One theory session is held on the morning of Day-1, followed by a field session in the afternoon. On Day-2, you will head to a different location for further field training and practice, followed by a final wrap-up theory session.

AST-1 courses include all avalanche safety equipment!

Please see our AST-1 or AST-1 PLUS for courses for skiers and snowboarders.

Dates for Snowshoers course (2010/2011 season):
2 full days on Mount Seymour combining theory and practical
on-snow sessions. Locations may change due to local conditions.

November 19-20 (pending conditions)
November 26-27
December 10-11
January 7-8
January 21-22
February 4-5
February 18-19
March 3-4
March 17-18

The field day is held in the backcountry behind Mount Seymour. Occasionally, alternate locations may be used such as Diamond Head near Squamish, or the Coquihalla Pass near Hope.

Itinerary/Objectives
This course focuses on teaching practical methods of understanding, recognizing and avoiding avalanche hazards, including terrain evaluation, snowpack structure, weather, safe route finding and avalanche rescue techniques.

Our format includes 7 hours of theory and 10 hours of practical fieldwork. The theory sessions include pre-requisite reading that ideally is done before the course (manuals are issued at time of registration). Theory topics include:
avalanche hazard recognition
avalanche terminology
avalanche mechanics
mountain weather
snowpack structure
basic terrain evaluation
equipment requirements

The initial theory also helps prepare you for the field sessions so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.

Your field session are spent in the backcountry where you will have maximum time to focus on learning and practicing skills, including:
terrain evaluation
mountain hazard assessment
safe route finding techniques
snowpack analysis
snow testing techniques
transceiver searches
rescue fundamentals

The final wrap up sessions are an important aspect of Canada West Mountain School programs, as this allows students an opportunity to "put all the pieces together" after the field sessions have finished.

At the end of your course, you are encouraged to discuss with your instructor the content that has been covered, and to have the instructor assess your level of knowledge - we would prefer that you know your abilities now, rather than find out the hard way, later!

All our AST-1 courses meet, or exceed, the minimum standard set by the Canadian Avalanche Association that requires AST Level 1 courses to have a minimum of 7 hours of classroom instruction plus one full day in the field.

Minimum required gear for a comfortable day trip in the winter:

• Footwear suitable for walking and standing in deep snow required for first day on AST-1 courses (Whistler, Seymour and on Snowshoe courses)
• Snow shoes
• Boots - proper winter boots appropriate for snowshoeing.
• Poles
• Daypack, approx 30 liters capacity suitable for carrying all required gear.
• Hard shell outer layer jacket with hood - Gore-Tex
  
• Outer shell pants or bibs - Gore-Tex style recommended for ventilation while touring
• Personal clothing layers that are adjustable and suitable for all conditions
• Gaiters (unless your ski pants have built-in gaiters or snow-cuffs). You will be spending time in the snow and off of your snowshoes.
• Gloves plus one pair extra
• Warm jacket/parka - down, fleece or pile
• Sweater or vest - wool, fleece or down
• Toque/warm hat - wool or fleece
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
• Water bottle/thermos - min. 1 liter

On Day-1 you do not require snowshoes, but will require footwear and clothing that is appropriate for walking and standing in snow and wet conditions.

Please go over this list before the course to ensure that you are properly prepared. Contact our office if you have any questions, and we can suggest places for you to purchase or rent equipment if needed. Keep in mind that you will be spending much of your time outdoors in the snow in cold conditions (-5 to -20), and that the weather can vary from one extreme to the other. It is recommended that you also have a set of spare street clothes for the end of the course after you have left the mountains.

Logistics and transportation
IMPORTANT - the specific meeting locations vary from one course date to another, please ensure you confirm the correct location for your course date!

Students are responsible for getting to and from the course areas. The first session will start at Mount Seymour at 0815, unless other arrangements are made at the time of registration. You will receive instructions for the specific meeting points for the first day of your course.

Students are reminded to plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to the course sessions, to allow for traffic delays, poor road conditions, parking, etc. The field sessions will start promptly at the times indicated - latecomers will risk missing the field sessions as once the group has departed there are no options to join them in the field at a later time.