It’s critical to be able to understand avalanches, recognize the terrain where avalanches occur, and find routes that minimize risk in order to fully enjoy our wonderful backcountry! We all dream of dropping into the perfect powder line, snowshoeing along picturesque ridgelines and soaking up the best parts of what it means to live nestled in the Coast and Cascade Mountains during the winter. Whether you are snowshoeing, skiing and boarding, or mountaineering, understanding what is happening in the snowpack is critical to staying alive in avalanche terrain.
This course will provide you with entry-level decision-making skills essential for backcountry travel and safety. This course is for people anyone who hasn't taken an AST course before and looking to expand their skillset and dive deeper into the mountains.
By the end of the weekend you will understand the basics of avalanche formation and release in susceptible terrain, know how to plan and carry out a safe backcountry trip using appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain, and be confident implementing out a companion rescue. In addition, you will learn where to find and how to use a variety of avalanche safety resources.
Mountain courses are also a great way to meet people who are like minded, live in the same area and are planning similar adventures in the mountains. Many students stay in touch with their fellow classmates and lifelong friendships and adventure partners are formed during our courses.
The course will consist of half a day worth of self directed online learning followed by a morning in the classroom and 1.5 days in the field up the Coquihalla or in Manning Park, weather and conditions dependent.
This course is developed using Avalanche Canada's AST-1 curriculum, is taught by CAA Avalanche Educators and ACMG Guides and covers topics including:
As a requirement of participation with Ascent Fraser Valley Guides and Mountain School, you will be required to sign a waiver of liability prior to the beginning of the activity.
