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for Skiers/Boarders2011/2012 Our 2.5 day AST-1 Plus Avalanche Skills course is one of the most comprehensive AST-1 courses available. Our combination of experienced Instructors, two different geographical regions for field training and increased emphasis on technical snowpack and terrain observation skills ensures that you will be getting the best possible training available.
AST-1 courses include all avalanche safety equipment! Dates (2011 season): Dec 8*, 10-11 (full) All dates marked with an asterisk (*) are evening Theory Sessions held in Vancouver at 47 W Broadway in the CWMS training room, unless otherwise noted. If you cannot attend the integral Theory Session held in advance, please consider taking one of our AST-1 2-day courses, or our AST-1 WHISTLER courses, that do not include mid-week evening sessions. Return to top
Course Cost: $ 275. + HST
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Prerequisites Intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability. Touring equipment or snowshoes/snowboard combo required. No previous avalanche training required. Return to top
Location Evening theory sessions for the AST-1 PLUS course are held in our classroom at 47 West Broadway, Vancouver. These 3-hour theory sessions start promptly at 7:00 pm.
Field locations are chosen in advance based on current weather and snowpack conditions in order to give the best possible course. A second theory session is held at the end of the 1st or 2nd field session, depending on field conditions and location. Return to top
Guides and Instructors Our AST-1 PLUS courses are taught by our Avalanche Course Instructors, all CAA members and bringing many years of experience to these courses. All Instructors are Active or Professional Members of the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and hold Level 1 or 2 Certification with the CAA. Additionally, all Canada West Mountain School staff are dedicated educators who are experienced in teaching these skills and conducting well run, professional courses. CWMS staff also attend regular Industry training and have advanced 1st aid training, and many of the Instructors in our Avalanche Training program are also professional Guides certified through the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides). Return to top
Itinerary/Objectives Our format includes one evening session in advance of the two field days, with follow-up classroom sessions after the 1st and 2nd field days. The first 3-hour session provides an overview of the course and covers the following topics: 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. Return to top
Equipment list for Avalanche Safety Weekend To download a printer friendly .PDF file of the equipment list, click here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. The following personal equipment is required:
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. Logistics and transportation Students are responsible for getting to and from the course areas. The evening classroom session is held at 47 W. Broadway in Vancouver. There is ample street parking on Broadway. The group will meet on the first field day at 0745 at Mount Seymour unless other arrangements are made at the first evening class session. On the second field day the group will meet at 0745 in Whistler. The actual meeting place will be determined by the instructor at the first evening session. IMPORTANT - the specific field locations vary from one course date to another, please ensure you confirm the correct meeting location for your course date! Students are reminded to plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to the field 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. Return to top
Related Programs Check out these other programs that complement the skills learned in our Avalanche Safety Weekend course. As well, feel free to contact our office to discuss other course options. Avalanche Clinic Avalanche Safety Weekend (Whistler) Advanced Avalanche Custom Avalanche training Private Ski guiding Return to top |
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