Whistler AST 1 Course

Whistler AST 1 Course

Gain fundamental backcountry and avalanche education skills.

Whistler, Canada
Group Course
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Take your first step to accessing the backcountry, in Whistler or Squamish.

Do you want to ski in the backcountry? Do you have an intermediate or higher skiing ability? Do you like learning in a group setting?  

Powered by our partners at Altus Mountain Guides, the AST 1 - Avalanche Skills Training course is the long-established standard in introductory avalanche education. This course is designed to bring resort skiers into the backcountry with the foundational skills to understand avalanche formations and proper backcountry travel.  

This 1.5-day* course, with location options in either Whistler or Squamish, is for anyone who wants to make sure they are taking the appropriate steps to make smart decisions in the backcountry and the skills to ski fun lines. It will also give students the prerequisites to pursue more advanced professional or recreational avalanche training.  

*Half day of online learning to be completed in the week leading up to your field day. 
 

Select your date and location from the options below. Don't see a date that works for you? Let us know and we'll accommodate. Midweek & weekend options will run every week of the winter. 

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

Online


Complete online learning at your own pace in the week leading up to your field day (3-4 hours)

Field Days


8:00 am – Morning session
9:00 am – Field session
4:30 pm – Return to cars

Whistler field day: If you do not have a season pass, backcountry passes can be added ($49 CAD).

Squamish field days: Chains are required by BC parks to access the meeting location.

What’s Included

  • Course material (decision-making handbook) 
  • Access to the online course for 60 days 
  • 1 day of instruction from CAA members and ACMG guides 
  • 30% off rentals at evo Backcountry store
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Air­fare
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from field day
  • Hotel accom­mo­da­tions
  • Avalanche rescue equipment 
  • Lunch
  • Per­son­al gear
  • Backcountry lift ticket ($49 CAD) 
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance

What’s Included

  • Course material (decision-making handbook) 
  • Access to the online course for 60 days 
  • 1 day of instruction from CAA members and ACMG guides 
  • 30% off rentals at evo Backcountry store
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Air­fare
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from field day
  • Hotel accom­mo­da­tions
  • Avalanche rescue equipment 
  • Lunch
  • Per­son­al gear
  • Backcountry lift ticket ($49 CAD) 
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance

Location Details

Whistler & Squamish

Whistler and Squamish offer excellent backcountry skiing & avalanche education opportunities, with Whistler providing convenient access from Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort and Squamish boasting the iconic Mount Garibaldi and other backcountry areas. Whistler's backcountry is easily accessible via lift-accessed exits, while Squamish features classic tours like the Spearhead Traverse and destinations like Garibaldi Provincial Park. With a mix of mellow slopes for practicing safe travel techniques and challenging lines for advanced progression, these areas provide a real-world classroom to learn and apply avalanche skills training, evaluate terrain hazards, and make informed route-finding decisions—all set against the stunning Coast Mountains backdrop.

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FAQs

Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?

No previous training is required to take this course.

How physically fit do I have to be for this course?

This can be a physically demanding course, and your abil­i­ty to enjoy the adven­ture depends on your health and fit­ness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Who are the guides?

The crew at Altus Mountain Guides is composed of fully-certified ACMG and IFMGA guides. They have been leading backcountry education courses as well as international skiing, climbing, and mountaineering trips since 2012.

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

No, as each course requires a minimum number of guests in order to run, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from evoTrip that your departure has been confirmed.

Is this course right for me? What skill/experience level is required?

This course is for those who are new to backcountry skiing/split boarding or those with limited backcountry experience. Prerequisites include: 1) Good ski or boarding ability (confident on blue square runs at a minimum); 2) Basic understanding of gear (have put it all together at least once); 3) Moderate fitness - can hike 2 to 3 hours/day.

Are rentals available?

Yes, rentals can be secured from evo Backcountry in Whistler Village. /locations/whistler/backcountry/services/ski-snowboard-rentals

What does the online pre-course entail?

Unique to Altus AST courses is our custom made #altusonlinelearning platform with over 13 courses available. Each course is built and instructed by one of our guides and is used to ensure you get the most out of your time in the field. The AST 1 pre-course takes approximately 3 – 4 hours to complete and is a series of videos and presentations followed up with a final exam. The final exam requires a 60% pass to receive the AST 1 certificate. Students will have access to this course for learning to revisit for 2 months from sign up.

What gear should I bring?

Avalanche Safety Gear Avalanche Transceiver Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel. Probe: 220cm to 320cm in length Hardware Ski touring skis: bindings, skins, & poles or split board + skins Ski touring/snowboard boots Snow saw (optional) Suitable day pack 30 – 40L Clothing Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing) Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended) Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning Warm gloves Warm hats Balaclava or another type of neck warmer Baselayers Miscellaneous Sunglasses Goggles Sunscreen Sun hat Ski strap Small personal ski repair kit Personal first aid, medication Camera Lunch/Water Please arrive in the morning with food and drink for the day.

Should I tip my guides?

Yes, guide gratuity is not included in your course and is recommended if you enjoyed your experience.

Do you require or recommend insurance for this trip?

All participants must have personal internationally accepted medical insurance for all activities pertaining to your trip, including emergency rescue and evacuation. With your insurance, please ensure you will be covered for “roped travel” if booking a technical trip. Canada – Rescue insurance is not required The USA – Required Altus provides flexible trip cancellation insurance. This insurance costs 12% of the pre-tax course amount and allows the customer to cancel or reschedule 1 time at no penalty. Customers must inform Altus of change or cancelation requests 24 hours prior to course/trip start. Rescheduling must be completed within 12 months of original courses days and subject availability.

What if I need to change or cancel my course?

evo will refer to the Altus Mountain Guides' cancellation policy. Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email to [email protected] and will only be recognized once received by Altus Mountain Guides. Cancellation requests sent directly to guides instead of the office will not be recognized as guides are often in the field and unable to relay messages. Cancellations Greater than 30 days from the start date The deposit will be refunded in full Less than 30 days The full trip amount will be forfeited When a trip is booked, Altus Mountain Guides immediately begins incurring expenses, including deposits for guides, huts, and transportation. Third-party expenses will be subject to their own cancellation policies. Under the extenuating circumstance, if Altus Mountain Guides is forced to cancel a trip for reasons beyond its control, credit or refund will be issued – to be determined by AMG on a case-by-case basis. In any case, Altus’s non-refundable expenses on behalf of a client will not be refunded due to cancellation. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance for your trip or course, which also permits 1 change or cancellation at no penalty. Please see above travel insurance FAQ for more details.

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