Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1)

$275/person +gst

Nov. 23, 2024

Other dates available for groups of 4+

Start your backcountry and avalanche safety training here! This Avalanche Canada course teaches the basics of safe backcountry travel. Learn how avalanches form and how to manage the risks. Your field day(s) take you into the hills near Lake Louise to practice rescue and study the snow and terrain first hand. Early season ASTs allow you to develop the skills and apply them all season long!

We are now offering the AST 1 classroom online. Students can learn at their own pace with instructor feedback and a 2-hour Zoom discussion before field days.

AST1+ Managing Avi Terrain

$399/person +gst

Nov. 23-24, 2024

Other dates available for groups of 4+

An AST 1 course with an extra day in the mountains and learning how to travel safely. Participants also earn their Managing Avalanche Terrain certificate from Avalanche Canada.

Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST 2)

Dec. 20-21 & Mar. 14-15, 2024/25

*Other dates available for groups of 4+

$780/person +gst

The AST 2 is a four-day course that focuses on decision-making. Online you will review some avalanche basics and snow science. Then we spend 4 days planning trips, travelling through the backcountry, making decisions, and managing risk (Kananaskis/ Banff/ Roger’s Pass). This is where you begin to learn how to navigate terrain and minimize avalanche risk. 

The AST 1 is the minimum prerequisite. For this course, we're looking for people with backcountry skiing/riding experience who are looking to work towards bigger terrain. Drop us a line to learn more!

Companion Rescue Skills Training

*Dates available for groups of 4 or more

$150/person +gst

This is your annual brush-up and your opportunity to improve avalanche rescue skills. Professional instruction and lots of hands-on practice help everyone from first timers to seasoned vets. You’ll learn and practice the best techniques for searching, probing, and shovelling as well as advanced techniques for deep burials and complicated scenarios. Students will also learn to organize and efficiently run group rescues, arrange outside help, and care for victims.

Backcountry Navigation - Online

$199 +gst

This online training course covers mountain navigation fundamentals, backcountry route planning and training with modern digital tools including smartphone apps and desktop programs.

Online Avalanche Fundaments

$99 +gst

Start your avalanche learning anytime, anywhere. This course will teach you the fundamentals of avalanche formation and avalanche terrain. Students also learn safe travel practices and how avalanche rescue works. This is a great place to start you avalanche education and can count towards your AST certificate with M-T-N later.

Rope Rescue/Glacier Travel for Skiers/Riders

Dates available for groups of 4+

$290/person +gst

This two day course teaches you the basics of rope management, glacier travel and crevasse rescue for those skiers/boarders looking to get out on the icefields this season. We’ll spend one day learning and practicing all the rope systems you need, and one day going for a tour to see some ice and use your new skills.

Backcountry Mentor

Days Available All Season Long, Banff Based

The easiest way to accelerate your backcountry learning curve is focused days like this with a skilled professional who can fill in the gaps for you. There are a hundred little things that go into a great day of backcountry skiing; from change-overs to efficient movement, reading lines to gear hacks. Decision making in avalanche terrain is the biggest one though and we’ll get you as much practice as possible with a certified guide beside you the whole way. Let’s make you a Mountain-Touring-Ninja.

See rates HERE.

New to This

All Season Long, Banff Based

An introduction to touring for beginner to expert skiers/boarders looking to get started in the backcountry. We'll show you how to ski the lines beyond the ski area you've been dreaming of. Learn how to move efficiently and safely in the mountains. The gear, the locations, the avalanche safety and the fun!

See our rates HERE.