Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 – This course is run by fully qualified backcountry guides. The AST Level 1 is run over 2.5 days, including a trip into the backcountry. The course covers the basics of travelling on avalanche terrain. You will learn about the different types of avalanche formations. You will also learn how to prepare for a trip and how to forecast an avalanche using decision making tools to assess slope conditions. At the end, you will be assessed on what you have learnt and their will be examined practical sessions on companion rescue and travelling techniques.
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Terrain: Simple to Challenging
Total Distance: approx. 8-11 km. per day
Elevation Gain: approx. 650m + per day
Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 – This advanced course will build on what you have learnt in the AST Level 1. This part of the course is comprised of 9.5 hours classroom time and a minimum of 3 days out in the backcountry. You will become familiar with filtering tools to help plan additional provisions that will lead to safe travel. You will also learn about danger ratings and the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) that will help you identify the techniques needed to travel across certain terrains.