Skip to Main Content
  • Main slide 1

AST 1 Course

This AST 1 course is unique in that we are teaching participants the basic skills of avalanche phenomena, assessment, avoidance, and ski touring skills to access the backcountry. This course will cover both pillars of safe and efficient backcountry travel. 

Avalanche Skills Training 

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release 

  • Identify avalanche terrain 

  • Pre-trip planning 

  • Use of the Avaluator decision-making system 

  • Using public avalanche bulletins 

  • Travel in avalanche terrain (uphill and down) 

  • Companion rescue 

  • Online Learning 

 

Avalanche Statistics 

  • Snowpack Assessment 

  • Defining Avalanche Problems 

  • Avalanche Sizes 

  • Terrain Assessment 

  • Group Management 

  • Applying Daily Forecast in the Field 

  • Companion Rescue 

  • Pre-trip Planning 

  • Gear