AST 1 PRO

This course is taught only by ACMG-certified guides, with a maximum of 6 students per guide. The smaller group and higher entry standard mean we move faster and cover more terrain than a standard AST 1. You'll learn the theory online before the course, so both field days are spent applying it in real terrain. After the course you can keep learning with a weekly trip-planning session with a guide.

How is this different from AST 1+ or AST 1?

The standard AST 1 is a half-day online course plus one field day, and it focuses only on avalanche education. AST 1+ adds a second field day on touring technique, at an 8:1 ratio. AST 1 PRO also has two field days, but it is aimed at stronger skiers and riders. The group is smaller (6:1, ACMG guides only), the pace is faster, more terrain is covered, and it includes weekly online sessions with a guide after the course. All three include the full AST 1 certification.

** Half a day of online learning, to be completed in the week before your 2 field days.

Prerequisites

Ability to hike uphill for 5 hours, advanced ski or ride ability (black diamond runs), and a basic understanding of your touring gear.

Highlight Skills

Avalanche terrain assessment, efficient up-tracking, navigation, companion rescue, trip planning.

Length

2 Field Days + Online Pre-Course + Weekly Online Sessions

Price

Starting at $549 

Location

Whistler, BC

Includes

• 2 field days with an ACMG ski or mountain guide


• AST 1 online pre-course (2 months of access)


• Weekly online trip-planning sessions with a guide


• AST 1 certification


• Avaluator handbook and Decision Making handbook

Does Not Include

• Backcountry ski or splitboard rentals


• Avalanche rescue gear


• Whistler Blackcomb backcountry lift ticket


• Lunch

What is covered?

On this course you'll build both the avalanche skills and the touring skills you need to travel through the backcountry safely and efficiently.

• Avalanche Skills Training
  
  
  
  • Avalanche formation and release
  
  
  • Identifying avalanche terrain
  
  
  • Pre-trip planning with avalanche bulletins and the Avaluator
  
  
  • Travelling uphill and downhill in avalanche terrain
  
  
  • Companion rescue
  
  
  
  


• Ski Touring Training
  
  
  
  • Using your equipment efficiently
  
  
  • Map, compass and navigation
  
  
  • Choosing a safe, efficient ascent route
  
  
  • Recognising areas of concern in the terrain and snowpack
  
  
  • Efficient uptracking and transitions
  
  
  • Managing a group on the way up and down
  
  
  
  

You'll finish with the full AST 1 certification and the confidence to plan and carry out your own backcountry days.

• Ability to hike uphill for 5 hours


• Advanced ski ability (black diamond runs)


• Basic understanding of gear

What is included?

Online Pre-Course

Unique to Altus AST courses is our own online learning platform, with more than 13 courses. Each course is built and taught by one of our guides, so you get the most out of your time in the field.

The AST 1 pre-course takes about 3–4 hours. It's a series of videos and presentations followed by a final exam. You need 60% on the exam to receive the AST 1 certificate.

You'll have access to the course for 2 months from sign-up, so you can come back to it any time.

Itinerary

Online Session 1: Pre-Course

Finish the online curriculum before your field days (about 3–4 hours). Location: anywhere.

Day 1

8:00 am: Morning session in Whistler Village

9:00 am: Field session in the Whistler backcountry

Day 2

8:00 am: Morning session in Whistler Village

9:00 am: Field session in the Whistler backcountry

Online Session 2: Weekly Trip Planning

Every Wednesday at 9:00 am PT, join a live online trip-planning session with an Altus guide. Bring back the trips you've been doing and go over your decision-making, avalanche forecast reading and pre-trip planning together. [Confirm how long access lasts.]