Complete your AST 2 certification in the mountains of Canada
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. For advanced adventurers, take this itinerary to Rogers Pass for even more challenge and adventure!
Your AST 2 course begins at the Yamnuska office in Canmore or Golden (if you choose to take your training in Rogers Pass). 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.
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:
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. We recommend staying in Canmore for those taking the course in Canmore, and in Golden for those taking the course at Rogers Pass. For meals, please pack your own high-energy meals and snacks for field days.
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:
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?
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.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
There are no written reviews yet.
79 total ratings, 0 with reviewsYou must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
