Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1)
AST1 is the starting point for those who engage in recreational activities in the backcountry. No experience is necessary to take this two-day course. All members of your group should take AST1, as it is the first step to safe travel in the mountains.
Course OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, students should be able to :
- Describe avalanche formation and release factors ;
- Identify avalanche terrain ;
- Plan and conduct a mountain outing using available resources;
- Describe and apply safe techniques in avalanche terrain;
- Perform companion rescue ;
- Understand the limits of training.
MINIMUM TIME REQUIREMENT
- A minimum of six hours in class is required;
- A minimum of one day in the field is required.
GEAR
It is recommended that you contact the course provider to determine the equipment required to optimize your learning experience. In general, you should plan to bring clothing and equipment suitable for spending time outdoors and traveling in the mountains.
Students are required to bring the following equipment:
- Outdoor clothing and boots ;
- Avalanche transceiver (3 antennas strongly recommended) ;
- Telescopic snow shovel ;
- Avalanche probe.
If you don’t have your own avalanche safety kit, many businesses offer them for rental. (French only)
ASSESSMENT
The course is assessed on a continuous basis. There is no final exam. A certificate will be issued at the end of the course to all students who have fulfilled the requirements.
Prerequisites
In order for an AST1 course to take place, it must be offered at a location that allows you to complete a mountain outing. You will need to travel into the mountains, simulate crossing an avalanche path, and identify one or more terrain traps and exposure from above. In addition, it is essential to have sufficient snow on the ground to practice search and rescue techniques in a realistic setting and to learn the outing management process in a winter context. If there is not enough snow on the ground, the course date will have to be postponed.
If you have any questions about a specific course (price, date, location, etc.), please contact the course provider directly.
