avalanche Skills Training
Whether you are new to backcountry riding or already have some experience, now is a great time to take an avalanche course. When it comes to rescue, seconds count. In the event of a burial YOU are your riding groups best chance of survival. Could you carry out a successful companion rescue? Do your riding partners have the equipment, knowledge and training to save you? Learn the skills to recognize and manage avalanche terrain while improving your proficiency utilizing your avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and airbag effectively.
ast level 1
The first step in your avalanche training
The two-day AST Level 1 Course is where you will learn the fundamentals of traveling in avalanche terrain. It is suitable for riders with little training and minimal experience.
For winter 23/24, all courses will be offered in a face to face format once again. Day one is all indoors but you will need your avalanche transceiver with you to review features and familiarize yourself with basic function. Day two, we will be outdoors in the field all day; come prepared with sled, companion rescue gear and suitable clothing to keep your comfortable for the weather. All travel will be via beginner friendly trail to our learning areas.
Custom dates or private courses also available upon request.
Learning Outcomes
Avalanche fundamentals
Maximize online tools to find great terrain and reduce your risk
Techniques for safe travel
A sledder’s daily process for making sound decisions in the backcountry
How to carry out a companion rescue
23/24 Course Dates
Nov 5, 2023 Saskatoon, SK (pick any field date below to complete course)
Dec 13/14, 2023
Dec 28/29, 2023
Price
$350 (+taxes)
Custom Dates Available
ast level 2
Take your skills to the next level
Ready for the next level in your avalanche skills development? The AST level 2 course builds on the foundational skills learned in the AST1 program with nine hours in the classroom and three field days devoted to enhancing your decision-making framework for riding in avalanche terrain.
We travel to three different local mountain ranges during this course, progressively expanding your observation, planing, travel, and hazard assessment skills. Students will be placed in a leadership role under the watchful mentorship of an avalanche professional to build confidence and decision making skills.
Students must have completed an AST 1 course, be intermediate riders, and proficient with your avalanche transceiver.
Learning Outcomes
Route finding, trip planing, and travel techniques to manage your risk
Understand Danger Ratings and what to do when things aren’t as predicted
Snowpack, avalanche and weather observation skills
Use the ATES technical model to develop local terrain ratings for your riding zone
How to handle tricky group dynamics
Improved proficiency leading a rescue
22/23 Course Dates
Feb 21-24th, 2024
Fernie, BC
Price
$750 (+taxes)
Elk Valley Snow Shepherds - GO FARTHER SCHOLARSHIP
For our FOURTH year in a row, we are proud to support sledders advancing their journey in avalanche education. The GO FARTHER scholarship aims to bridge a gap between entry-level recreation training and those riders looking to enter the professional snow safety industry as a career. Each year, we provide one seat in the Avalanche Skills Training LEVEL 2 program to a sledder who has demonstrated strong leadership among the sled community and is seeking support and mentorship opportunities towards advancing their knowledge and decision-making framework.
TO APPLY:
Submit a 3-5 minute video or written/photo contribution telling us about yourself. It’s that easy! We want to hear how you have been involved in sledding so far, what barriers or challenges you have faced, and your goals towards pursuing a career in the industry or being a leader in safety within your own riding commnity.
Send to: info@elkvalleysnowshepherds.com
Learning Outcomes
Review preventative measures in avalanche terrain
Practice with your avalanche safety equipment
Learn techniques for deep burial situations
How to search without a transceiver in likely areas of burial by spot probing
New and highly effective shoveling techniques
See new transceiver technology
Practice multiple burial rescue situations and understand the marking feature on your transceiver
Conduct an organized and effective rescue including first aid and post incident considerations.