Avalanche Training Saves Lives!

AST  2

This is the course if you want to take the next step from the AST 1 or you have previous training or experience.Expect a full 3 field days, including a few evening sessions.

Students will learn:

• Advanced use of the Avaluator
• In depth look at Terrain Management
• Travel Techniques applied to Avalanche Hazard
• Introduction to Snow Study & Specific Avalanche Problems
• Introduction to Group Leadership
• Group Rescue

Course Includes:

• Course Handbook
• Avaluator
• Fieldbook
• Instruction from an ACMG Ski Guide/ CAA Avalanche Professional
• Certificate

Student Ability Level:

This course is geared toward backcountry travellers with some experience, and at least an intermediate ski ability in variable backcountry terrain and snow conditions. Expect 3 days in a row that involve daily trips of 800-1000m of vertical climb/descent, over approx 8-12 km of distance travelled. Weather can range from sunshine and blue sky, to very cold, windy, snowy or wet conditions.

Dates : 

December 1 ( Evening), Dec 2-4 , 2025 Classroom & Field Trips. Smithers Area

December 9-13, 2025 : Dezaiko Lodge* ( This course includes lodging, meals, helicopter flights)

January 13 (Evening), Jan 14-16, 2026 Classroom & Field Trips. Smithers Area.

More courses coming soon….

Prerequisites: Students must have an AST 1 or previous related skills.

Price: $775.00 + gst  (  *Dezaiko Lodge AST $2850.00 + gst)

REGISTER here »

AST Companion Rescue

This one day course goes beyond what is taught on the AST 1, and is a great refresher or eye opener for beginner or experienced riders.

Students will learn:

• Single, multiple, & deep burial techniques
• Understand advanced digital transceiver functions w new demo gear from local retailers
• Maximize your equipment
• Variety of mock rescue scenarios
• Post rescue victim care & evacuation w demo rescue toboggans
• Incident debriefs

Dates: This course tends to work best with a private group. Get your regular touring partners together for a valuable day of learning.

Price: $200 + gst

CONTACT US to book a custom group course »

REGISTER here »

This 1 day course can be taken after your AST 1, or as a refresher for past students

Dates: This course often works best with a cohesive group of friends or regular touring partners

Price: $200.00 +gst

Advanced Avalanche Course

Based on student feedback over the years, I have developed an advanced course for students who are looking to further their knowledge from the AST 2 level. This is not an Avalanche Canada AST course.

This will be a season long course, where we follow the development and the transition of our local snowpack throughout the season in respect to weather, snowpack, and avalanches. The focus will be somewhat more on snow science and a more detailed understanding of the snowpack and terrain choices appropriate for the conditions.

Each month, beginning in November, we will have either a virtual session, or a field day session, focusing on the actual conditions & avalanche problems that are present in our snowpack in the Smithers area.

Schedule:

November, January, March TBD : Virtual sessions – Evening 2 hrs

December, February, April TBD: Field Day session

Cost: $1000.00+GST. ( Students will be recommended to also purchase a specific book to go with the course. Late registrations through the season may be considered)

Prerequisite: Please contact me for further information to ensure this course will be a good fit for you.