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We pioneered the 2.5 day Avalanche Skills course format in 1988, and we still feel that this extended format offers the best value in Avalanche Safety Instruction. Our fine-tuned program this season includes 2 field days in 2 separate regions, in addition to 3 separate theory sessions, for a total of 21 hours of instruction. This allows you to spend more time in the field learning technical snowpack and terrain observation skills than in most other AST-1 courses.
AST-1 courses include all avalanche safety equipment! Please also see our Avalanche Safety Weekend - Whistler for courses held completely in Whistler. Dates for Skiers and Snowboarders (2008/09 season): All dates marked with an asterisk (*) are evening Theory Sessions held in Vancouver at the CWMS training room unless otherwise noted. 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. Avalanche Safety Weekend (AST-1) for Snowshoers This course is designed for snowshoers who are venturing into the backcountry, but are not interested in skiing or 'boarding. Dates for Snowshoers (2009 season): Course Cost - Skiers/Snowboarders $ 225. (plus lift access fee if applicable*) + gst (**$10. discount if you supply your own beacon, probe & shovel. This must be claimed at time of registration ) Course Cost - Snowshoers $ 195. + gst (**$10. discount if you supply your own beacon, probe & shovel. This must be claimed at time of registration ) Currency Converter Included in course fee: - Instruction by professional Avalanche Safety educators - "Rite-in-the-Rain" Fieldbook for Avi & Weather observations - Avalanche Safety Course manual - CWMS & CAA-developed course materials, updated 2008/09 - Industry recognized AST-1 Certificate of Completion - Use of Barryvox "Pulse" digital beacon ** - Use of G3 probe ** - Use of G3 Avi-tech shovel ** - Use of Snow Science kit (thermometer, screen, loupe, etc) - Use of G3 "Bonesaw" snowsaw * Backcountry lift access fee: Backcountry lift access for 1 field-day on Whistler/Blackcomb is required for Skier/Snowboarder students and is not included. This cost is an additional $40 +gst. (not applicable for students with existing lift passes). This fee will be collected at time of registration so that your instructor can pre-arrange all lift tickets in order to speed up the field days and avoid unnecessary delays during your course. Return to top
Prerequisites Basic skiing, 'boarding, or snowshoeing ability. Touring equipment or snowshoes required. No previous avalanche training required. Return to top
Location Evening theory sessions for the Skier/Snowboarders course are held in our classroom at 47 West Broadway, Vancouver. These 3-hour theory sessions start promptly at 7:00 pm. The first field day is held in the backcountry behind Mount Seymour, while the second field session is held in the backcountry behind Whistler/Blackcomb. Weather and snow conditions may require us to use alternate locations, such as the Coquihalla summit region, Diamond Head or Cypress. 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. Return to top
Guides and Instructors All Instructors on our Avalanche courses are Active or Professional Members of the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and hold Level I or Level II Professional Certification with the CAA. Additionally, Canada West Mountain School staff are dedicated educators who are experienced in teaching these skills and conducting well run, professional courses. All 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 (skiers/boarders course only), 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: 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 sessions are 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. 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. 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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