Courses

Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1)

Build the knowledge and confidence to travel safely in avalanche terrain. Learn avalanche awareness, terrain assessment, trip planning, and companion rescue.

Courses

Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1)

Build the knowledge and confidence to travel safely in avalanche terrain. Learn avalanche awareness, terrain assessment, trip planning, and companion rescue.

The
Overview

AST 1 is the essential first step for anyone exploring backcountry terrain in winter.

Following the nationally recognized curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada, AST 1 introduces the fundamentals of avalanche safety, terrain assessment, trip planning, and companion rescue.

Both days include practical field instruction. Day 1 begins with about 2.5 to 3 hours of trip preparation and planning in Revelstoke before heading into the mountains to apply what you’ve learned in real terrain.

Program Details

Season

November through April

Duration

2 Days

Cost

$399 + 5% GST

Perfect For

Skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and winter recreationists entering avalanche terrain for the first time.

Course start dates:
Nov 21, 28
Dec 5, 12, 19, 26
Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
Mar 6, 13, 20, 27

Skill Level

Suitable for beginners

Course Format

Field-based learning

Max. Group Size

8 participants

Private or
Scheduled

Most courses are available in two formats:

Diamond Cut Private Guiding

Fully customized itineraries built around your dates, goals, and preferred pace.

Gold Star Scheduled Departures

Fixed-date, small-group experiences designed for guests who enjoy sharing the journey with like-minded adventurers.

What You'll Learn

Trip planning fundamentals

Snowpack assessment

Companion rescue basics

Decision-making frameworks

Course Outline

Day 1

01
Waiver signing, trip planning, equipment overview, and safety briefing
02
Travel to the field in Rogers Pass or surrounding terrain around Revelstoke
03
Avalanche fundamentals and terrain recognition
04
Companion rescue principles and rescue equipment

Day 2

01
Field day in Rogers Pass or surrounding terrain
02
Terrain assessment and route selection exercises
03
Snowpack assessment and stability tests
04
Course review, discussion, and debrief

Course Outline

Day 1

01
Waiver signing, trip planning, equipment overview, and safety briefing
02
Travel to the field in Rogers Pass or surrounding terrain around Revelstoke
03
Avalanche fundamentals and terrain recognition
04
Companion rescue principles and rescue equipment

Day 2

01
Field day in Rogers Pass or surrounding terrain
02
Terrain assessment and route selection exercises
03
Snowpack assessment and stability tests
04
Course review, discussion, and debrief

Real guests. Real stories.

I did my AST1 with Bob and have done a guided tour with Bob as well. Both were great experiences I would highly recommend. Thanks, Bob! I’ll be back.
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Brook N.
Bob was an awesome guide. I loved how the majority of our course was outdoor practical work, the real way to learn!
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Cleodie C.
BC
This course was amazing! Bob was an incredibly knowledgeable and personal instructor. He can definitely be trusted with the safety of all levels of guests.
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Olle M
BC
If you’re learning about avalanches, the best place to do it is outside with bob. I got so much form this course. Bob is a wealth of knowledge about life and safety in the mountains.
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Yuri M.
BC
Bob is very knowledgeable and gets his point across clearly and quite patient with people of all skill/knowledge levels.
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Ashlee D.
BC
The “Avalanche Skills Training Course” was more than perfect to fit our needs. In a matter of a weekend, the gifted instructors at Revelstoke Ski Touring supplied us with the confidence we needed for assessing backcountry conditions. These skills will be held for life, and best of all they were bequeathed in a fun, professional, and clever manner.
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David L. & the Gang

Ideal For

First-time backcountry travellers

Ski tourers, splitboarders, & snowshoers

Outdoor professionals

Anyone entering avalanche terrain

Build Skills That Last a Lifetime

Confidence in the backcountry begins with knowledge, preparation, and good decision-making.

Whether you’re taking your first steps beyond the ski area boundary or building the foundation for future adventures, AST 1 gives you practical skills you’ll rely on every winter.