Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Option A

Learn backcountry avalanche safety essentials from an expert

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Option A

Learn backcountry avalanche safety essentials from an expert

Avalanche safety training snow crystals

Hybrid online and in-person delivery for your busy schedule

Learn how to assess and interpret avalanche conditions

Complete the course on snowshoes, backcountry skis, or a split board

Learn from experts in snow and avalanche safety

Trip Description

During the two evening online course, we’ll provide a thorough introduction to avalanche basics and a framework with which to make decisions in the field. We cover the standard curriculum (as outlined by Avalanche Canada). By the end of the zoom sessions, you will know how to identify avalanche terrain, complete an avalanche rescue and how to read the avalanche bulletin so that you can start planning your own backcountry adventures.

This course is tailored to those with little to no experience in avalanche terrain. Starting with the basics, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of avalanche terrain and a framework to help make the best decisions while in the field. The course is open to anyone with an interest in how to safely travel in the backcountry, making it perfect for those looking to ski past the boundaries at the resort this winter!

On the field day, you’ll be led by expert instruction in small groups, allowing you the best hands on learning experience. Our small group ratios allow you to get the most out of the experience. All group gear such as first aid kits and emergency equipment will be covered. Please be sure to bring along your own avalanche safety kit (beacon, probe, shovel), as well as any food for the day. A complete gear list and equipment rental information can be found here.

Itinerary

The ultimate goal of our avalanche training program is for you to make it home safely at the end of your future winter excursions. Our AST1 course lays the foundations of travelling through avalanche terrain by focusing on the following topics:
  • Introductory snow science
  • Avalanche formation and release
  • Identifying avalanche terrain
  • Basics of trip planning
  • Optimal use of tools and resources, like avalanche forecasts, to mitigate your avalanche risk
  • Use of appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain
  • Introduction to companion rescue
At the end of the course you will receive an Avalanche Canada certificate signed off by your instructor. This is a formal recognition of your training.
Evening one
Participants meet online at 6:00 pm MT via a zoom link sent out 1-2 weeks before course starts. Sessions will end around 9:00 pm MT. Curriculum topics which will be covered this day include:
  • Introductions, course goals, agenda
  • Understanding avalanches: Formation and characteristics
  • Avalanche terrain recognition
  • Introduction to the ATES (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale)
  • Changes in the mountain snowpack (i.e. snow metamorphism)
*NOTE: You do not need your avalanche gear for the zoom sessions
Evening two
Participants meet online 6:00 pm MT. Sessions will end around 9:00 pm MT. Curriculum topics which will be covered this day include:
  • Assessing and reducing risk
  • Accessing public avalanche bulletins
  • Using the AVALUATOR
  • Safe travel choices and proper route planning
  • Companion rescue techniques
  • Discuss program for Day 3 in the field
Field day
Meet at the designated trailhead in Banff National Park or Kananaskis at 9:00 am MT. Today you will be making real-life observations and gaining hands-on experience. Curriculum topics which will be covered on this day include:
  • Field observations
  • Companion rescue techniques and practice
  • Managing risk in avalanche terrain
  • Route selection, track setting and terrain related hazard
  • Snow profiles and stability tests
  • Companion rescue scenario
  • 4:30 pm - Course debrief, presentation of certificates
Our field day will see a maximum participant-to-guide ratio of 8:1 to make for the best possible learning experience!

Location

Learn about avalanche safety in the backcountry around Banff and Canmore.

After a series of online Zoom sessions, you’ll head out to wherever the conditions are best — whether that’s in Kananaskis, Banff National Park, or the iconic Bow Summit.

Guides & Staff

Guide Selection Pending

Guides for this trip are still being confirmed.

We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips

Course provided in partnership with Avalanche Canada.

Open

Details

* Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.

Course provided in partnership with Avalanche Canada.

Adventure Hazards

Terrain

Risks include but are not limited to: ​Cornices and crevasses. Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps. Cliffs, creeks,  rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Snowcat roads and road ranks. Fences and other man-made structures. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control. Becoming lost or separated from the group. Slips, trips, and falls. 

General Hazards

Risks include but are not limited to:Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligent first aid. Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities

Avalanche

Risks include but are not limited to:Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.

Communication and Rescue

Risks include but are not limited to:Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.

Boots and Binding Systems

Risks include but are not limited to: Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injuredNon-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.

Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstancesUsing such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.  

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