Avalanche Training Saves Lives!
In BC’s northwest, we have some of the world’s finest opportunities for winter backcountry recreation. If you are going to play in the mountains – you have a responsibility – to yourself, your friends and your family to get avalanche training. Hyland Backcountry Services Ltd is one of the largest providers of avalanche courses in Northwest BC, with regular scheduled courses or custom private courses .We offer a variety of Avalanche Safety Courses that will fit your needs.
Avalanche Skills Training (AST)…Ski or Sled
Our courses are taught by senior industry professionals with over 20 years experience, that hold certification in both the CAA & ACMG.
AST 1
By far our most popular course, it fills up fast each year.Developed by Avalanche Canada, this course is for people new to backcountry travel, or those who have not taken any avalanche safety training. Courses are specific for skiers or sledders. Courses are based in Smithers, giving us quick access to quality field trip locations with no long drives.
Course formats for this year
1. Classroom: Regular in person 7 Hr class
2. Online Class: Login to an online course, and complete the lessons on your own time, prior to field day
- Field Days are 0830-1630
- Private courses are available
Students will learn to
- Understand avalanche formation
- Identify avalanche terrain.
- Trip planning.
- Use of the Avaluator™
- Use ATES terrain ratings
- Safe travel in avalanche terrain
- Rescue training
All courses include
- Avalanche Handbook
- Avaluator 3
- Certificate of completion
- Instruction from an ACMG Ski Guide/ CAA Avalanche Professional
Student Ability Level:
This is a beginner friendly course. Our standard location is a treeline route, with approx 250m of vertical climb/descent, over approx 5km of distance travelled. Descent is down a “green” ski run, in variable, backcountry terrain. Weather can range from sunshine and blue sky, to very cold, windy, snowy or wet conditions.
Price: TBD
Dates: AST 1 Ski
1. TBD Late Nov, Dec, Jan
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.
CONTACT US to book a custom group course »
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 9-13, 2025 : Dezaiko Lodge
More courses coming soon….
Prerequisites: Students must have an AST 1 or previous related skills.
Price: TBD
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: TBD
Price: TBD
CONTACT US to book a custom group course »
Managing Avalanche Terrain (MAT)
The MAT is a very focused field-based course designed to expand on the terrain management taught in the AST 1 course, and to develop more advanced winter backcountry travel skills. This course will help you mitigate your risk by honing your terrain evaluation and travel skills.
This 1 day course can be taken after your AST 1, or as a refresher for past students
Dates: TBD
Price: TBD
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.
2025 - More Courses & Trips will be added shortly
November 28-30: AST 1 Ski (Regular Classroom/ Field), Smithers, BC
December 9-13: AST Training 1 or 2. Dezaiko Lodge
December 13-20: Guided Ski Touring. Dezaiko Lodge
December 28: AST 1 Ski ( Online/Field Combo) Smithers, BC
2026
March 7-14: Guided Ski Touring. Dezaiko Lodge
April 3-10: Guided Ski Touring: Burnie Glacier Chalet