Avalanche Courses in Banff & Canmore
AST1 (Avalanche Safety Training 1)
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 is an introductory avalanche course designed to teach you the basics of winter backcountry travel. The AST 1 curriculum was developed by Avalanche Canada and is among the best introductory curriculum in the world. The course is delivered as a mixture of classroom and field based learning. At the end of the 2 day course you will receive an Avalanche Canada certificate.
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Topics covered:
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Avalanche Terrain
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Avalanche formation
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Types and sizes of avalanches
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Trip Planning
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Companion Rescue
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Understanding avalanche bulletins
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Use of the Avaluator 2.0 decision making tool
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AST2 (Avalanche Safety Training 2)
The AST 2 is designed to build on the skills learned on the AST 1. The main focus of this course is avalanche terrain and how to safely travel through it. You'll spend 1 day in the classroom and 3 days in the field learning how to mitigate avalanche hazard mainly by how you position yourself and your group in the terrain. The most important element in avalanche safety is terrain and that is what this course is all about!
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Topics covered:
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Terrain!
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Group management
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Routefinding
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Companion Rescue
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Snow stability tests
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Snowpack and weather observations
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Understanding avalanche bulletins
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Use of the Avaluator 2 decision making tool
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Recognizing changes in the avalanche hazard during the day
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