Covid measures in Squamish

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Squamish, BC, please refer to the Explore Squamish and the Government of British Columbia. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: 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 What’s 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.

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.

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

Squamish | British Columbia

AST Level 1 Avalanche Courses in Squamish

Season

December through April

Nearest city

Vancouver, BC, is just under an hour away

Duration

2-3 days

Skill level

Beginner to intermediate

Guides

Monte Johnston, Black Sheep Adventure Sports, Mountain Skills Academy

From $135 () / 1-2 days

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

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!

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

Available itineraries

Group AST Level 1 Course

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!

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.

Private AST Level 1 Course

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!

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.

3-Day Hybrid AST Level 1 Course

This online course is specifically designed to address the ongoing pandemic—it is ideal for those with busy schedules and you can access it from the comfort of your home. The course and your certified instructor will help you understand and recognize the perils of the backcountry and prepare you for any challenges that you may chance upon. Learn avalanche safety theory online and on the third day, head out in true backcountry and put the newly-acquired knowledge into practice.

Online part of the course is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the field day on Saturdays.

Group AST 1+ Level 1 Course

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.

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

AST Refresher Course

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.

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

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Download AST Level 1 Avalanche Courses in Squamish Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

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Monte Johnston

Monte is a ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Apprentice Alpine and Rock guide based out of Squamish BC. He’s climbed and skied all over the world but he settled in BC because of the easy access to amazing climbing and skiing.

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Black Sheep Adventures is a team of local ACMG Certified guides and experienced professionals but they’re also a ton of fun and really enjoy what they do! Adventure is personal so you want a guide that will not only help keep you safe, but share the experience and go the extra mile to get you the trip of your dreams. Their range of courses and trips is a great way to get to know people and develop relationships. Once they know someone, they can really work with them to create custom and unique trips that call to their sense of adventure.

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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

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Squamish, BC, please refer to the Explore Squamish and the Government of British Columbia.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- - 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
What’s 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.
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.