Learn the basics of avalanche safety in the beautiful Rockies
Avalanche safety is a must-have tenet of backcountry adventure and a critical step in keeping yourself and your adventure partners safe in the wintertime and shoulder season. The Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour is a practical chance to learn the basics of avalanche safety in one of the most beautiful mountain environments in the world.
This tour is the perfect start to a lifetime of mountain adventures! You’ll spend a day in the classroom in Calgary or Canmore, learning from an experienced instructor. On Day 2, you’ll head out into the mountains to continue to sharpen your skills in avalanche risk assessment, companion rescue practice, and snow study. Add an optional third day to go backcountry skiing, exercising your new knowledge in a real-world application. This is a must for snow-loving skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and more!
Your AST 1 course begins in either Canmore or Calgary depending on your booking. You’ll have an intro session with the group and then dive right into learning: avalanche phenomena and implications, avalanche formation, triggers, avalanche terrain recognition, the ATES scale, companion rescue, using transceivers, and more.
If these terms are alien to you, don’t worry- you’re about to learn the ropes.
Show what you know out at Bow Summit today, where you’ll be issued training gear and begin to practice your field observations. Spend today honing what you learned yesterday in a natural environment, even practicing a group rescue scenario.
Ready to show what you know? Add on an optional backcountry skiing or splitboarding day with the group to exercise your skills training on the mountain. Not only will this be perfect practice, but it’ll be wicked fun, too!
This guided skills training course is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you).
Important notes:
Prices below are per person:
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-04-01 Canmore 2 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-04-02 Canmore | 2 | 5+ | $225USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-04-08 Canmore 2 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-04-09 Canmore | 2 | 5+ | $225USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-04-15 Canmore 2 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-04-16 Canmore | 2 | 5+ | $225USDBook Now | Book Now |
There are no included accommodations on this tour. You will be responsible for choosing and booking your own accommodations, although we are happy to lend a hand. Travellers taking this course can enjoy a discounted rate at Clique Hotels & resorts.
Accommodation on this tour is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore, Calgary and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo-style accommodation with kitchens or suites. We recommend that you book your own pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.
This training course doesn’t include any meals, transportation, or accommodation. If you need any help with booking your own accommodation, we are happy to assist you if needed. Travellers taking this course can enjoy a discounted rate at Clique Hotels & resorts. For meals, please pack your own high-energy meals and snacks for field days.
How hard is the Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. You’ll spend one day in a classroom and one day out in winter conditions in the mountains, skiing or snowshoeing up to 5km with up to 250m of elevation gain. If you add the optional ski or splitboard day, you’ll need to be an intermediate or better skier or snowboarder and be 18 years of age or older.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Is there an age limit for participation in this training course?
The minimum age is 13. Those who are younger than 16 years old are recommended to be accompanied by a parent. Optional ski or splitboard day has an age limit of 18.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes! You will receive Avalanche Skills Training 1 Certificate. The AST1 is the prerequisite for the professional level Avalanche Operations Level 1 and our Avalanche Skills Training 2 course.
Are meals included on the Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour?
No meals are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Calgary or Canmore to start this tour?
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). Calgary courses are held at Suite 550 Guinness House in the Elveden Center at 727 7th Avenue S.W. Canmore courses are held in variable locations. We recommend renting a car if possible as you’ll need to transfer to Bow Summit on Day 2.
Is the Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour guided?
Yes, you will be learning from and supervised by an experienced guide.
Where does the Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour end?
The tour ends after the final lesson on Bow Summit. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport.
What do I need to know about the backcountry ski day?
Let us know if you wish to book the optional 3rd day of this tour, which involves a backcountry ski or splitboarding expedition. You need to bring your own equipment (snowboarders must use a splitboard), be 18 years of age or older, and be intermediate level or better. This extension will incur an additional fee.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies for this tour is the wintertime between December and March when there’s enough snow to accurately learn about avalanches.
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We rate this tour as a 2/5. You’ll spend one day in a classroom and one day out in winter conditions in the mountains, skiing or snowshoeing up to 5km with up to 250m of elevation gain. If you add the optional ski or splitboard day, you’ll need to be an intermediate or better skier or snowboarder and be 18 years of age or older.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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