Avalanche Skills Training 1

AST 1

At Paramount Guides, we want you to experience one of our favourite seasons in the Canadian Rockies—winter! Whether you’re interested in learning the basics of backcountry skiing and ice climbing or embarking on epic multi-day adventures, our top priority is ensuring your safety as you embrace the winter landscape.

The greatest risk for outdoor enthusiasts during this season is avalanches. That’s why avalanche training and knowledge are essential, regardless of your winter activities.

Our courses are licensed by Avalanche Canada and are taught by an ACMG/IFMGA guide who holds the prestigious Level 3 Avalanche Operations Professional certification from the Canadian Avalanche Association. With decades of experience in various fields, including mechanized and non-mechanized skiing, high-altitude mountaineering, and consulting for mining operations, our instructor is well-equipped to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for a safe and enjoyable winter experience.

Avalanche Canada Skills Training 1 (AST-1) course, 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 consists of :

  • Classroom day in the Bow Valley

  • Field Day in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley.

Our schedule is flexible allowing us to cover all of the course curriculum and maximize the quality of the learning experience.

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: $280.00 per person + GST.

  • Cost includes: Guide/Instructor, teaching material.

  • Cost does not include: Transportation to the area, food and technical gear. (Shovel, probe and transceiver can be rented for the field day. The cost is $15.00 + GST)

  • Instructional material: Provided once registered.

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

AST 1 Dates 2024/25:    

  • Dec 21 (Sat) and 22 (Sun), 2024.

  • Jan 04 (Sat) and 05 (Sun), 2025.

  • Jan 11 (Sat) and 12 (Sun), 2025.

  • Feb 15 (Sat) and 16 (Sun), 2025. 

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 be prepared to drive to the field day location.

  • Food: Bring snacks and a lunch, plus 1 to 2 litres, ideally hot drinks. Classroom day is close to local restaurants.

  • 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 with 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

Topics cover on the morning of the clasroom day:

  • 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. 

Topics cover on the afternoon of the clasroom day:

  • Assessing avalanche hazard and reducing risk. 

  • Avalanche Danger Scale and Public Avalanche Bulletins.

  • Using the Avaluator™ assessment tool.

  •  Decision making and human factors .

  • 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 by 8.00, place TBD. The idea is to minimize driving time but also find the right conditions, so the place will be determine at the end of the classroom day, depending on weather, snow conditions, avalanche forecast and group abilities.

Topics for the Field Day

  • Meet, review and check avalanche training gear.

  • Review the Daily Process - Including weather and public avalanche bulletin discussion.

  • 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.