NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE COURSES
Courses offered in Split-Board Riding & Ski Touring, Avalanche Awareness, Avalanche Companion Rescue, Winter Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue, Backcountry Skills and Winter Camping. Courses are customized to your level of experience and ability. Custom small group and private courses available. Please contact us for dates and locations.
Avalanche Safety Training Level 1 (AST 1)
This course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.
In addition, the course will:
- Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
- Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.
Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
- Identify avalanche terrain.
- Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
- Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
- Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
- Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
- Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
- Carry out a companion rescue.
- Understand the limits of their training.
Minimum Classroom Time Requirement
A minimum of seven hours classroom time is required.
Minimum Field Time Requirement
A minimum of one day in the field is required.
Avalanche Safety Training Level 2 (AST 2)
This course will provide an intermediate level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with a moderate degree of training and experience.
In addition, the course will:
- Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
- Introduce and promote the Canadian Avalanche Association Industry Training Program as the accepted standard for advanced avalanche training
Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Use the Avaluator™ as a filtering tool to determine when additional planning and travel techniques are required to travel safely.
- Be familiar with Avalanche Danger Ratings verification techniques for personal use on a local scale. Be familiar with the ATES technical model as a means to develop personal, local terrain ratings.
- Use route finding to take advantage of nuances in terrain to manage personal risk.
- Use travel techniques in avalanche terrain appropriate to the avalanche conditions.
- Proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
- Understand the limits of their training.
Minimum Classroom Time Requirement
A minimum of 9.5 hours of classroom time is required.
Minimum Field Time Requirement
A minimum of three days in the field is required.
Please contact us for custom course availability.
Introduction to ski-touring or split-boarding
1-3 days, topics include: trip planning, avalanche awareness, terrain selection, choose the right equipment, route finding, track setting, self-rescue.
Starting at $525 per day for private instruction 1:1 ratio learner to guide.
- 2:1 $295 per person
- 3:1 $218 per person
- 4:1 $180 per person
Advanced Navigation & Route Finding
2-3 days, a closer look at map, compass & GPS skills, trip planning with maps, Google Earth, and other resources available. Some components to this course take place in an indoor classroom setting.
Starting at $525 per day for private instruction 1:1 ratio learner to guide.
- 2:1 $295 per person
- 3:1 $218 per person
- 4:1 $180 per person
Please note:
5% GST applies to all trips, courses & service.
All payments are non-refundable.
It is highly recommended that all guests purchase an optional Trip Cancellation and Emergency Medical Insurance. This protects you in case of an unexpected cancellation or if a medical emergency interrupts your adventure with us. Please follow this link for a quote from our preferred provider: Lifestyle Financial: