Yes, this course requires completion of AST 1 (or equivalent), ski touring experience, and advanced ski or riding ability.

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.

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.

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.

This course is for those who have their AST 1 Course completed, previous touring experience, advanced skiing/snowboarding ability, and a moderate fitness level (can ski tour uphill 1000 - 1500 meters). It is also recommended that participants have a minimum of 20 days of touring experience and regularly ski tours of 1000m days of uphill travel.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

· Planning and preparation for backcountry travel · Familiarity with equipment function and use · Trailhead equipment check · Avalanche awareness · Uphill travel (kick turns, heel risers, and trail-breaking techniques) · Terrain selection · Route finding · Avalanche hazard recognition · Descending techniques for skiing/riding in the backcountry · Execution of a tour plan · Backcountry group management · Efficient transition techniques · Application of avalanche forecast to the weather/terrain · Tour planning with both paper maps and app-based map software