Avalanche Safety Course – AST 2

Avalanche Safety Training 2 (AST 2) Course Curriculum

4 days / 32 hours

“Class Room” Sessions (9 – 10 hrs) – commonly held as “Zoom Meetings” in the evening:
Our classroom sessions focus on learning about the key factors in avalanche hazard assessment and the correct interpretation of field and external data, namely the avalanche bulletin. One strength of our courses is the frequent use of case studies of previous accidents in commonly travelled terrain in the Canadian Rockies, The Selkirks and Monashee Ranges to discuss common mistakes in decision making both in the planning phase as well as during the field day.

• Introductions / Goals / Agenda
• Review of AST1 content
• Avalanche phenomena, formation and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche Terrain recognition, introduction to the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale
• Changes in mountain snowpack, snow metamorphism
• Review of the Avaluator ™ model and decision factors
• Safe travel concepts
• Trip planning – a methodical approach to information resources and data
• Accessing and utilizing the Avalanche Danger Scale and Public Avalanche Bulletins
• Avalanche and backcountry safety gear
• Companion Rescue / Transceiver review
• Human factors in decision-making
• Case studies of avalanche accidents
• Logistics for the Field Days

Field Days (3 days):
Our field days are driven by the “learning by doing” concept. Expect full days of ski touring with participants taking over leadership roles for decision-making, track setting with lots of field discussions. Commonly our field days are preceded by a 30 – 60 minute long morning “Zoom Meeting” for planning the day and to cover last minute curriculum relevant for the field training.

• Pre-trip meeting / hazard assessment
• Field observations / use of the Avaluator
• Group management and safety in the backcountry
• Avalanche terrain recognition
• Route finding in avalanche terrain
• Decision making in avalanche terrain
• Snow profiles and stability tests (Compression Test, Extended Column Test (ECT) and Deep Tab Test (DTT), Propagation Saw Test, Rutschblock etc.

• Weather, snowpack and avalanche activity observations
• Snow stability analysis
• Companion Rescue and group rescue skills including avalanche transceiver use, single / multi- / close-proximity burials and multiple burials, shovelling and probing techniques

• Post-trip debrief

In doing so, we will focus on the three decisive factors in evaluating stability and overall hazard:

1) Hazard rating according to the avalanche bulletin
2) Slope steepness and exposure to hazard from above
3) Slope exposure and shape

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Use the Avaluator™ as a tool to determine when changes to plans and/or travel techniques are required to travel safely.
• Use techniques to verify official Avalanche Danger Ratings in the field.
• Use the ATES technical model to develop personal, local terrain ratings.
• Use route-finding skills and appropriate travel techniques to mitigate risk.
• Proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
• Understand the limits of their training.

Inclusions

Included

• Instruction and guiding by an ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide, ACMG ski guide or assistant ski guide
  • All members of Avalanche Canada with avalanche forecasting training an certification
• Use of digital (= latest generation) avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
• Technical supplies such as crystal screen, loop etc.
• All Avalanche Canada course materials including the “Avaluator” decision tool as well as the instructional manual: Backcountry Avalanche Awareness by Bruce Jamieson, 7th Edition.

Not Included

• Land transport (although participants might be able to catch a ride with guide at cost)
• Lodging and food
• Rental of ski touring equipment or snow shoes

Add Ons

We will gladly quote you all-inclusive prices with lodging and airport pick up / drop off and all other land transport or we can assist you in making reservations for the lodging and transport option of your choice.

Trip Details

Meeting Point & Time / Course Locations

Meeting time for evening zoom classroom sessions usually 6.30 2 or 3 times during the week, meeting time for the 3 field days Fri – Sat will be agreed on in light of conditions and participant’s transport options in the morning of each field day during the zoom planning meeting (starts at 6.30 AM usually).

Weather/climate

Hugely variable! The early season courses (Nov – Feb) can be very cold (Min of -25C (=-13F), especially for the locations in the Rocky Mountains (Canmore and Lake Louise). The temperatures at rogers Pass tend to be more moderate with a minimum of -20C (=-4F). Average normal temperatures are around -10C (14 F).

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Why book with us?

Please be aware that there are significant differences in the qualifications of avalanche course instructors. Some AST 1 instructors have only the minimum required qualification of an Avalanche Canada Level 1 Operations course — not an avalanche forecasting course or guide certification. Also, group sizes of up to 20 students are commonplace in many avalanche courses.

Here is what we offer

Our instructors are certified ACMG mountain and/or ski guides or assistant ski guides and Avalanche Canada professional members with at least 10 years of professional experience including operational avalanche forecasting. Our field days take place in interesting ski touring terrain in either provincial or national parks. Instructors who are not certified ACMG guides will not be able to take you inside any parks. Our group sizes do not exceed eight participants, and they are often between four and six, allowing for highly personalized attention.

Can I Do It?

You must be able to travel at a moderate pace on backcountry ski touring equipment (or split board) during the field days. To be eligible for the AST 2 certificate, you must first have taken the AST 1 course through an Avalanche Canada recognised provider.

Custom Trips

For custom groups signing up together for our AST2 avalanche courses we offer the following discounts / premiums relative to our advertised prices:

8 participants: 30% discount
7 participants: 22% discount
6 participants: 15% discount
5 participants: Advertised trip price
4 participants: 10% premium
3 participants: 35% premium

On a custom basis, we can also offer other locations in Western Canada or the Alps. We commonly include AST1 and AST2 avalanche courses in our Wapta or Bow Yoho Ski Traverses or our fly-in lodge and heli-assisted ski touring trips.

On a custom trip basis, we also offer courses for snowmobilers and snowshoers.