Avalanche Safety Training

“With every falling flake, a unique spark of interest falls from heaven.”

- P. Miller -

Paramount Guides wants you to enjoy one of our favourite seasons in the Canadian Rockies - Winter. We can teach you the basics of back country skiing and ice climbing or we can take you on some epic multi-day adventures but the number one thing when it comes to embracing winter is to do it safely.

The greatest risk to any outdoor enthusiast in winter is Avalanches. Avalanche training and knowledge is a must, no matter what your winter activity is.

Our courses are licensed by Avalanche Canada and are taught by an ACMG / IFMGA guide who is a Level 3 Avalanche Operations Professional Member of the CAA; the highest certification level of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Our instructor has decades of experience in a variety of industries including mechanized and non-mechanized skiing, high altitude mountaineering and was a consultant for mining operations.

AST 1

Learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan your trips, and perform a companion rescue. It is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry.

On-line Program: Pre-class material, plus two, on-line sessions; from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, plus a full 8-hour field day around Nakiska ski area.

Traditional Classroom Program: Classroom day in Canmore 8:30am-4:30pm, plus a full 8-hour field day in Kananaski Country.

Pre-requisites: You don't need any experience to take this course

Cost: $270.00 + GST per person

Minimum Class Size: Min. 4 - Max. 8

Avalanche Skills Training 1 - AST 1

AST 1 Program Details

AST 2

The 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

Program: Classroom day in Canmore 8:00am-5:30pm, plus 3 field days in different areas to maximize the challenges and learning experience.

Pre-requisites: AST-1 and a minimum of one winter experience using the AST-1 knowledge

Cost: $670.00 + GST per person

Minimum Class Size: Min. 4 - Max. 6

Avalanche Skills Training 2 - AST 2

AST 2 Program Details

AST 1 Refresher

Aimed at individuals who have completed an AST 1 course and are looking to refresh their skills and knowledge. This course provides a review of the material covered in the AST 1 course and includes a discussion of industry updates.

Program: Pre-class material, plus one, on-line sessions; from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, plus a full 8-hour field day in a place to determine depending on terrain conditions and group abilities.

Pre-requisites: AST-1

Cost: $195.00 + GST per person

Minimum Class Size: Min. 4 - Max. 6

Avalanche Skills Training 1 - Refresher

AST 1 Refresher Program Details

AST 1+

Aimed at individuals who have completed an AST 1 course and are looking to improve and expand their terrain assessment skills. The focus of this field day is focus on risk mitigation, terrain evaluation and travel skills.

Program: One, on-line sessions; from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, plus a full 8-hour field day in a place to determine depending on terrain conditions and group abilities.

Pre-requisites: AST-1

Cost: $149.00 + GST per person

Minimum Class Size: Min. 4 - Max. 6