Avalanche Skills Training, Level 1 (AST1)

If you are someone who enjoys exploring the backcountry in the winter, a winter hiking guide, or need a refresher on avalanche safety, consider joining us for this session. This course is a must for guides who operate in the winter months and for people who love to play outdoors from November through May.

On this course, you will learn the main reasons behind why snow avalanches and the influence of weather to avalanche hazard. We will also learn to recognize the difference between avalanche terrain and safe terrain, practice safe travel techniques, and understand group management. We will have an opportunity to understand the snowpack and understand avalanche forecasts fully as well as practice the necessary avalanche rescue skills.

The IGA AST1 course will be personalized so its focus is for professionals who work as interpretive hiking guides. As a result, you will spend your time in this course with like-minded individuals.

• Date: November 25-26, 2023
• Time: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mountain Time)
• Location: Zoom (classroom day) / Trail TBD (outdoor day)
• Instructor: Jane Whitney
• CPD Hours: 16 hours
• Price: $270 (members) / $300 (non-members)
• price includes cost of avalanche skills training handbook, Avaluator booklet, and renting avalanche safety gear (probe, shovel, beacon)

(space is limited so don’t delay in registering)

Jane Whitney

Jane is an ACMG Hiking guide, an IGA Group Management instructor, and a Level 2 certified member of the Canadian Avalanche Association and has been teaching AST for years. She has extensive experience working as a guide across Western Canada and the Arctic. She brings with her an incredible depth of knowledge in different environments and terrain, often instructing students with a smile.

Cancellation/Refund policy:

Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.