This course is taught by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures by a professional ACMG certified guide. MSAA is offering a special price for BCMC members of $254.15 + GST (regular price for non-members: $299 + GST). 

Develop your "Backcountry Skills" with the Sea to Sky's leading mountain school. Obtain the complete required skill set & implementation through expert certified guides and our carefully crafted curriculum. Est. 1991 - Trip Advisor; Hall of Fame status,  beloved and trusted by BCMC members!

Course Details:

Course design and refinement by IMFGA/ACMG Mountain Guides/CAA Operations Level II Professionals of extensive experience. MSAA, the area's longest established provider (since 1991), proudly maintains 5 Star –Trip Advisor, Hall of Fame status for avalanche courses, is a Founding Member and Sponsor of Avalanche Canada. This in-depth course meets and surpasses the Canadian Avalanche Centre requirements with additional MSAA curriculum.

The course begins with an online digital pre-course video and questionnaire. The theory portion of the course is a full day and held in a comfortable classroom. Here we will provide our carefully crafted curriculum with an engaging interactive multimedia presentation.

This introductory avalanche skills course is specifically designed for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, hikers and ice climbers. If you venture into terrain where avalanche risk may be present, this course is for you.

Our two-day AST 1 course provides avalanche skills training which includes avalanche phenomenon, trip planning, the principles of safe travel in the backcountry avalanche rescue and much more. This in-depth course meets and surpasses the Canadian Avalanche Centre requirements with additional MSAA curriculum.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet the guide at 8:45am at the Quest University.

Everyone will sign waivers and the guide will review the AST Pre-Test before starting on the course theory. The day will include a short morning and afternoon break as well as a lunch break.

The day will end with a debrief along with homework, some handouts and a resources list.

Day 2: Meet at 7:15am at the Garibaldi Highlands Elementary.

The guide will lead a short briefing (discussing current conditions and weather) and have everyone perform a gear check.

From there you will take a shuttle up to the Diamond Head/Elfin Lake area to apply the skills you learned on Day 1.

A shuttle service from Escape Route to Elfin Lakes is provided by Shred Shuttle for an additional $40.00 return per person.

We recommend everyone without the appropriate vehicle and snowchains to book the shuttle service. This can be applied at the checkout. 

The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a quick debrief and discussion of what steps you can take after your AST1.

Gear List:

Day 1: (Classroom Day)

• Pen (due to COVID-19, we will not be providing pens)
• Paper/notebook
• Lunch, snacks & water
• Laptop (optional)

Day 2: (Field Day): Dress appropriately for the conditions.

Clothing:

• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Mid layer fleece top
• Insulating top and bottom under layers and socks
• Warm hat/toque and balaclava
• 2 pairs of gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Equipment:

• Snowshoes & Poles
• Backpack-25-35 Litres
• Avalanche Safety Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Poles
• First Aid Kit with blister kit
• write in the Rain notebook and pencil (optional)
• Map, compass, GPS (optional)
• Lunch, snacks, and water

Curriculum:

Day 1 (Classroom):

• Snowpack: Crystals & Layers
• Terrain
• Environmental Factors in Avalanche Formation Terrain
• Avalanche Hazard Mitigation
• Avalanche Danger Resources
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Companion Rescue Technique Familiarization
• Pre-Trip Planning & Avalanche Bulletin/Avaluator
• Decision Making Competence

Day 2 (Outdoor):

• Trailhead Procedures
• Companion Rescue
• Avalanche Terrain Travel
• Snowpack and/or Avalanche Observations
• Snowpack Tests
• Avalanche Terrain Descent

Click HERE for the full curriculum

Payment:

Deposit Rule: Pay only 50% of the booking cost now to reserve your spot then pay the remainder 30 days before the course/trip start date. Select the option at checkout to redeem. 

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) Once on the Waiting List you will have access to the Course Online Payment on the left side of the page where you will find the promo code. Complete your payment directly with MSAA HERE using the promo code. Be sure to select the right date in the drop down menu. You will receive a confirmation email from MSAA once your payment is completed.

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

(4) Keep an eye on your email for further logistic details.

Please use the BCMC covid guidline for transporation. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact MSAA at +1 (604) 938-9242 or Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca.