Trip Dates

Dec. 19*-22, 2011
January 19*-22, 2012
March 12*-15, 2012
Companion Rescue: Dec.19, Jan.19, March 12

Price

$380 / person *combined with AST 1 reduced by $25 *Companion Rescue $95

Group Size

Maximum of 6 participants per intructor(s)

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate Backcountry Skills / Intermediate to Advanced Ski Skills

Home / Courses / Avalanche Training /

Avalanche Skills Level 2 (AST 2)

Boost your avalanche awareness skills, knowing more increases safety and leads to serious fun...

Are you looking for the highest recreational avalanche training? Are you interested in boosting your skills before seeking further Industry Training Programs? The AST level 2 will deepen your knowledge, broaden your experience and skills for better decision making in avalanche terrain.

This 3 & 1/2 day program is the next logical step after completing the AST 1. Similar topics will be covered with more depth and emphasis on adapting personal exposure based on changing conditions & field observations.

This course provide the highest level of recreational avalanche training. It is also a stepping stone for further CAA industry training programs.

For students who have not taken avalanche training in awhile, consider doing the recently developed Companion Rescue course. This program is a one day field program which gives you opportunity to review and renew your skills, get information about new avalanche equipment as well as discover updated probing, shoveling and group rescue techniques.

Itinerary Prerequisites Equipment Weather Location
Services Included FAQ

Itinerary

Day 1: We will meet for a 4 hour classroom session during the evening. We will discuss and watch videos on topics like: avalanche hazard recognition, terminology & mechanics, mountain weather, snow pack structure & basic terrain evaluation. We will also sign a waiver and do a gear check.

Day 2, 3 & 4: Back country ski days with a 2 hour classroom session on each the 2nd and 3rd evening. We will generally meet at 8:00am and drive to a ski touring destinations to be established in the West Kootenay backcountry. We will spend 8hrs outside each day. We will focus on learning and practicing skills, including: avalanche hazard recognition, terminology & mechanics, mountain weather, snow pack structure, basic terrain evaluation, terrain evaluation, mountain hazard assessment, safe route finding techniques, snow pack analysis, snow testing techniques, transceiver searches and rescue fundamentals.
Students will receive a CAA certificate and personal feedback before course end

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Avalanche Skills Level 1 (please have dated certificate*). Ensure you have most recent (2010) version of Avaluator™ Trip Planner.

Pre-read Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper

Intermediate skiing or ‘boarding ability (touring equipment or Split board required).

Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability. Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of course would suit you best.

Equipment

Click Here for Equipment List

Weather

Kootenay weather can vary drastically. In winter you expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise well above zero. Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation can change within the day.

Location

Contact your guide by phone or email the week before for meeting location. Field days will occur in the Selkirks Mtns, local backcountry near Nelson.

Services Included

Pre-trip planning support
Fully certified ACMG/IFMGA guide service
AST 2 class notes
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper.
Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)

Not included in price:

Lunch, snacks, meals when at the lodge
Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
optional & very useful! Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain field book (available through SMG)
2010 Avaluator™ Trip Planner
Transportation or lift fee if applicable
Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance

FAQ

Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?

Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.

Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks 354-4622 www.gericks.com

Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?

Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented in Nelson prior to your day trip. There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:

Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier.

Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.

Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.