Course Fee:    $184                     (Special BCMC Members price)

 The AST-1 avalanche safety course is is becomming a "must have"  for anyone planning to get out in the backcountry in the wintertime. For example. it is a  a prerequisite for participants in advanced ski programs and AST-2 course, as well as some of the regular BCMC ski trips (subject to the trip organizer). The BCMC AST-1 is a special offering to BCMC Members by Canada West Mountaineering School, the leading mountaineering school on the West Coast. Look-up more information on the standard CWMS course curriculum here:   http://www.themountainschool.com/info/avalanche-skills-1.html

The first day will be held at Mt. Seymour (classroom and field practice). The second day of primarily field practice will be in the Mount Seymour backcountry or possibly another area depending on conditions. While the theory sessions may be in larger groups, the field practice groups will be max 8 participants.

Requirements for the course:

• • Being an intermediate skier (or splitboarder) and have a good fitness level. Please let organizer know whether you will be skiing or splitboarding.
  • Beacon, probe and shovel: You will need to bring your own gear. If you need to rent, you can get the gear from Canada West for a fee, or MEC will let you rent gear for free for the weekend you take an avalanche course -- note that either way it is recommended to book early since some weekends the equipment may get all rented out.

On-line Registration process: once you register online, your name is automatically placed on the "Request List" for the organizer to process. Once the Organizer approves your registration, your name is placed on the "Waiting List" until your payment has been received either by cheque or PayPal/Credit Card (see below).  After payment has been received, your name will be placed on the "Confirmed List" and a confirmation email will be sent.  Note that course registration priority is on a first-come-first-served basis and your participation is NOT guaranteed until you have paid and your name is on the "Confirmed List"... so it's important that you pay the course fee ASAP after being notified that you are on the "Waiting List". 

Payment: PayPal/Credit Card payment is preferred and can be made through the BCMC website (click on the "Pay Now" button on the course description page -- You must be logged in on the website and your name must be on the "Waiting List" for the button to be visible on the course page). Alternatively, cheques should be made payable to British Columbia Mountaineering Club and mailed to PO Box 2674, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W8; Important Note: you MUST make arrangements with the organizer to keep a seat open for you while your cheque is in transit or your seat may be taken by someone else. 

IMPORTANT: cancellation fees may apply in case of a cancellation by a participant. Here is a link to the BCMC Course Refund Policy.