Avalanche Skills 2!

 

Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST2) is an exciting and fun 4-day course. AST2 is the second part of a two-part training, after AST1. This course teaches advanced decision making, terrain management, forecasting, trip planning, and snow science so you can plan and lead backcountry trips.

Primary learning Objectives:

  • Video recordings of our AOC level 1-2-3

  • Increased understanding of avalanche formation and release

  • Increased understanding of route planning and navigation

  • Daily procedures and safety routines

  • Track setting and group management

  • Snow test and field observations

  • Advance rescue techniques and multi burial scenarios

  • Weather forecasting

  • Terrain management

  • Emergency dispatch and rescue evacuations

You learn a step-wise daily process to prepare for a trip. From assembling gear and reading forecasts, to field observations and snowpack analysis. This course will develop your ability to integrate many variables to evaluate local conditions and choose where to ski.

Upon completion of this course, you will receive an official AvCan AST2 Certificate.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: 5:30pm – 830pm Indoor in Squamish. indoor class.(TBT) or Zoom .

Day 2: 8-4pm (Field day)
Whistler Blackcomb – Weather forecasting, trip planning, companion rescue and emergency evacuation. Avalanche recording. 

Day 3: 8-4pm (Field day)
Whistler Blackcomb – Weather forecasting, trip planning, snow science slope evaluation. leadership. Decision making frame work.(Plan,Teamwork,Observe,Choose, terrain, travel wisely)

Day 4: 8-4pm (Field day)
Whistler Blackcomb – Weather forecasting, trip planning, navigation and terrain evaluation, ski cutting, simple snow anchor. 

Notes: students are responsible for transportation and lift ticket costs $45.

 

Goals

Day 1 PM - Classroom or Zoom (3hrs)

  • Introduction to AST 2 course

  • Review AST 1 goals, AST 2 goals, and online classroom topics.

  • Learn how to use your Field Book "Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain"

  • Detailed review of the daily process for field days.

Days 2-4 Field (8hrs each)

  • Trip-planning practice

  • Pre-trip and trailhead procedures daily

  • Companion rescue: deep burials

  • Route selection, leadership, and evaluating risk.

  • Compression tests, column tests, ski cutting, cornice cutting, hand shear tests.

  • Digging snow pits, observing snowpack layers, and weak layers.

  • Learning and practicing good travel habits: one at a time, communication, safe spots, escape routes.

  • Evaluating slopes: assessing risk, avalanche size, and consequences.

 

Ratio

6:1  (min 4)

Participants : Instructor

Note: VMG offers private courses for groups. Please contact us to book your group today.

 

Pre-requisites

  • AST 1 and sufficient field experience.

  • 10-20 days of backcountry experience.

  • Comfortable skiing/boarding black runs (40 degrees).

  • Can skin uphill 5km and 300m elevation gain.

 

Waiver

We require you to sign and verify our electronic AvCan Waiver before participating. Please carefully read and understand the waiver before signing.

Questions?

 

Fee

$699 +GST (4 Day)

Note:
We can book private groups for AST 2. Please contact VMG.

 

Dates

Feb 15-18 (once per year)

 

Equipment

(click here for a full list)

  • Ski touring kit, splitboard kit, or snowshoes (including skins)

  • Helmet

  • Avalanche transceiver (3 antenna preferred)

  • Probe (3m probe preferred)

  • Shovel (extendable handle)

  • Snow saw (optional)

  • First aid kit with blister kit and tape

  • Headlamp, lighter, whistle, emergency blanket

  • Ski goggles

  • Sunglasses

  • Cell Phone (charged 100%) download GAIA GPS maps.

  • Lunch and snacks

 

Rentals

All Access Adventures - VMG participants receive 10% off.

 
 

Advanced Avalanche Skills!

Avalanche Skills Training 2 prepares you to lead backcountry trips. Learn advanced skills in physical snowpack and risk assessment, and practice the systematic daily process for travelling safely.