Avalanche Education – AST1

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 SNOWMOBILE / BACKCOUNTRY SKI / SNOWSHOE / XCSKI – AST Level 1: Avalanche Canada designed material With 7hr theory and 8hr field. AST1 is the first step towards understanding the avalanche hazards while exploring in the mountains and where to access valuable resources to help make informed decisions based on current conditions (avalanche.ca).

Avalanche Education - AST CANADA BACKCOUNTRY SERVICES Learn to ID Weak Layers CANADA BACKCOUNTRY SERVICES Hone Your Risk Tolerance CANADA BACKCOUNTRY SERVICES Build Your Observation Skills CANADA BACKCOUNTRY SERVICES Trip Planning CANADA BACKCOUNTRY SERVICES

• Build confidence with your equipment and companion rescue skills;
• Use the Avaluator to identify avalanche terrain for decision making in areas rated with the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale;
• Learn to identify avalanche terrain;
• Understand Avalanche Canada bulletins and danger ratings to know before you go;
• Understand snowpack basics, how snow loads, slab formation, release, weak layer ID and signs of snow instability;
• Engage in trip planning;
• Determine your own level of risk tolerance and how this applies in a group setting;
• Understand group dynamics for better decision making;
• Learn the limitations of AST Level 1 material and the path for continued training.