AST 1

Utilizing Avalanche Canada Materials

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

Classroom sessions are available in person or online.

Avalanche Skills Training – AST 1 – 2024-25

Learn skills that will help you play safer this winter!

Colwest Alpine Adventures specializes 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 convenient dates that fit YOUR schedule.

Other custom courses are available: Intro to Backcountry Travel (learn the basics of backcountry travel, get the right equipment, choose appropriate destinations, and learn 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, and avoiding avalanche hazards. We concentrate on terrain recognition, basic snowpack structure, weather, group management, safe route finding, and avalanche rescue techniques.

Prerequisites
  • Basic skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing ability.
  • Touring equipment or snowshoes are required.
  • No previous avalanche experience is required for the AST 1 course.
  • Note: We will provide all the necessary snow safety equipment; you do not need to rent.
$315 AST 1 Course Fee Includes:
Use of Companion Rescue Gear: Transceiver, Probe & Shovel
  • 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
AST 1 Courses Dates – BC Interior – Please note all dates are 2024 – 2025.
*Have a private group, or do you need CUSTOMIZED course dates? Contact us by utilizing the registration form at the bottom of the page*

*if you are on a mobile device, swipe right to see the complete schedule

#In-Person Classroom
(7:00-9:00 pm)
(Virtual or online available)		Field Days
(full day)		StatusLocation
1Nov 27 & 28Nov 30 & Dec 1completedKamloops Region
2Dec 4 & 5Dec 7 & 8completedKamloops Region
3Dec 11 & 12Dec 14 & 15completedKamloops Region (snowshoe)
4Jan 9 & 10Jan 11 & 12completedKamloops Region
5Jan 13Jan 14 & 15completedKamloops Region
6Jan 15 & 16Jan 18 & 19waitlistKamloops Region
7Jan 20Jan 21 & 22waitlistKamloops Region
8Feb 5 & 6Feb 8 & 95 spotsKamloops Region
9Mar 5 & 6Mar 8 & 9openKamloops Region
10Mar 19 & 20Mar 22 & 23openKamloops Region

AST Registration

Registration for Colwest avalanche related courses.

AST Registration

Registration for Colwest avalanche related courses.

    Please select the course you would like to sign up for
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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)

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