Avalanche Course Whistler (AST-1) 2012/2013

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 theory sessions are integrated into the field-training, ensuring the most effective use of time; and, we have developed our content to meet the specific needs of Whistler-based skiers.

A full day practical field session is held in the backcountry behind Whistler or Blackcomb mountains. This session covers 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 & 'Boarders
(every weekend plus mid-week dates): This course is offered at both Whistler and Mount Seymour. For courses on Mount Seymour, please go to AST 1.

Whistler dates
November 24-25, 2012

December 1-2, 2012
December 8-9, 2012
December 15-16, 2012
December 29-30, 2012 - New Dates!

January 5-6, 2013
January 12-13, 2013
January 19-20, 2013
January 26-27, 2013

Mid week dates (Whistler)
December 3-4, 2012
December 11-12, 2012
December 17-18, 2012
January 9-10, 2013
January 21-22, 2013
February 4-5, 2013
March 4-5, 2013

Location
This Avalanche Safety Training (AST-1) 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.

Itinerary/Objectives
Our Whistler Avalanche Training program begins with a classroom theory session on day one. The first day is split between indoor theory sessions and outdoor field sessions. Class theory sessions provide an overview of the course and cover the following topics:
avalanche hazard recognition
avalanche terminology
avalanche mechanics
mountain weather
snowpack structure
basic terrain evaluation
equipment requirements

The first day field session covers:
avalanche transceiver use
rescue simulations
weather observations

The first day will fully prepare you for the full-day field session in the alpine so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.

Day-2 is spent in the alpine backcountry regions adjacent to the 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 day will end with a 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" 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!

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.

Minimum required gear for a comfortable day trip in the winter:

• Footwear suitable for walking and standing in deep snow required for first day on AST-1 courses (Whistler, Seymour and on Snowshoe courses)
• 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 and Ski Touring packages are available for rent from Canada West Mountain School).
• Boots - good footwear use in snow and wet conditions on Day-1
• Ski touring boots - appropriate to your bindings. Regular alpine boots may possibly be fine as long as they are not a tight fitting boot and they work with your binding.
• Poles with powder baskets
• 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 jacket - down or synthetic puffy style, 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

On Day-1 you do not require skis, snowboards or snowshoes, but will require footwear and clothing that is appropriate for walking and standing in snow and wet conditions.

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!

Here are a few stores in the region that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment. If you need to purchase or rent equipment, please contact the store well in advance of the course to ensure that what you require is available!

Valhalla Pure Squamish www.squamishgear.com
Station Square, Squamish 604-892-9092 (rentals available)

Mountain Equipment Co-op www.mec.ca
130 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-872-7858 (rentals available)
1341 Main St, N. Vancouver 604-990-4417 (rentals available)

Climb On Equipment
38165 2nd Avenue   Squamish, BC 604-892-2243

Excess Backcountry - Whistler
Suite 106-4154 Village Green, Whistler, 604-932-6409

Escape Route
40222 Glenalder Pl, Squamish, 604-892-3228
113-4350 Lorimer Rd, Whistler

Logistics and transportation
The Avalanche Safety Weekend course will start promptly at 0815 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.

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. 5:00 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. Courses missed for this reason are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.