Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

Prepare for the winter wilderness with Banff's Avalanche Skills Training Level 1, a comprehensive course that equips you with essential safety skills.

Banff’s Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) offers a comprehensive solution for those seeking to enhance their backcountry safety. This two-day program combines virtual instruction and hands-on field training, equipping participants with essential skills to identify and manage avalanche risks. Led by experienced guides and instructors, the course provides a personalized learning experience, ensuring participants are well-prepared to navigate the winter wilderness with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, AST 1 is a must-consider for those who value their safety and the safety of their companions.

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Key Points

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  1. The AST 1 course is a 2-day program covering mountain conditions, avalanche management, and survival skills, with a mix of virtual classroom and field training.

  2. The course is developed by Avalanche Canada and taught by ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides and CAA-certified instructors, ensuring comprehensive avalanche safety training.

  3. Participants will receive AvCan curriculum materials, specialized equipment, and a certificate of completion upon successful course completion.

  4. The field training day involves hands-on practice in companion rescues, snowpack analysis, and hazard recognition, with a maximum of 8 students per instructor.

  5. The course is not suitable for wheelchair users, and participants must provide their own transportation, snow clothing, and winter sports gear.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Course Overview

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The Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course is a 2-day program that costs from $222.50 per person.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve a spot and pay later.

The training structure includes a classroom session via Zoom on the first day, followed by a field day at Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass.

The course begins with a virtual classroom session, followed by hands-on training at either Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass.

The curriculum, developed by Avalanche Canada, focuses on understanding mountain conditions, learning avalanche management, and practicing essential survival skills.

Participants will receive Avalanche Canada materials, specialized equipment, and a certificate of completion.

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Training Structure

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The Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course divides the training across two days.

On the first day, students attend a classroom session via Zoom from 9:00am to approximately 3:00/4:00pm.

The second day takes place in the field at Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass, where students will:

  1. Practice companion rescues in simulated avalanche scenarios.

  2. Analyze snowpack and identify weak layers.

  3. Learn to recognize and avoid avalanche hazards.

  4. Develop vital backcountry safety skills under the guidance of ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides and CAA-certified instructors.

Learning Outcomes

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Participants of the Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course will understand mountain conditions and weather patterns that can lead to avalanche formations.

They’ll learn strategies to avoid and manage avalanche scenarios from certified guides. The training equips them with vital survival skills for backcountry safety.

Students will practice skills in simulated companion rescues, snowpack analyses, and weak layer recognition. By the end, they’ll possess the knowledge and abilities to navigate the outdoors safely, thanks to the AvCan curriculum, avalanche safety equipment, and expert ACMG/IFMGA-certified instructors.

Included Resources

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The Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course provides participants with Avalanche Canada‘s AvCan curriculum materials, which cover essential avalanche safety topics.

The Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course provides participants with Avalanche Canada’s AvCan curriculum materials covering essential avalanche safety topics.

Along with the educational materials, participants receive:

  1. Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe for hands-on practice during the field session.

  2. ACMG/IFMGA-certified ski and mountain guides to lead the training.

  3. CAA-certified instructors to ensure comprehensive and expert-level instruction.

  4. AvCan certificate of completion, acknowledging the participant’s successful completion of the course.

These included resources equip attendees with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to navigate the backcountry safely.

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Participant Information

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Not everyone can participate in the Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. The field day is limited to a maximum of 8 students per instructor. Participants must drive to the field site themselves.

They’ll need to bring snow clothing and winter sports gear. Bringing alcohol, drugs, or pets isn’t allowed.

The course aims to equip participants with vital survival skills for backcountry safety, so active participation is essential.

Those who meet the requirements can expect a comprehensive training program with certified guides and instructors.

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Classroom Session

Although the Banff: AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course starts with a classroom session, it’s anything but passive. Participants engage in interactive discussions, analyzing real-world avalanche scenarios and developing critical thinking skills.

The curriculum covers:

Covers mountain weather patterns, avalanche triggers, companion rescues, and snowpack analysis – laying a foundation for hands-on field experience.

  1. Understanding mountain weather patterns and their impact on snowpack stability.

  2. Identifying potential avalanche triggers and learning avoidance techniques.

  3. Practicing companion rescues and efficient transceiver searches.

  4. Analyzing snowpack layers to recognize signs of instability.

The classroom day lays a strong foundation, priming participants for the hands-on field experience the following day.

Field Day

On the second day, participants head to the picturesque Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass for the field component.

Under the guidance of ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides, they put their knowledge into practice. Participants learn to assess snowpack stability, identify weak layers, and conduct companion rescues. They practice using avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels.

The small class size ensures personalized attention and ample hands-on experience. By the end of the day, participants feel confident in their ability to recognize and respond to avalanche hazards in the backcountry.

The field day solidifies the concepts learned in the classroom.

Certification and Completion

Upon completing the field day, participants receive an Avalanche Canada AvCan certificate, recognizing their achievement in mastering the Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 curriculum.

This credential signifies their competence in:

  1. Identifying avalanche terrain and assessing snowpack stability

  2. Performing companion rescues using transceivers, shovels, and probes

  3. Recognizing and mitigating avalanche risks in the backcountry

  4. Applying crucial survival skills for enhanced safety

With this certification, participants are empowered to safely explore the winter wonderland, armed with the knowledge and abilities to navigate avalanche-prone areas responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Avalanche Safety Gear?

Yes, participants can bring their own avalanche safety gear such as a transceiver, shovel, and probe. However, the course provides this essential equipment, so bringing your own is optional.

How Do I Get to the Field Day Location?

Participants must drive themselves to the field day location. The course details state that participants are responsible for their own transportation to the field day site, which is either Bow Summit or Vermilion Pass.

Is There a Minimum Skill Level Required to Participate?

There’s no minimum skill level required. The course is designed for beginners, teaching essential avalanche safety skills. Participants should have basic winter sports experience, but no prior avalanche training is needed.

Can I Take the Course Without the Field Day?

No, the course can’t be taken without the field day. The field day is an essential part of the Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 curriculum, where participants practice critical skills in a real-world backcountry setting.

What Should I Do if I Have a Medical Condition?

If you have a medical condition, speak with the course organizers. They can advise if the course is suitable and whether any accommodations can be made. Be open about your needs to ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the training.

The Sum Up

Banff’s AST 1 program equips participants with essential avalanche safety skills. The two-day course, led by certified guides and instructors, covers avalanche management, snowpack analysis, and survival techniques. Participants receive specialized equipment and a certificate upon completion, ensuring they’re prepared to safely navigate the backcountry. The program’s hands-on field training and personalized learning experience make it a valuable investment for anyone adventuring in avalanche-prone areas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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