Introduction

Thank you for your interest in AST courses offered through Kootenay Avalanche Courses. The focus will be toward maximizing safety and fun in the winter backcountry. I use tools from work in the field of psychology to promote a positive learning environment for students. I co-authored the AST Handbook in 2018. I also updated the curriculum for the AST 2 program for Avalanche Canada in 2020. Be prepared for an engaging and interactive course. Think of the AST as a two part program. AST1 is Part 1 and generally prepares you to be a follower but also an active participant in a group of backcountry recreationists. AST2+ is Part 2 and helps prepare you to be a leader.

New for 2022-23: All AST 2 courses now are AST 2+. This means that you will participate in a season-long course going from November – April. Every month the group will meet via Zoom to discuss the current snowpack, techniques for managing risk, and aspects of the AST 2 curriculum, so that the learning sticks rather than being forgotten a few weeks after your course is completed.

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Prerequisites for the AST 2+

• AST 1 or permission from the instructor in cases of equivalent training.
• You must have a minimum of at least 20 backcountry days.
• You should be proficient skiing/boarding in powder up to at least 35 degrees in open and treed terrain.
• Your fitness should be sufficient for you to complete a tour of at least 3,000 vertical feet.
• Age 19 and older or 16-18 enrolled with their legal guardian.

Course Goals

At the end of the course, learners be able to:

• Demonstrate how to use the decision-making skills of a group to manage avalanche risk. 

• Use intermediate to advanced concepts to describe the theoretical framework of avalanche terrain and snowpack. 

• Plan and carry out trips using the seven steps of the daily process. 

• Organize and lead companion rescue. 

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. The prerequisite for this course is the AST 1.  If your prior training is dated or from outside Canada and you’re not sure whether to sign up for the AST 1 or 2, please contact Keith to discuss. Prior to the course start, please:

• Make yourself familiar with the Avalanche Canada website.  In particular, please check the latest Bulletin for our region, the Kootenay Boundary.  
• You will find several good resources on the “Learn” tab of the AvCan website, particularly Avy Savvy. This gives a detailed look at everything covered in AST2+. Please spend at least an hour+ studying this resource. You could spend up to several hours. Any time invested in pre-course learning will enhance your experience when you show up for your AST2 Course.
• Review the Equipment List. It is your responsibility to have all the gear in working order before the course starts.
• All students are required to sign a waiver at the beginning of day one of the course.  You can review a copy of the Waiver under Student Resources.

Below, you’ll find a typical outline for your course. The AST 2 starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Locations and times are subject to change. Preparation will help make the experience more positive for you and your classmates. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

AST 2 First Day Classroom/Field

0800 – Meet at Seven Summits Centre For Learning, 2110 First Avenue, Rossland (OR VIA ZOOM). Classroom: Introduction to AST2, Review course participate background, Set Goals & Review Safety Considerations, Sign Waivers and Pass out Course Books, Trip Planner and Slope Specific Decision Tool, Review plan for Day 2, Equipment needs. Afternoon field session: Companion Rescue practice outside.

1730 – Conclude

AST 2 Second Day Field/Classroom

0730 – Carpool to ski touring location in the Monashee Range, TBD.

0800 – Backcountry Touring Day, Terrain analysis, Snow stability evaluation, Trip planner, Slope specific decision-making, Group travel, Lead companion rescue exercises.

1530 – Go home to shower, change, and fuel.

1700 – Via Zoom to cover curriculum, plan tomorrow’s field day, Equipment needs.

1900 – Conclude

AST 2 Third Day Field/Classroom

0730 – Carpool to ski touring location in the Monashee Range, TBD.

0800 – Backcountry Touring Day, Terrain analysis, Snow stability evaluation, Trip planner, Slope specific decision-making, Group travel, Lead companion rescue exercises.

1530 – Go home to shower, change, and fuel.

1700 – Via Zoom to cover curriculum, plan tomorrow’s field day, Equipment needs.

1900 – Conclude

AST 2 Fourth Day Field/Classroom

0700 – Carpool to ski touring location in the Selkirk Range, TBD.

0800 – Backcountry Touring Day, Students lead the tour, breaking into smaller groups where appropriate.

1530 – Certificate ceremony, course evaluation.

1600 – Go home to shower, change, and fuel.

1730 – Via Zoom for Course review, Discuss how learnings will impact backcountry travel going forward, wish list for the future.

1900 – AST Level 2 Course concludes.

Keith has a great teaching style, very inclusive and welcoming, making a nice group vibe.

The combination of indoor and outdoor experiential practice was really helpful.

You were incredibly knowledgeable weaving stories, psychology, and experience in such an engaging way.