AST 1+ in Squamish

Types: Avalanche Safety, Winter

AST 1+ in Squamish

This is a hands-on avalanche awareness training course featuring practical field experience augmented with a half day of self-directed classroom theory. Our Squamish AST 1+ course is designed to provide you a solid grounding in the essentials of avalanche safety while introducing you to the amazing backcountry ski areas around the Sea to Sky.

Next Course:
Leaving Nov 23 2024 from $359.00

AST 1+ in Squamish

Our AST 1+ in Squamish includes an extra field day that the regular AST 1 doesn't, ideal for people that really want some hands on learning in the snow.

Backcountry skiing, splitboarding and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1+ Avalanche Skills Training Course! Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Our avalanche safety instructors are  members of the Canadian Avalanche Association and Guides. Their extensive personal experience in winter guiding, avalanche operations and forecasting will add an extra dimension of interest to your training. Even better, we will spend 2 full days in the field instead of the much more common single day. This will allow you more time to learn and get confident traveling around in avalanche terrain.

Our Squamish AST 1+ course is based out of the Squamish and Whistler areas, north of Vancouver. After you have completed the online learning at home we will do a brief classroom session on the first day before heading out into the backcountry for some hands-on learning. The exact location of the field days will be based on current conditions and weather but we typically spend a day on Paul's Ridge followed but a day in the backcountry behind Whistler-Blackcomb though we have also used some of the other common backcountry ski areas around the Sea to Sky such as Shannon Creek, Metal Dome, Callaghan, etc.

Other Options:

  • If you just want a 1-day AST 1 Course: Classic AST 1
  • If you have already taken an AST 1 and want to learn more check out an AST 2 course.

Pre-Trip Homework:

Waiver & Risk Management:

As you know, outdoor activities involve numerous hazards including, but not limited to, avalanches, crevasses, rockfall, slips and falls, equipment failure, poor weather, etc. And while we do our best to anticipate and mitigate these hazards we cannot completely eliminate them. So, as with anything fun, you will be required to sign our Participant Release to take part in one of our courses or trips.

The course will take place in an uncontrolledly backcountry winter environment. However, we will be on the periphery of avalanche terrain so as to enable us to run the course no matter what the avalanche danger is for that given day.  All our guides/instructors have an advanced first aid certification and carry first aid kits as well as emergency communication. The course is designed to provide a good platform for learning and is not meant to be overly physically challenging or to put you at risk. Our focus is on instruction so we find appropriate companion rescue and avalanche study areas close that are not overly difficult to access to maximize your avalanche education.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions: booking@blacksheepadventure.ca

November 23rd to 24th, 2024

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

November 30th to December 1st, 2024

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

December 7th to 8th, 2024

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

December 14th to 15th, 2024

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

December 21st to 22nd, 2024

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

December 28th to 29th, 2024

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

January 4th to 5th, 2025

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

January 11th to 12th, 2025

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

January 18th to 19th, 2025

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

January 25th to 26th, 2025

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $359.00

Fine Print:

  • Lifetime deposits (deposits never expire)
  • Canadian course prices are in CAD
  • All courses are subject to 5% GST (tax)
  • Payments made by credit card are subject to a 2.5% credit card fee
  • Be sure to look over our Booking Policies
  • Participants will be required to sign a BlackSheep Participant Release

The following is our standard itinerary but subject to change depending on conditions.

Day 1

  • 8:00am: Meet at Bluebird Coffee Tuning and Rentals for a short Classroom Session
  • 9:30am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning
    • Typically head up Paul’s Ridge – CHAINS REQUIRED
    • Carpooling from the lower parking lot is an option
  • 4:00pm-Back at meeting location for pm debrief

Day 2

  • 8:30am meet by the Handlebar in Whistler
  • 9:00am: Head up to Glacier Lodge to review the hazard forecast
  • 9:30am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning
  • 4:00pm-Back at the Handlebar for pm debrief
AST 1+ in Squamish

Highlights

  • Learn to make that go, no-go decision on a ski line
  • Uptracking in avalanche terrain
  • Reading & understanding the avalanche hazard forecast
Types Avalanche Safety, Winter
Season December to February
Next Course Nov 23 2024
Prices From $359.00

What's Included

  • Avalanche Canada Instructor & ACMG Certified Ski Guide
  • Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Book
  • Avaluator Booklet
  • Companion Rescue Field Card
  • AST 1 Certificate upon Successful Completion

What's Not Included

  • Transportation to/from meeting points.
  • Personal ski & safety equipment (transceiver, probe & shovel, etc.).
  • Meals

Prerequisites

Ability to ski or ride blue squares

  • Avalanche Safety Equipment - 2 Day Rental $65.00

Activities and Add-Ons for this Course

Avalanche Safety Equipment - 2 Day Rental

This rental kit includes: Transceiver, Probe, Shovel & Ski Touring Backpack.