Included: An experienced, certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area A classroom day and a full day in the field Extra day in the field for the AST 1+ course Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 certificate (upon successful completion) A Companion Rescue Field Card acknowledging completion date at course end Avaluator Booklet Canadian Avalanche Association mandatory student fee Not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Accommodation Food and snacks Parking Shuttle services

How fit do I need to be?

In order to get the most of this adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain. Prerequisites: You need to be at least an intermediate skier seeing as you’ll need to be able to ascend moderate slopes using skins. All participants should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear. You should also have an average level of fitness.

Waiver and release of liability

Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking. Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver . During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip. Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

What equipment do I need to bring?

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring: Alpine touring skis or splitboard with skins and bindings (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe For personal items, we recommend bringing: Helmet Sunglasses or ski goggles Gloves A warm hat/toque and balaclava Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Down or synthetic insulated jacket or vest Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks Mid layer fleece top One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Water bottle and 1L of water Thermos with a warm beverage — optional Food you can eat on-the-go First-aid kit with blister kit Sunscreen Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 25-35L backpack) Pen, paper/notebook, face mask (for Classroom Day) Laptop (for Classroom Day) — optional Map, compass, GPS — optional Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including beacon, shovel and probe from Valhalla Pure Outfitters Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Urban Alpine Rental locations are in Squamish and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For the group courses, the max client to guide ratio is 8:1. Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. For the private course, the max client to guide ratio is 8:1. The cost for the private course is per person and decreases as your group grows, making it a perfect opportunity to learn with your friends and family! Courses in Squamish, BC, can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 19, you’re good to go. Guests under the age of 19 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver on their behalf. If anyone under the age of 19 wants to join your group, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Squamish, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport , about 1.5 hours away from Squamish. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. If you’ve opted for the in-person course, you’ll head to the guiding company’s classroom location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group. For the field day, a shuttle service can be arranged for those without the appropriate vehicle and snow chains to book the shuttle service.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

Squamish | British Columbia

AST Level 1 Avalanche Courses in Squamish

1-2 days

From $259 ()

Known for placing great emphasis on outdoor recreation, Squamish is a welcoming destination with enough variety to keep the most versatile of thrill-seekers engaged at all times. Its captivating nature has something in store for everyone, and the snow-blanketed towering peaks with acres of deep powder and pristine slopes are ideal for anyone keen on backcountry skiing. However, off-piste skiing and the formidable nature around you can be treacherous, and things can go south in the blink of an eye. If an avalanche strikes while you’re on the slopes, the environment around you becomes perilous. Avoid all of this and hire an expert guide to help you master the fundamental avalanche safety skills. You’ll acquire both theoretical knowledge in a classroom setting and then put all of it to use in Squamish’s marvelous backcountry. Become a safer and more confident skier and enjoy some phenomenal vistas along the way!

Adventure Highlights

Learn the fundamental avalanche skills amid towering powdery peaks
Squamish’s backcountry is known for broad terrain and teems with steeps and alpine bowls
The perfect combo of classroom theory and practical application in splendid backcountry

Duration

1-2 days

Season

December through April

Group size

Up to 8 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This course will help you understand and recognize the risky conditions that one can encounter in the backcountry and prepare you for any challenges that it might throw your way. Your certified and knowledgeable instructor will make sure that you understand everything you need to know on the first day so that you can apply this newly-acquired knowledge in Squamish on the second day. Learn avalanche safety theory and master the fundamental avalanche skills in the field to become a safer skier!

AST Level 1 Course

Day 1 – Classroom Day

You will be provided with a log-in and password for an online learning course that covers all of the classroom related materials.
Everyone will sign waivers before starting on the course theory.

Day 2 – Field Day

7:30am: Meet your guides for a short Classroom Session. The guide will lead a short briefing (discussing current conditions and weather) and have everyone perform a gear check.
8:30am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning to apply the skills you learned online.
4:00pm: Back at meeting location for pm debrief.

This course will help you understand and recognize the possible and unforeseen pitfalls that you could encounter in the backcountry and help you prepare for any challenges that you may face. Join a private local guide and master the fundamental avalanche theory on the first day. On the second day, put your newfound knowledge into practice in Squamish’s true backcountry!

AST Level 1 Course

Day 1 – Classroom Day

You will be provided with a log-in and password for an online learning course that covers all of the classroom related materials.
Everyone will sign waivers before starting on the course theory.

Day 2 – Field Day

7:30am: Meet your guides for a short Classroom Session. The guide will lead a short briefing (discussing current conditions and weather) and have everyone perform a gear check.
8:30am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning to apply the skills you learned online.
4:00pm: Back at meeting location for pm debrief.

Proper training with hands-on experience will make your backcountry adventures in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. The AST 1+course includes an extra field day that the regular AST 1 doesn’t—ideal for people that really want some experience in the snow. After you have completed the online learning at home we will do a brief classroom session on the first day before heading out into the backcountry. Spend 2 full days in the field, based out of the Squamish and Whistler areas, and cover an exhaustive set of avalanche preparedness skills.

AST 1+ Level 1 Course

Day 0.5 – Classroom Day

You will be provided with a log-in and password for an online learning course that covers all of the classroom related materials.

Day 1 & 2 – Field Days

8:00am: Morning Classroom Session
9:30am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning
4:00pm: Back at meeting location for pm debrief

If you’ve taken your AST Level 1 some time ago and everything you learned seems a bit distant, this AST refresher course is ideal for you! Focus on updating and refreshing your skills, covering any changes in best practice or technology, and practicing to make your backcountry adventures avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable. Let your experienced and certified local guides share their knowledge about winter travel, avalanche operations, and forecasting, adding an extra dimension of interest to your training.

AST Refresher Course

Day 1 – Classroom Day

You will be provided with a log-in and password for an online learning course that covers all of the classroom related materials.
The online course is then followed up by a 1-2hr Zoom meeting with your instructor.

Day 2 – Field Day

8:00am-Morning Classroom Session
9:30am-Head out the door for a day of ski touring & learning
4:00pm-Back at meeting location for pm debrief

Adventure Architect

Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.

Start Designing

Photo gallery

A day in the field during an AST Level 2 Course in Squamish

Applying newfound knowledge in the field

Guide and participants during their AST 2 course in Squamish

Participants and their guide on a field day in Squamish

Adventure, packed to go

AST Level 1 Avalanche Courses in Squamish

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

Download now

Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Monte

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Monte, the majority owner and driver behind BlackSheep, is an ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide based in Squamish, BC. After earning an engineering degree, he left the desk job behind to pursue guiding, avalanche forecasting, and film safety full-time. Monte has climbed and skied worldwide—from Patagonia to Japan—and frequently explores new adventures. Close to home, he’s experienced spots like the Bugaboos, Rockies, and Yosemite. A passionate gear enthusiast, Monte also tests and reviews the latest outdoor equipment.

5.00

Mountain Skills Academy

ACMG/IFMGA Certified Guides

Go beyond the touring terrain with courses in avalanche safety, setting tracks, crevasse rescue, and more. These are the people to call for comprehensive backcountry safety training as well as epic tours.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A classroom day and a full day in the field
  - Extra day in the field for the AST 1+ course
  - Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 certificate (upon successful completion)
  - A Companion Rescue Field Card acknowledging completion date at course end
  - Avaluator Booklet
  - Canadian Avalanche Association mandatory student fee
Not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Accommodation
  - Food and snacks
  - Parking
  - Shuttle services
In order to get the most of this adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

Prerequisites: You need to be at least an intermediate skier seeing as you’ll need to be able to ascend moderate slopes using skins. All participants should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear. You should also have an average level of fitness.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
- - Alpine touring skis or splitboard with skins and bindings (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Helmet
  - Sunglasses or ski goggles
  - Gloves
  - A warm hat/toque and balaclava
  - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Down or synthetic insulated jacket or vest
  - Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
  - Mid layer fleece top
  - One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Water bottle and 1L of water
  - Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - First-aid kit with blister kit
  - Sunscreen
  - Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 25-35L backpack)
  - Pen, paper/notebook, face mask (for Classroom Day)
  - Laptop (for Classroom Day) — optional
  - Map, compass, GPS — optional
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including beacon, shovel and probe from Valhalla Pure Outfitters
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Urban Alpine
Rental locations are in Squamish and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - For the group courses, the max client to guide ratio is 8:1.
  - Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
  - For the private course, the max client to guide ratio is 8:1.
  - The cost for the private course is per person and decreases as your group grows, making it a perfect opportunity to learn with your friends and family!
Courses in Squamish, BC, can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 19, you’re good to go.
  - Guests under the age of 19 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.
If anyone under the age of 19 wants to join your group, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Squamish, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport, about 1.5 hours away from Squamish. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. If you’ve opted for the in-person course, you’ll head to the guiding company’s classroom location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

For the field day, a shuttle service can be arranged for those without the appropriate vehicle and snow chains to book the shuttle service.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

If the Client cancels the Booking…
- - More than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the start of the tour, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the 12% rescheduling or refund fee.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

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