Avalanche Course Whistler (AST-1)2009/2010
Our Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST-1) offered in Whistler has been fine tuned to deliver the highest quality Avalanche Safety training.

We send course materials out when you register, allowing time to pre-read essential manuals in advance; our class sessions are integrated into the field-training days, ensuring the most effective use of time; and, we have developed our content to meet the specific needs of Whistler-based skiers.

Field sessions are held in the backcountry behind Whistler or Blackcomb mountains. These sessions cover practical methods of understanding, recognizing and avoiding avalanche hazards. Terrain evaluation, snowpack structure, weather observations, safe route finding and avalanche rescue techniques are all covered.

Dates for Skiers and 'Boarders (every weekend):
November 14-15 (pending conditions)
November 21-22
November 28-29
December 5-6
December 12-13
December 19-20
December 26-27
January 2-3
January 9-10
January 16-17
January 23-24
January 30-31
February 6-7
February 13-14
February 20-21
February 27-28
March 6-7
March 13-14
March 20-21
March 27-28

Location
This Avalanche Safety Training Course is based in Whistler, BC and is ideally suited to people who have accommodation in Whistler and do not need to travel between Vancouver and Whistler each day.

The first day you will meet in Whistler at our training room at 0745. Specific meeting locations will be detailed upon registration. Both field days are held in the backcountry of Garibaldi Provincial Park, adjacent to the Whistler/Blackcomb ski areas.

Please be prepared to spend the first 2 hours of your day in the classroom, immediately followed by a few hours in the Alpine backcountry.

Practical Avalanche safety training will take place in backcountry locations behind Whistler or Blackcomb mountains.

• Touring skis; split snowboard; or, snow shoes and snowboard. Alpine Trekker touring inserts for alpine skis are acceptable if you are experienced with them. (Snowshoes, Alpine Trekker inserts, and Ski Touring packages are available for rent from Canada West Mountain School).
• Boots - touring boots appropriate to your bindings. Regular alpine boots may possibly be fine as long as they are not a tight fitting boot.
• Poles
• Climbing skins for skis or split board
• Daypack, approx 30 liters capacity (minimum) 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 style
  
• 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
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
• Water bottle/hydration system/thermos - 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 widely varying conditions 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.

If you require rental gear, please ensure that you arrange this with a rental agency well in advance
of your course date!

Logistics and transportation
The Avalanche Safety Weekend course will start promptly at 07:45 in Whistler on the first posted date. At the time of registration you will be given directions to the meeting location in Whistler. Please be prepared for the class session on the morning of Day-1, but bring all your outdoor gear with you, as you will go straight into the Alpine from your classroom session.

It is critical that all participants are "ready to go" at the designated meeting spot on time to avoid undue delays - the course will start at the time stated each day. The Course instructors emergency contact number will be given to you in advance of the course in case of unforeseen delays (road closures, etc).

The course will end at approx. 6:00 pm each day in Whistler.

Be aware that proper winter tires are required for travel north of Squamish during all winter months. The RCMP routinely check vehicles and will turn you back if you do not have appropriate winter tires on your vehicle.