Avalanche Skills Training 2
Avalanche Skills Training 2
The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course is designed for the serious and experienced winter backcountry user. This course expands on the theories and principles established at the AST 1+ level course or those who already have a solid understanding of snow avalanche principles. The program incorporates extensive practical field sessions in real avalanche terrain implementing a systematic approach for assessing and evaluating the potential avalanche hazard.
Please note this course requires touring skis or splitboard, skins & avalanche safety gear. If you require Backcountry rentals please let us know. For complete equipment list see below.
Extremely Canadian’s AST 2 is presented as four field days with online support. Based on weather, snow conditions, and group abilities, each course will be tailored to fit the needs of the students and guidelines set by Avalanche Canada. All field days are full days, please plan accordingly. See below for an itinerary of the course.
Price:
$749 + Taxes & Fees / person
DEAL ALERT: Add discounted lift tickets
Private Groups:
$3,549 + 5% GST
Courses are available for groups up to 6 people. Contact us to arrange dates!
Whistler Blackcomb Staff Deals:
Are you an active Whistler Blackcomb Winter employee? You can access select staff spots on courses throughout the season. You will need your active Employee ID to book, follow the link to your course!
All participants will be required to sign a waiver for each adventure; please review the document thoroughly prior to signing.
Dates:
Course 1:
Thurs - Sun, Dec. 5 - Dec. 8, 2024
Course 2:
Sat - Sun, Dec. 14 - Dec. 15, Sat - Sun, Dec. 21, - Dec. 22, 2024
Course 3:
Thurs - Sun, Dec. 19 - Dec. 22, 2024
Course 4:
Mon - Thurs, Jan. 6 - Jan. 9, 2025
Course 5:
Sat - Sun, Jan. 11 - Jan. 12, Sat - Sun, Jan. 18 - Jan. 19, 2025
Course 6:
Fri - Mon, Jan. 17 - Jan. 20, 2025
Course 7:
Sat - Tues, Feb. 15 - Feb. 18, 2025
Course 8:
Mon - Thurs, Feb. 24 - Feb. 27, 2025
Course 9:
Thurs - Sun, Mar. 6 - Mar. 9, 2025
Course 10:
Fri - Mon, Mar. 28 - Mar. 31, 2025
What’s Included:
4 full days with a certified ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides)
Online course materials created by Extremely Canadian to be accessed throughout the season
Lift line priority
AST 2 materials from Avalanche Canada, including novel “Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrian”
Ability Level:
Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders. Comfortable in variable conditions. With significant touring experience recommended. Not sure? Contact us to discuss your experience.
*Group products are for skiers/riders 16 years of age or older. Privates are suited for any age of a level 5/6 skiing/riding ability.
Give the gift of adventure.
-
Day #1:
Half-day field session (8:00am)
Review knowledge and understandings students should have from previous AST training and experiences
Transceiver fundamentals and companion rescue review
”Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain” handbook, route planning, execution and tips and tricks for touring
Initial verification of local information based on local avalanche bulletin, and group management/communications fundamentals
Half-day indoor session (pm)
Review the theory portion of the Avalanche Canada curriculum for AST 2.
Day #2 : All day field session (8:00am)
Deeper look snow science, stability tests, influence of weather on snowpack, and limitations of field tests
More advanced route planning and group management/communications systems in the field assessing regular weather/snowpack/group ability observations
Refine evaluation of the ATES scale in the field terrain, with better practices for moving through avalanche terrain and advanced track setting
Further refinement of companion rescue and multi-burial procedures
Day #3 : All day field session (8:00am)
Student led pre-trip meeting and detailed itinerary for the day suitable to the conditions and terrain
Advanced practice in skills developed throughout course, including group risk management with differing risk tolerances
Travel in more consequential terrain, with regular intervals of observation and communication
Practice making decisions as a group in avalanche terrain, set tips, goals for student led final field day
Day #4 : All day field session (8:00am)
“Test” day, students are in the lead for the entire day
Instructor may, as situations present themselves, call a “time-out” to query next steps, communication, teachable moments
Timed companion rescue will be part of the final day
Debrief and explanation of “next steps” for all students
-
Q: What is the minimum ability I need to be?
A: If you can comfortably ski/ride an ungroomed black diamond then we have a group for you! Our programs are geared towards level 4-6 skiers and riders, from advanced-intermediate to Expert level.
Q: How much touring experience do I need to take the AST 2?
A: We typically suggest a full season touring season in between taking your AST 1+ to your AST 2, or 20+ touring days.
Q: How much touring will we do?
A: ~400-800 elevation gain and ~1600-2400 vertical down. May be more on certain days.
Q: I’m driving up from the city Saturday morning, what to I do if i’m stuck in traffic?
A: We ask quests to meet us at the Carleton for 8AM, the groups leave by 8:30AM. If later than 8:45AM, you may need to reschedule your course. Please let us know if you are going to be running late.
Q: Does the price include a lift ticket?
A: The price does not include a lift ticket, but you cann purchase for a discounted price while skiing with Extremely Canadian.
Q: What gear do I need for a Backcountry Adventure?
A: Please check out our “Equipment and Preparation” sheet on each Backcountry Adventure page.
Q: What if the conditions are less than ideal, does the clinic/tours go ahead?
A: For our Backcountry tours the guides, will deliberate about the conditions prior to the tour and the morning of to discuss the avalanche conditions. The avalanche conditions would have to be extremely dangerous for a Backcountry tour to get cancelled.
Q: Where in the village can I find Backcountry rentals?
A: We highly recommend Evo Backcountry for all your backcountry rentals. Rent the full package, with a discount when booking with Extremely Canadian.
-
Avalanche Safety Gear (shovel, beacon, probe)
Skins
1L of water or more
Lunch with lots of snacks for on the go
Extra warm layers
Sunglasses and goggles
Sunscreen
Toque and hat
If you’re looking for a more detailed packing list, check out our “Equipment & Preparation.”
Similar Products
Overnight Backcountry Trips
Join up with other adventurous backcountry enthusiasts to conquer certain runs on your bucket list.
Crevasse Rescue / Glacier Travel
Develop safe travel skills for glaciated ski traverses or to reach new lines accessed via glaciated terrain, this is an essential course designed for experienced backcountry.
The fine print.
Book in Advance
Guides are in high demand and low supply. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Payment & Confirmation
All rates are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to taxes. Full payment is due upon booking. Confirmation is made by email.
** Weather Conditions
Adventure travel involves risk and unpredictable weather conditions. Extremely Canadian does not purport to any guarantee of conditions. We retain the right to cancel at any time due to inclement weather or factors outside of our control. In this case the client will be entitled to a full refund.
Group Dynamics
Our AST 2 courses have a max ratio of 1:6 riders and skiers. This is the standard ratio of Avalanche Canada and the maximum group size to safely and efficiently navigate the complex avalanche terrain covered on this course. Along with it creates a better environment for learning and covering the necessary curriculum.
Insurance
We do not request proof of insurance coverage, but please ensure that you have appropriate coverage to ensure that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. We highly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to avoid penalties related to a change in plans.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
Epic Pass Holders
Do you have the following pass that is part of the Mountain rewards program? Passes include: Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Day Pass, Epic Australia Pass etc. You are eligible for 10% off all Extremely Canadian group products. Group products include 2-Day Steeps Clinic, 1-Day Steeps Clinic, 2-Day Snowboarder Freeride Camps, Intro to Backcountry, AST 1+ & AST 2 courses. Use code EPIC10 when booking to get your 10% discount.
What you need to know before embarking on your day.
Meeting Time and Place
Meeting time is 8 AM on the deck of the Carleton Lodge in the main village between the gondolas unless otherwise noted in your confirmation.
Late Arrival or Departures
Extremely Canadian cannot accept responsibility for travellers inconvenienced by late, diverted, delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled travel arrangements. This also applies to missed connections or transfers. We intend to leave the Carleton Patio for 8:30 AM, there will be a 15 min grace period where we will wait and connect you to the group. If you arrive outside the 15mins, we are not responsible for connecting you to the group or providing a refund/reschedule.
Refunds
No refunds will be issued on whole or partially unused portions of packages. No refunds will be issued on day of lesson (medical reasons with a doctor’s note may be an exception).
Rescheduling Due to Low Numbers
Group adventures must meet a minimum group size of 3 persons. In rare instances, we may ask a guest to switch from a course that has too few participants. If this happens we will attempt to notify you 24 hours prior to the date. However, we reserve the right to cancel any courses, for any reason, at any time prior to start. In such a case, refund of any payments received shall constitute full settlement.
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand if your plans change!
Here's the scoop on our Avalanche Skills Training courses cancellation policy: Up to 7 days prior to your course, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your course dates or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 7 days prior to your online session date. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original course dates, refunds will not be allowed. If you are cancelling your course due to illness/injury within 7 days, you may be required to present medical documentation to complete the refund.
For private courses, up to 14 days prior to your activity date, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your course dates or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 14 days prior to the start of your course. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original course dates, refunds will not be allowed.
End of Day
Guides will determine the end of day. Many factors will be considered when doing so.
Behaviour Expectations
Guests are expected to behave in an orderly fashion and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests or in anyway harm the reputation of Extremely Canadian or its suppliers. Extremely Canadian reserves the right to decline accepting or retaining any guest whose health or actions impede the operation of a clinic or camp or the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests.
Underage Participants
Group programs are for guests aged 16 and older. All clients 18 & under must sign the safety voucher and wear a helmet.
Waiver
You will be required to sign and return a waiver and release of liability and a medical form before your first day of skiing. Below is a copy of the waiver for your review.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
