Avalanche Skills Training

Endorsed by Avalanche Canada

Hey folks, the winter season will be upon us before we know it. Need a safer ride? Want to #KnowBeforeYouGo? Take one of our AST 1 courses.

Please note, all courses will be delivered with Covid-19 protocols in mind. Please review our Covid-19 “Best Practices” procedures here.

Classroom sessions will be provided virtually, in the comfort and safety of your home or office.

Avalanche Skills Training – AST 1

Learn skills that will help you play safer this winter!

Colwest Alpine Adventures specialize in Avalanche Safety Training Courses for climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers. We offer flexible scheduling for private groups. Let us know if you have a group of 6 or more and we will set up dates that are convenient for you.

Other custom courses available: Intro to Backcountry Travel (learn the basics of backcountry travel, getting the right equipment, choosing appropriate destinations, how to have more fun and feel safe!)

Avalanche Canada’s “Avalanche Skills Training” (AST 1) course is a comprehensive program consisting of 6 hours of class time spread over 2 virtual classroom sessions & 2 field days (8 hours each) for a total of 20 hours of direct instruction.

The course focuses on understanding, recognizing & avoiding avalanche hazards. We focus on terrain recognition, basic snow pack structure, weather, group management, safe route finding & avalanche rescue techniques.

Prerequisites
  • Basic skiing, snow boarding or snowshoeing ability.
  • Touring equipment or snow shoes required.
  • No previous avalanche experience is required for the AST 1 course.
  • Note: We will provide all the necessary snow safety equipment, no need for you to rent.
$275 AST 1 Course Fee Includes:
  • 20 hrs of Direct Instruction
  • 6:1 student—instructor ratio (maximum)
  • All Manuals as required by Avalanche Canada, including the Avaluator
  • Industry Recognized certificate of completion
  • Use of the following safety equipment (shovel, probe, transceiver)

AST 1 Courses Dates – BC Interior – Please note, all dates are 2021 – 2022.

Virtual Classroom (7:00-9:00pm)Field Days (full day)  StatusLocation
Course 1 Nov 30 & Dec 2 Dec 4 & 5completedKamloops Region   
Course 2 Dec 8 & 9 Dec 11 & 12 completed Kamloops Region
Course 3 Dec 15 & 16 Dec 18 & 19 completedKamloops Region
Course 4 Dec 22 & 23 Dec 27 & 28 completedSun Peaks
Course 5 Dec 29 & 30 Jan 3 & 4 completedKamloops Region
Course 6 Jan 5 & 6 Jan 29 & 30 completedHope Region
Course 7 Jan 12 & 13 Jan 15 & 16 completedKamloops Region
Course 8 Jan 19 & 20 Jan 22 & 23 completedHope Region
Course 9 Feb 9 & 10 Feb 12 & 13 waitlist Kamloops Region
Course 10 Feb 16 & 17 Feb 19 & 20 10 spotsKamloops Region
Course 11 Mar 23 & 24 Mar 26 & 27 open Kamloops Region
Have your own group, need CUSTOMIZED course dates? Feel free to contact us

Interested? Contact Brad Harrison at colwest@shaw.ca.

  • Brad, thanks for the links and putting on the course. My son and I really enjoyed it and took away a lot.    
    Derek
  • Thanks again for the course. Your instruction and delivery of the course exceeded my expectations in every way.
    Martin (2021)
  • Thanks for the awesome course, it was fantastic and well-run. The value for money was honestly amazing”
    Mary (2020)
  • Hi Brad,

    Thanks again for the great course; you are a very inspirational instructor! 
    Chris
  • Kent Thiessen, of Orange Boardshop fame, catching a few tips on snowpack analysis
  • The course was excellent and I can see why you came so highly recommended. See you next year for an AST 2.”
    Mark (2020)
  • Thanks Brad, great course, really enjoyed Sat & Sun. Fantastic learning.”
    Neill (2020)
  • “Thanks again Brad. Great course, we appreciated your passion for the hills”
    Murray (2020)

AST Registration

Registration for Colwest avalanche related courses.

AST Registration

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I wanted to thank you again for a great course! The information is very serious but it was delivered in a fantastic way that allowed us to have fun but still take in the proper knowledge! Very professional! Stay DEEP! Thx!

Oronge Boardshop
Kent Thiessen

Thanks so much for everything Brad, you truly set an amazing tone that let everyone feel comfortable and at ease. I learned so much!!

Melissa

Hi Brad

Cannot thank you enough for the excellent course. I refreshed lots from past learnings and experiences and more importantly learned a tremendous amount. You, Terry, and Linus were all great instructors, fun to both learn from and travel with, and extremely knowledgeable. Great to learn and laugh along he way. Feeling much better about my re-entry into the back country skiing world. Have a great winter.

Dave

You have really put on an amazing course and I am really happy with the knowledge that I’ve learned. I really believe you are the best or one of the very best in our province at what you do. Your course was enjoyable and also really challenged me – I had a friend that took a similar course stateside and I must’ve learned about three times as much in yours.

Peter

Hi Brad,

Thank you for delivering such an amazing AST course! I have learned so much and feel very elevated and empowered by the whole experience. Both you and Terry are incredible instructors! It was an honor and true pleasure meeting you and learning from you both.

Jana

Thanks Brad. You guys run a professional course that highlight the practical aspects of being out in avalanche terrain. I would recommend your course to anyone looking to get into the back-country experience. Hopefully I will be able to take another of your courses in the future.

Jason

Thank you Brad. A really good course, time well spent and I will continue to send staff, as well as recommend to others.

Norm

Hey Brad thanks for coming out! I heard nothing but great feedback on your knowledge and enthusiasm.

Angelina

And thank you Brad and Terry both for a great course. LOTS of information to absorb, but it was a content-rich course, well presented, and in a great learning environment.

I hope to see you both again sometime in the not too distant future.

Jim Flom