Avalanche Skills Training

AST 2

Classroom

Is a full day at a classroom in Canmore, re-viewing all the different aspects and science behind risk management applied to avalanche terrain:

  • Morning Session: Human Behaviours, Decision Making, and Risk, Companion Rescue and Avalanche Theory

  • Afternoon Session: Getting the Forecast, Planning Your Trip, Gear Check , Verifying Conditions, Good Travel Habits, Evaluating the Slopes, Reflecting on your Day and Next Days Trip Planning Practice.

The specific rhythm of the sessions are flexible to allow us to cover all the course curriculum but also maximize the quality of the learning experience, based on your level of knowledge and experience.

Our instructor’s extensive knowledge allows us to cater this training to the students own needs, and will deliver the full curriculum established by Avalanche Canada.

Field Days

Based on 3 full days of skiing in a variety of terrain and areas. Each with different weather, snowpack and conditions in the Canadian Rockies, which have a broad spectrum of alternatives to offer.

Everyday we will go to a different area but the exact location is to be determine according to snow conditions and group interest.

Day 1: Focus on the daily process and snowpack analysis

Day 2: Focus on terrain, route selection and risk management

Day 3: Focus on your processes, evaluation, performance and how to move forward.

Every field day will also focus on the daily process and your decision making process.

  • Ratio:  1 Instructor to a maximum of 6 students (minimum 4 required to run the course).

  • Cost: $645.00 per person + GST.

  • Cost includes: Guide/Instructor and teaching material.

  • Cost does not include: Transportation to the area, food, lodging and/or technical gear.

  • Instructional material: Provided once registered.

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

Our Avalanche Canada Skills Training 2 course or AST-2, curriculum is built around the daily process, which emulates the same approach used by professionals. It expands on the foundations of your AST 1 and provides a more advanced decision-making framework for travelling in avalanche terrain. As such the focus of this program is to increase your knowledge but most importantly challenge you in the field with questions and options so you could understand your own process, bias and heuristics to become a safer skier-snowboarder when dealing with decisions, choices and possibilities in avalanche terrain to keep you and you group safe.

The program consist of 1 classroom day and 3 field days in different areas of Kananaskis, Banff and Kootenay NP.

AST-2 2024 Program Dates:

Theory Day in Canmore / Field Days in K-Country, Banff, Lake Louise, 93N, 93S, and/or Yoho areas.

  • Jan 06 (Sat) and Jan 07 (Sun), 13 (Sat) and 14 (Sun). This is a program divided in 2 consecutive weekends.

  • Apr 04 (Thu) and Apr 05 (Fri), 06 (Sat) and 07 (Sun)..

Additional information

Please keep in mind that prior to heading out for our AST 2 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.

Day one we will meet in Canmore to go through the logistics, waivers and gear before to head to the field. Next days we will meet at a convenient place for everybody, to be determine on our next day objective.

Our AST training follows Avalanche Canada guidelines and curriculum.

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

Logistical details

  • Transportation: You should arrive by your own means to the meeting point at Nakiska.

  • 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.