The curriculum for the AST and CRS courses are developed and maintained by Avalanche Canada. Snowshoot productions and its contractors are licensed and insured to teach these courses.

Avalanche Skills Training (AST1)

This is the course where you’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and how to self rescue. An AST1 is a minimum of two days with both classroom and field components. You need to take this course first and so should your friends because just one person trained in a group is not enough. Everyone in your group should take an AST 1. Recognize an AST 1 course is only the beginning - the avalanche pros will tell you avalanche training is a life long process.
What you will learn in an AST 1:

• avalanche formation and release

• identify avalanche terrain

• the basics of trip planning

• optimal use of tools and resources like the avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk

• use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain

• intro to companion rescue

There are no pre-requisites for the AST 1, but you should be confident with moving through mountainous terrain on skis/splitboard or snowmobile. On ski and sled courses you must supply your own equipment. Snowshoot can rent avalanche equipment (shovel/probe/transceiver) if you don’t have the equipment in time for the course.

What to bring:

• Touring skis or split board including skins. Poles

• Helmet

• Basic avalanche equipment; digital transceiver (fresh batteries!), probe and shovel

• Food and drink (warm food is nice to have)

• Layers of warm clothing for top and bottom. Hat and gloves/mitts

• Comfortable backpack to carry everything

Cancelation Policy:

Cancellations and date changes are not possible or refundable within 7 days of your AST course.  We have instructors booked, and there is a chance we have had to turn people away if the course has been booked up for sometime.

• Full refund is provided when notice is given at least 7 days prior to the course.

•  Within 7 days of the course date zero refund is given.

•  If a field day is cancelled due to reasons outside of Snowshoot Productions control, such as cold weather or closed highway, SnowShoot Productions will offer a make up date at no extra cost. If students can’t make that date they may join another class field day for a fee. (This is a difficult scenario, but we are looking to be fair to both the student and the provider that has absorbed costs already)

• Course seat is confirmed with payment. Payments are accepted via e-transfer to colin@snowshoot.ca