Wind, Precipitation, Temperature).
Transceivers and companion rescue practice.
Managing and reducing risk in avalanche terrain.
Snow study profile, stability tests and identifying layers of concern.
Group rescue scenario – response and priorities.

4:00 pm

Debrief
Maintaining and developing further avalanche skills training.
AST 1 certificate presentation.

4.30 - 5.00 pm

End of course!

Our AST training follows Avalanche Canada guidelines and curriculum.