Preparation

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2++ Course will provide an intermediate to advanced level decision-making framework that includes multiple days in the field. Keith screens all applicants for Lodge Based AST2++ courses to make sure each student has the ability to handle the vertical ups and downhill terrain for each specific lodge. Prior to the course start, please:

• Make yourself familiar with the Avalanche Canada website.  In particular, please check the latest Bulletin for the Hilda/Outpost terrain, the South Columbia.
• You will find several good resources on the “Learn” tab of the AvCan website, particularly the Online Avalanche Tutorial. This gives a detailed look at everything covered in AST2++. Please spend several hours studying this resource.
• All students are required to sign a waiver at the beginning of the course.  See a copy of the Waiver under Student Resources.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: We understand that the AST2+ week at a lodge is a big financial commitment. Occasionally events occur that may prevent you from joining us due to missed flight connection, job loss, death of a family member or your own illness or injury.  When an unexpected event prevents you from travelling, Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption reimburses travel costs if your trip is cancelled before you leave or disrupted after it has begun. To avoid any financial hardship that an unexpected cancellation or interruption could cause, we recommend purchasing Trip Cancellation/Interruption to protect your trip investment. Trip Cancellation/Interruption costs about 5% of your trip cost. Contact our preferred provider Lifestyle Financial and they can provide you with a quote for both Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance and Emergency Medical Insurance (if needed). Travel Insurance Link for Guests

Equipment:

Here is a suggested list of gear and food: Lodge Based AST2 Suggested Packing List

Required reading from Valkyr Adventures:

This is the Helicopter information for Hilda and Lequereux Outpost:  helicopter-and-staging-area

This is an additional Hilda Lodge Information Sheet:  hilda-hut-info-sheet

Navigation:

Each student will bring a device with the surrounding terrain downloaded for offline use. On the map image below, Hilda lodge is located to the right of the 1st lake which is NE of Hilda Peak at elevation 1940m.