AST 1
The standard avalanche course, taught beside Whistler Blackcomb.
- Length: 20.5 Hours
- Where: Whistler Blackcomb
- Season: Dec–Apr
- Level: Beginner
- Guide ratio: 1:8
- Price: $395 CAD per person
AST 1 is the avalanche course every backcountry traveller should hold, built on the Canadian Avalanche Association curriculum. An evening lecture on how avalanches form and how to plan a trip, then two field days reading terrain, using your transceiver, and making real decisions in real snow.
The course is based in Whistler, with field days in the backcountry beside Whistler Blackcomb. You leave able to plan and travel on a published avalanche bulletin, and to run a companion rescue if it comes to it.
What you'll cover
An evening online lecture, then two full days in avalanche terrain beside Whistler Blackcomb. Backcountry lift tickets can be pre-arranged through our office, and custom courses in the Sea to Sky are welcome.
Day by day
- Day 1 — Evening lecture 7:00–8:30pm, online. How avalanches work, the bulletin, trip planning, and the decision framework for the field.
- Day 2 — Field & theory 8:15am–5:00pm. Terrain reading, uphill travel, and the science applied in real snow beside Whistler Blackcomb.
- Day 3 — Field & debrief 8:15am–5:00pm. Transceiver searches, companion rescue, and a full debrief of the decisions made.
What's included
- Avalanche instructor
- AST 1 certificate on completion
- Avaluator & online resources
- Transceiver, probe & shovel rentals available
- Backcountry lift ticket pre-arrangement
Is this for me?
Good fitness and the ability to ski blue runs on piste. Bring transceiver, probe, and shovel (rentals available). We also run dedicated youth AST 1 courses — ask when booking.
What to bring
- Touring setup or splitboard (rental available)
- Transceiver, probe & shovel (rental available)
- Winter layers, gloves & goggles
- Lunch, water & thermos