The AST-2 Course is delivered over two weekends, March 11/12 and March 18/19. The BCMC AST-2 "No Frills" is a special offering exclusive to BCMC Members by Canada West Mountaineering School, the leading mountaineering school on the West Coast. In order to keep costs down the trips will be in the backcountry without the use of ski lifts and with low-cost accommodation. For more information on CWMS standard AST-2 course curriculum that forms the basis of this course, click here: http://www.themountainschool.com/info/avalanche-advanced.html.

AST-2 is recommended for skiers and boarders wanting to progress to an increased competency in evaluation of terrain, snow pack, weather and the decision making progress during group travel in a winter environment.

The AST-2 course is conducted using a variety of different terrain locations - The first weekend will likely be in the Vancouver and Coquihalla area and the second weekend in the Duffy Lake Road area. Students will have exposure to a variety of snow packs, terrain and weather patterns, to enhance the learning opportunities involved in winter decision-making.

The AST-2 No-Frills course includes: 

• 40 hours of instruction by a CAA Level 2 Professional member
• CAA approved curriculum for AST-2 course
• Avalanche manual
• Practice using of beacon, shovel and probe (bring your own gear)
• CAA Industry-recognized Certificate of completion

Requirements:

• AST-1 or equivalent
• Prior experience skiing with an overnight (hut) pack

Cost:

• Course cost $495 (Special BCMC Members price, includes GST). Non-Member rate: $615 + GST)
• Cost does not include transportation to/from course areas; lift access or hut fees (if applicable); food; or personal equipment except as noted.

Schedule (subject to change):

• Day 1: Vancouver and local mountains
• Day 2: Coquihalla
• Day 3-4: Duffey Lake / Marriott Basin

On-line Registration process:

(1)  Click “Join this trip” on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Waiting List

(2)  Complete your payment directly with CWMS here. You will receive a confirmation email from CWMS once your payment is completed.

(3)  Forward your confirmation email to bcmc.courses@gmail.com. You will then be added to the Confirmed List

(4)  Keep an eye on your email for further information 

Trip Organizer & Volunteer Instructor Incentive Program:

If you’ve volunteered your time as either:
(a) a Trip Organizer with 4 or more outdoor trips in the past 12 months, you may apply for a 25% rebate off the course fee, or
(b) Course Instructor (primary volunteer organizer) in the past 12 months, you may apply for a 50% refund off the course fee.
Please email bcmc.courses@gmail.com with your request, along with a list of recent trips and/or course(s) you have been the primary organizer for. 

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact bcmc.courses@gmail.com