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Our Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST-1) in Whistler has been fine tuned to deliver high quality Avalanche Safety training over two days. Classroom theory sessions are held directly on Blackcomb Mountain on the morning and afternoon of each field day, providing a smooth transition between the Avalanche theory and practical field training.
During the field components, you will head into the backcountry behind Whistler or Blackcomb mountains for thorough sessions covering practical methods of understanding, recognizing and avoiding avalanche hazards, including terrain evaluation, snowpack structure, weather, safe route finding and avalanche rescue techniques.
Our AST-1 course includes all avalanche safety equipment!
| Dates | Cost | Prerequisites | Location |
| Guides | Itinerary | Equipment | Logistics |
| Related programs | Registration info | ||
Dates for Skiers and 'Boarders (2007/2008 season):
November 17-18 (pending conditions)
November 24-25
December 1-2
December 15-16
December 22-23
January 5-6
January 19-20
February 2-3
February 9-10
February 23-24
March 15-16
Course Cost:
Skiers & snowboarders: $175. (plus lift access fee if applicable*)
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Backcountry lift access fee *:
Backcountry lift access for 2 field-days on Whistler/Blackcomb is required for all students. This cost is an additional $78. + gst for 2 days ($39/day; not applicable for students with existing lift passes)
Included:
- 18 hours of direct instruction by CAA Members
- Avalanche Safety Course manual
- CAA-developed course materials (Updated for 2007/08)
- Industry recognized Certificate of Completion
- Use of Barryvox "Pulse" or SOS avalanche beacon **
- Use of Snow Science kit (thermometer, screen, loupe, etc)
- Use of G3 probe **
- Use of G3 Avi-tech shovel **
- Use of G3 "Bonesaw" snowsaw
* The backcountry lift-access fee for Whistler/Blackcomb 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.
** $10. discount if you supply your own beacon, probe & shovel
Prerequisites
Intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability. Touring equipment or snowshoes required (touring inserts and skins for downhill skis are fine - rentals are available).
Location
This Avalanche Safety Training Course is based in Whistler, BC. The first day you will meet at the base of Blackcomb Mountain 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.
Morning and afternoon classroom sessions are located on Blackcomb mountain as well, providing ease of transfer from the classroom to the field sessions.
Practical Avalanche safety training will take place in backcountry locations behind Whistler or Blackcomb mountains.
Instructors
All instructors on our Avalanche safety programs are trained Avalanche technicians who are Active Members of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), as well as certified through the CAA. Additionally, Canada West Mountain School holds regular training sessions for our instructors to ensure that they are up-to-date with the most current research and information available. All staff have Advanced 1st Aid training, and many of our Instructors are professional Guides certified by the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides).
Itinerary/Objectives
Our Whistler Avalanche Training program begins with a classroom theory session on day one for the first 2 hours. This 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 session also will prepare you for the field sessions so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.
Both field days are spent in Garibaldi Park in the backcountry adjacent to Blackcomb and/or Whistler ski areas 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
Each field day will end with a classroom theory session to help consolidate the material that has been covered in the field. The final wrap up is an important aspect of Canada West Mountain School Avalanche Skills Training courses, 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!
Equipment list: Avalanche Safety Weekend - Whistler
To download a printer friendly .PDF file of the equipment list, click here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.
The following personal equipment is required:
- Touring skis; split snowboard; or, snow shoes and snowboard. Alpine Trekker touring inserts for alpine skis are acceptable if you are experienced with them. (Alpine Trekker inserts and climbing skins 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
- 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 and spare bulb
- 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 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.
Logistics and transportation
The Avalanche Safety Weekend course in Whistler will start promptly at 07:45 on the first posted date at the "Base 2" Lodge at the base of the Blackcomb Ski area. 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.
Related Programs
Check out these other programs that complement the skills learned in our Avalanche Safety courses. As well, feel free to contact our office to discuss other course options.
Avalanche Clinic
Avalanche Safety Weekend (Vancouver)
Advanced Avalanche
Custom Avalanche training
Private Ski guiding
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