Course Guide

This page is Here to guide you through YOur education in decision making in avalanche terrain.

View the course descriptions below, checkout our progression guide, then head over to our book now page.

Please note - for the 2023/2024 season, we are only offering public courses at Big White Ski Resort.

For inquiries on other courses, for group booking and availability - email alpinewalrustraining@gmail.com

Standard CourseS

Avalanche Skills Courses follow a standardized curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. These courses are stepping stones along your journey in backcountry skiing. Remember, expertise comes from both training AND experience.

AST 1

AST 2

Refresher Courses

We believe practice makes better. Taking one of our refresher courses is a great way to improve on your companion rescue skills, and decision making in avalanche terrain.

These courses should be taken to hone your skills, or after periods of inactivity.

Companion REscue Skills

AST 1 Refresher

Managing Avalanche Terrain

Course Descriptions

  • Do you venture out of bounds, off the trails, or into the backcountry? An AST 1 is your place to start. You don't need any experience to take this course, but it is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry.

    In AST 1, you’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan your trips, and perform a companion rescue. Our AST 1 is a minimum of two days and has both online/classroom and field components. Everyone in your group should take an AST 1 — it’s the first step to travelling safely in the backcountry.

    What you will learn:

    • Avalanche formation and release.

    • How to identify avalanche terrain.

    • The basics of trip planning.

    • How to use the avalanche forecast to mitigate your avalanche risk.

    • Using appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.

    • Intro to companion rescue.

  • Hone your rescue skills. This course is a must-have for all winter backcountry recreationists.
    The Companion Rescue Skills course is an important refresher for those with previous training and a great way to improve the rescue skills you learned in your AST 1. This hands-on, one-day course takes place in the field.

    What you will learn:

    • How to respond safely and efficiently to an avalanche incident.

    • How to hone your transceiver skills

    • How to use your probe effectively

    • How to shovel. Learn to organize your group with the most efficient shovelling techniques.

    • Learn the best methods for finding a victim buried without a transceiver.

    • How to practice these skills

    Our CRS is currently by group booking only (min. 4 students). Email hello@alpinewalrus.ca for availability.

  • Have your AST 1 but could use a little refresh or want to sharpen your skills? This course is for you.

    The AST 1 Refresher is aimed at individuals who have completed an AST 1 and are looking to refresh their skills and knowledge. This one day, field-based course provides a review of the material covered in the AST 1 and includes any industry updates to the curriculum. The course is ideal for those who want to keep their basic avalanche training skills up-to-date or those who simply desire a refresher day in the field with an instructor.

    What you will learn:

    • A refresh of the AST 1 curriculum.

    • Refreshing and practice of companion rescue skills.

    • Any updates to avalanche safety education or techniques.

    • How to use new AvCan tools or materials.

    Our AST 1 Refresher is currently by group booking only (min. 4 students). Email hello@alpinewalrus.ca for availability.

  • Unfortunately, AWT does not have any MAT courses for winter 2022/2023. Stay tuned. Subscribe to our mailing list for updates.

  • Unfortunately, AWT does not have any public AST 2 courses for winter 2022/2023. Stay tuned. Subscribe to our mailing list for updates.

Start Here:

AST-1

This course is designed for those with little or no experience in avalanche terrain. The AST 1 is the foundation course for skiing/riding in avalanche terrain.

upgrade Your skills:

AST-2

The AST - 2 is designed for those who are looking to move into steeper and deeper decisions in avalanche terrain. You should have a whole season of decision making in avalanche terrain under your belt. We recommend about 50 days of touring before taking this course.

Just because you have completed your AST 2, it doesn’t mean your training is over…

Continue to hone your skills by taking a training refresher.
Continue quality practice and training habits annually.

  • Go on guided trips.

  • Continue to make and follow your own trip Plans.

  • Take a glacier skills course.

  • Go on multi day, or week long adventures.

refresher training

Take a course annually or periodically after you’ve completed your AST-1 to sharpen your skills. This includes after you’ve completed your AST-2

  • Companion Rescue Skills

  • Managing Avalanche Terrain

  • AST 1 - Refresher

Progression Guide

Wondering how to approach your avalanche skills education?

Let our progression guide help you along the way.