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Whistler Avalanche Courses
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
Please Read! – Before you book, please take a few seconds to sign our “Release of Liability” Waiver Form here: Sign Electronic Wavier
This course is based in Whistler and it’s field days are in the backcountry next to Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. Backcountry lift ticket can be prearrange with our office. Anyone coming from Vancouver Must have accommodation OR plan for long drives with unexpecting road delays. Custom courses in the sea to sky are welcome and can be pre-arranged. Contact our office for details.
Avalanche awareness is a necessity for anyone skiing, snowboarding and traveling in the mountains during the winter. The Avalanche Skills Training program is for those just branching out from downhill skiing and wishing to acquire appropriate entry level safety skills, eager to learn proper instruction in uphill skinning techniques, or assessing mountain hazards and of course, riding fresh tracks.
Learning Outcome: AST Lv.1 certificate and strong understanding of winter hazards with increased confidence when decision making in avalanche terrain.
- Video recording of our AOC level 1,2,3
- Understanding the basics of avalanche formation and release
- Identifying avalanche terrain
- Planning and carrying out a trip
- Using the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool
- Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
- Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins
- Evaluating snowpack stability
- Mountain weather forecasting
- Risk management plan
- Using appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain
- Carrying out a companion rescue
Location: Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry
Duration: 2.5 days
Distance: 8-11 km / day
Terrain: Simple to Challenging
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Elevation Gain: 650m+ / day
Ratio: 8:1
Prerequisites: Strong intermediate skier/boarder comfortable on single black runs and variable snow conditions. Good fitness level. No previous Backcountry experience required.
Itinerary for Whistler Avalanche Courses
We offer Mid Week and Weekend courses, see book now to view calendar
Students will be ask to watch a recording of our AOC level 1 (90min.) before the start of the course
Day 1: 7pm – 8:30pm (online zoom lecture 90min.)
Day 2: 8:15am – 5pm (field & theory)
Day 3: 8:15am – 5pm (field & debrief)
Includes: Avaluator, online resources, and completion certificate.
* You need to provide your own lunch, lift tickets and transportation to trail head.
Gear List
- Backcountry skis / Splitboard
- Climbing skins
- Ski poles
- Transceiver, Probe, Shovel
- 30L daypack
- Lunch and water
- Headlamp
- Maps
- Compass (optional)
- Small first aid kit
- Extra warm clothes (down puffy jacket)
Avalanche Safety Gear rental gear available
These guys are the best! They teach us so much and they encourage us to push our boundaries. No matter what season...we ski backcountry with them, we sport climb with them, we explore the Tantalus with them and we ice-climb with them! And above all else with have fun with them!
We have skied with Guillaume and his team for more than 10 years. In that time Coast Mountain Guides has introduced us to some of the best back country ski terrain in the world…right in Whistler’s backyard!
I feel 100% safe putting my family's and I's lives in Guillaume's hands. The team is highly skilled and highly talented and know the mountain better than the back of their hands. Lots of fun and lots of excitement!
I am still smiling thinking back to all the amazing views, friendship and fun. On a separate note, meals prepared by Guillaume and CMGs are just next level. From fresh veggies to wine, I have never been so full of amazing food. You can count on me as a repeat customer for many years to come.
Guillaume‘s attention to detail, safety first approach and passion for providing the best service possible, regardless of conditions, has made our client ski day something that everyone looks forward to!