Avalanche Skills Training and other Winter Courses

Booking InformationEquipment List

Level 1- AST 1

Location: Canmore

Course Dates:

  • November 30: Theory day via Zoom, December 2: Field day
  • December 8: Theory day via Zoom,  December 10: Field day


This course will provide an entry level decision making framework that is:
1. Based on the most advanced knowledge available
2. Suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience
3. Will demonstrate and educate on the use of the Avaluator to provide a consistent and structured approach to trip planning, slope evaluation and decision making in avalanche terrain
4. Will demonstrate the use and educate on companion rescue 
5. Students will leave with a certificate of completion 

Prerequisites
The AST 1 is appropriate for anyone who is interested in or required to make decisions involving exposure to avalanches.  It is aimed at entry level decision makers who have no prior training and little to no experience.

Course Agenda
Day 1 - Theory day is Covid-adapted with a virtual classroom online curriculum full day commitment 
Day 2 - Field Day starts at 9:00 am 
Day 3 - Optional field travel day (extra cost please inquire for more details)

Price: $285 + tax per person
Minimum 3 students, maximum 8

Contact: olivia@wildtrips.ca 

Intro to Crevasse Rescue

Location: Canmore

Course Dates:
On Request

This course is suitable for beginners and those who wish to refresh their seldom used crevasse rescue skills. The goal of the course is to get participants comfortable with basic rope rescue skills and setting up for travels on glaciers with a small group. Setting up anchors for a winter ski environment and a basic rope rescue system will be reviewed and applied in a field setting.

Prerequisites
Ideally you have some basic rope handling skills such as how to tie knots and handle a rope, but this will be reviewed in the class.

Course Agenda
Full day- Theory and Field Practice throughout the day

Price: $166 + tax per person
Minimum 3 students, Maximum 8

Level 2- AST 2

Location: Canmore

Course Dates:  January 9 & 11 Evening Zoom and January 13-15 Field Days

An AST 2 course is suitable for people with a moderate degree of training and experience and who have taken an AST 1 course. An AST 2 course builds on the foundations of your AST 1, and provides an intermediate decision-making framework for travelling in avalanche terrain.  

Prerequisites
Completion of an AST 1 course
A moderate degree of training and experience

Course Agenda
Day 1 - Divided into 2 evening zoom virtual classroom theory sessions (Dec 9 & 11) Day 2, 3, 4 - Field days

Price: $655 + tax per person
Minimum 3 students, Maximum 8

Contact: olivia@wildtrips.ca for dates and availability

Rocky Mountain Ski Tour Classic

Location: Based from Canmore

Course Dates:
On Demand

Prerequisites
No experience necessary, you just need a solid base in skiing blue to black runs at the hill and uphill fitness.

Please contact olivia@wildtrips.ca for more details and prices.

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing

Location: Based from Canmore or Golden

On Request

This one day course is designed to introduce you to what it is to ski in the backcountry. An AST 1 is an asset to the course and can be taken through Wildtrips or many other companies. Through our ski day you will get to visit a backcountry area in one of the parks chosen for the day. This includes but is not limited to the 93N Icefields Parkway classics, 93S Kootenay National Park, Kananaskis classics or areas near Golden in the Purcells or Selkirks.

On this course you can expect instruction on optimal gear use and efficiency, tips and tricks for powder skiing, backcountry travel tips. All this while being guided by me an ACMG Ski Guide to help keep you safe and have fun.

Prerequisites
No experience necessary, you just need a solid base in skiing blue to black runs at the hill and uphill fitness.

Please contact olivia@wildtrips.ca for more details and prices.

Booking Information