Avalanche Skills Training 1

Refresher

The Avalanche Skills Training 1 Refresher (AST-1 Refresher) is designed for individuals who have completed an AST-1 course and want to refresh their skills and knowledge. This private, one-day field-based course reviews the material covered in the AST-1 course and includes discussions on industry updates.

We offer this course as a private session to accommodate the varying backgrounds and experiences of participants. This approach allows us to customize the training to meet your group's specific needs, ensuring you gain the most relevant insights and skills for your unique situation.

Our AST Refresher Program Organization

Pre-Reading material

A full list of the material to read will be send to you at the time of booking the program, so you could review and read at your own pace.

1 On-Line zoom session (from 6.30pm to 8.30pm)

We will use this time to review knowledge and prepare the field day so we have the best outcome for that day.

  • Review your level of knowledge and experience.

  • Review agenda for next day.

  • Waivers and risk management

  • Winter travel backcountry hazards and risks.

  • Avalanche events and their effect on us. 

  • Plan and logistic for next day.

1 Field day (from 8.00 am to 4.30pm)

During the zoom session we will define we are we going as well where are we meeting. The idea is to find the best place according to conditions and group level and needs. Some of the topics we could review during the field day includes but is not limited to:

  • Review how to use the avalanche forecast to mitigate avalanche risk

  • Review decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain

  • Review route selection, terrain assessment, and travel protocols

  • Practice companion rescue skills

  • Discuss updates to the AST 1 curriculum

Our AST Refresher Program Details

  • Cost:  Please contact us to give you a quote based on your needs and group size.

  • Ratio:  1 Instructor to a maximum of 8 students

  • Program includes Guide/Instructor, instructional and teaching material.

  • Program does not include Transportation, food, personal technical and avalanche safety gear.

  • Instructional material: Provided once registered.

  • Pre-registration required: For more details please contact us at guides@paramount-guides.com

Additional information

Please keep in mind that prior to heading out for our AST 1 refresher 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 provide your own transportation to trailhead

  • Food: Bring snacks and a lunch, plus 1 to 2 litres, ideally hot drinks.

  • Clothing: For the field day you should come prepared for a full day in the outdoors.

Equipment List:

  • Ski Touring gear or Split board with skins

  • Day pack large enough to hold spare clothes, lunch, shovel and probe.

  • Avalanche transceiver in good order and batteries over 50%.

  • Collapsible Avalanche shovel and probe

  • Personal 1st-Aid Kit for small blister (our guide carries a 1st-Aid Kit for emergencies, plus a communication device).

  • Warm clothing

  • Extra glove and sun glasses