Every backcountry adventurer needs a foundational knowledge of avalanche safety, and the Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies tour is designed to show you how to evaluate and respond to changing snow conditions in the backcountry.
After completing your AST 1, take this tour to receive your AST 2 certification, teaching you more in-depth backcountry preparation, routefinding, snowpack evaluation, and rescue techniques to keep you safe. This isn’t just about the classroom, though- you’ll take your skills to the mountains, practicing what you’ve learned in the wild Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re a skier or snowshoer, you’ll love being fully immersed in the remote mountains.
Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies
Every backcountry adventurer needs a foundational knowledge of avalanche safety, and the Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies tour is designed to show you how to evaluate and respond to changing snow conditions in the backcountry.
After completing your AST 1, take this tour to receive your AST 2 certification, teaching you more in-depth backcountry preparation, routefinding, snowpack evaluation, and rescue techniques to keep you safe. This isn’t just about the classroom, though- you’ll take your skills to the mountains, practicing what you’ve learned in the wild Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re a skier or snowshoer, you’ll love being fully immersed in the remote mountains.
Take an in-depth course on the basics of avalanche safety beginning in a classroom setting in Calgary or Canmore.
Learn how to keep yourself and your partners in adventure safe in areas with avalanche risk.
Put your skills to the test with backcountry expeditions by ski/splitboard or by snowshoe.
Level-up your adventure in the remote Rogers Pass for skiers
Trip map for Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Your AST 2 course begins at the office in Canmore. You’ll spend the morning reviewing the AST 1 curriculum, then focus the afternoon on building your knowledge of safe trip planning, companion rescue, gear checks, and transceiver use.
Wrap up with a review of the plan for the upcoming field days.
The next three days will be spent in the backcountry, planning your trip each morning, backcountry skiing, splitboarding, or snowshoeing, and putting your avalanche skills to the real-world test. You’ll work on decision making in avalanche terrain, companion and group rescue, snow profiles and stability tests, and more.
You’ll skin up everything you ski down, experiencing the beauty of the Rockies while building even more backcountry confidence.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
This guided skills training course is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group.
Important notes:
- Some courses are spread on two weekends and are listed as taking place over 9 days.
Prices below are per person:
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-01-09 Canmore 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-01-12 Canmore | 4 | 5+ | $625USD | ||
2026-02-06 Canmore 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-02-09 Canmore | 4 | 5+ | $625USD | ||
2026-02-27 Canmore 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-03-02 Canmore | 4 | 5+ | $625USD | ||
2026-03-13 Canmore (For Snowshoers) 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-03-16 Canmore | 4 | 5+ | $625USD | ||
2026-04-04 Canmore 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-04-07 Canmore | 4 | 5+ | $625USD |
Logistics, Meals and Accommodation
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. We recommend staying in Canmore for those taking the course. For meals, please pack your own high-energy meals and snacks for field days.
Included
- Instruction classroom material
- Avalanche safety equipment use (probes, shovels, snow crystal cards)
- Certified and skilled instructors
Not Included
- Flights
- Hotels
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Optional Backcountry ski or splitboard day
Accommodation for Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies
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.
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 60 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 10% of the total trip cost (at least $150 CAD).
- 59 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
How hard is the Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies tour?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You’ll spend three days out in winter conditions in the mountains. You’ll need to be able to ski, splitboard, or snowshoe up to 10km per day in backcountry conditions. You should be a strong skier or snowboarder comfortable in all conditions for this tour. You also need to have your AST 1 certification to take this course.
Is there any age limit for this course?
Yes. For the course in Rogers Pass you need to be at least 19 years old and for the Canadian Rockies program you need to be at least 18 years old.
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.
What topics are covered during the training?
Subject matter covered:
- Proper backcountry travel preparation in avalanche terrain
- Use of avalanche ‘danger scale’ and other information gathered by professionals
- Use of the Avalauator 2 TM
- Group management and safety in the backcountry
- Avalanche terrain recognition
- Route finding in avalanche terrain
- Decision making in avalanche terrain
- Snow profiles and stability tests such as the Compression Test and Rutsch Block
- Weather, snowpack, and avalanche activity observations
- Snow stability analysis
- Companion Rescue and group rescue skills including avalanche transceiver use, single burials, and multiple burials, shovelling and probing techniques
Are meals included on the Avalanche Skills Training 2 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 Canmore to start this tour?
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend renting a car if possible as you’ll need to find your way to Canmore and provide transportation during the course.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes! You will receive Avalanche Skills Training 2 Certificate.
Is the Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies tour guided?
Yes, you will be learning from and supervised by an experienced guide.
What should I bring?
- Winter boots or insulated hiking boots (for snowshoe departure only)
- Powder skis or splitboard
- Ski poles (even if on snowshoes)
- Climbing skins (only required if using skis or split boards)
- Daypack (large enough for spare clothes, lunch & equipment, 30L minimum recommended)
- Avalanche transceiver – digital transceiver with triple antennae (can be borrowed)
- Avalanche shovel (collapsible metal shovel designed for companion rescue, loaners available on request)
- Avalanche probe (loaners available on request)
- Avaluator
- Sunglasses and/or ski goggles
- Thermos flask and/or water bottle (1 – 2 liters)
- Sunscreen
- Pocket knife
- Helmet (recommended)
- Hand sanitizer
Where does the Avalanche Skills Training 2 in the Canadian Rockies tour end?
The tour ends in Canmore. You will need to find your way back to the airport.
Who can book the alternate locations?
Snowshoers can opt to take their course in Rogers Pass, in a more advanced terrain. The course is otherwise held closer to the Banff area.
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.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Small Group Adventures
Join like-minded travellers to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!