Description

Squamish AST 1+ Course

 

This year we have teamed up with BlackSheep
Adventure Sports to offer discounted AST1+
training to members.

The AST 1+ is an intro to backcountry course combined with an AST and so includes an extra field day that the regular AST 1 doesn’t. Ideal for people really want some hands on learning in the snow.

Backcountry skiing, splitboarding and snowshoeing are exciting sports but without proper knowledge, enthusiasts often take unnecessary risks. Educate yourself with an investment in our AST 1+ Avalanche Skills Training Course! Proper training will make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable.

Even better, we will spend 2 full days in the field instead of the much more common single day. This will allow you more time to learn and get confident traveling around in avalanche terrain.

Our Squamish AST 1+ course is based out of the Squamish and Whistler areas, north of Vancouver. After you have completed the online learning at home we will do a brief classroom session on the first day before heading out into the backcountry for some hands-on learning. The exact location of the field days will be based on current conditions and weather but we typically spend a day on Paul’s Ridge followed but a day in the backcountry behind Whistler-Blackcomb though we have also used some of the other common backcountry ski areas around the Sea to Sky such as Shannon Creek, Metal Dome, Callaghan, etc

The course includes

AST 1+ (2-day – Intro to Backcountry + AST1): Feb 12&13

• use the link below to access the sign up through BlackSheepAdventureSport website and read all the details. Any questions are to be directed through BlackSheep website: https://blacksheepadventure.ca/course/ast-1/
• Use Promo Code: ACCVanAST1PLUS (only 8 uses and it’s done) $240 is the discounted cost so long as the course is booked out. Book early to ensure the course fills up.
• Otherwise use the Promo Code: ACCVAN for 10% off any course
• Code will only work for Feb 12&13 course
• Payment is made through the BlackSheepAdventure website

Itinerary

Day 0.5 – Classroom Day:

• You will be provided with a log-in and password for an online learning course that covers all of the classroom related materials.

Day 1 & 2 – Field Days:

• 8:00am: Morning Classroom Session
• 9:30am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning
• 4:00pm: Back at meeting location for pm debrief

Leaders: Monte Johnston, Black Sheep
Adventure Sports team

Fine Print:

• We highly recommend Travel & Medical
  insurance.
• Be sure to look over our Booking Policies.
• Participants will be required to sign a Waiver.

What’s Included – all these details are on the BlackSheepAdventure website using the above link.

• Avalanche Canada Instructor
• Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Book
• Avaluator Booklet
• Companion Rescue Field Card
• AST 1 Certificate upon Successful Completion

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to/from meeting points.
• Personal ski & safety equipment (transceiver, probe & shovel, etc.).
• Rentals are available upon request
• Meals

What to bring

GENERAL:

• Sunglasses & Goggles
• Sunscreen
• Water Bottle (1L min)
• Lunch
• 35-40L pack
• Toilet paper (or WAG bag)
• Camera (optional)
• Field Book & Avaluator (provided)

CLOTHING:

• Wool or Synthetic Socks
• Non-Cotton Base Layer
• Thin Jacket
• Puffy Jacket
• Waterproof Breathable Jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Ski Pant w. Vents
• Toque (Beanie)
• Brimmed Hat
• Face Warmer
• Light Gloves & Insulated Gloves

BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL EQUIPMENT:

• Transceiver, Probe & Shovel
• Split-board or skis & skins
• Ski or Snowboard Boots
• Poles
• Helmet
• Ski Strap

Avalanche Safety Kits kits with a Transceiver, Probe & Shovel are available for rent upon request.