2 field days in 2 separate regions sets our weekend avalanche course aside from all the other Basic AST-1 courses, in addition to two 3-hour theory sessions, for a total of 22 hours of instruction. This exceeds the CAA recommended standard by 6 hours, allowing us more time in the field to thoroughly teach technical snowpack and terrain observation skills than in most other AST-1 courses.

We have been conducting Avalanche Safety Courses for skiers, ice climbers and snowboarders since 1982, always giving our students the highest quality instruction in Avalanche Safety skills!

Our AST-1 course includes all avalanche safety equipment!

Please also see our Avalanche Safety Weekend - Whistler for courses held completely in Whistler

Dates for Skiers and Snowboarders (2007/08 season):
1 evening session in Vancouver (*); 1 field day on Mount Seymour & 1 field day on Whistler/Blackcomb; Wrap-up theory session in Whistler after 2nd field day.

November 17-18, 2007 (possible date pending conditions)
November 22*, 24-25
November 29*, December 1-2
December 6*, 8-9
December 13*, 15-16
December 20*, 22-23
January 3*, 5-6
January 10*, 12-13
January 24*, 26-27
January 31*, Feb. 2-3
February 13*, 16-17
February 21*, 23-24
March 6*, 8-9
March 20*, 22-23

Dates for Snowshoers (2007/2008 season):
1 evening session in Vancouver (*); 1 field day Mount Seymour; 1 field day alternate location; final wrap-up session after 2nd field day.

November 21*, 24-25
December 5*, 8-9
January 16*, 19-20
January 30*, Feb. 2-3
February 12*, 16-17
February 27*, Mar. 2-3

All dates marked with an asterisk (*) are evening seminars held in Vancouver.

If you cannot attend the integral theory session held in advance, please consider taking our Whistler-based AST course that does not include mid-week evening sessions.

The final wrap up session is held in a classroom at the Base of Blackcomb Mountain immediately after the 2nd field session for skiers and snowboarders courses. Snowshoe courses will use an alternate location to be determined based on location used for the 2nd field day.

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 one evening session in advance of the two field days, with a follow-up classroom session after the 2nd field day. The first 3-hour session provides an overview of the course and covers the following topics:

avalanche hazard recognition
avalanche terminology
avalanche mechanics
mountain weather
snowpack structure
basic terrain evaluation
equipment requirements

This evening session also will prepare you for the field sessions so that your time in the field is used most efficiently. Evening session dates are marked with an asterisk *.

Your two 8-hour field days 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 evening session is an important and unique aspect of Canada West Mountain School programs, as this allows students an opportunity to "put all the pieces together" in a classroom session 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!

• Touring skis; split snowboard; or, snow shoes and snowboard. Alpine Trekker touring inserts for alpine skis are acceptable if you are experienced with them (Trekkers and climbing skins are available for rent from CWMS)
• Boots - touring boots appropriate to your bindings. Regular alpine boots may be fine as long as they are not a tight fitting race boot.
• Poles
• Climbing skins for skis or split board
• Daypack, approx 30 liters capacity suitable for carrying all required gear. Snowboarders must have a pack that can hold a snowboard for the ascents
• 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)
• Gloves plus one pair extra
• Warm 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/hydration system w/insulation - min. 1 liter

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 all 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.

Students are reminded of the importance of arriving 10-15 minutes early to the field sessions. 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.