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AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course, January 3 & 4, 2026

Published by Yvonne Blum on

Date: Jan 03, 2026 to Jan 04, 2026

Time: All Day

Category: Education

️AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training Course

Category: Education
Dates: January 3–4, 2026 (Saturday + Sunday)
Location: Comox Valley (Day 1) / Mount Washington (Day 2)

Island Alpine Guides (IAG), in collaboration with the Alpine Club of Canada – Vancouver Island Section (ACC-VI), is offering an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1) course at a special member-only rate.

Cost: $268 

This discounted price reflects:

  • A course discount generously provided by Island Alpine Guides, and
  • An additional subsidy from the ACC-VI Education Budget, supporting member access to high-quality mountain education.

Note: Due to the limited number of spots and the subsidized nature of this offering, no refunds will be issued for cancellations. 

Registration:  To register, please email Yvonne Blum at and include “AST 1” in the subject line of your message. Once you express interest, you will receive:

  • Instructions on how to submit your payment, and
  • A copy of the AST Informed Consent Form, which must be completed as part of the registration process.

Please note: Your spot in the course will only be confirmed once both payment and the completed consent form have been received. After confirmation, you will be provided with a private booking link to finalize your registration directly with Island Alpine Guides.

 

Curriculum:
  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release
  • Recognize avalanche terrain
  • Develop a pre-trip plan
  • Use the Avaluator decision-making system
  • Interpret avalanche bulletins
  • Safe travel in avalanche terrain (uphill and down)
  • Complete slope scale assessments
  • Enact a companion rescue
Included in the price:
  • 2 days of instruction with a certified instructor
  • Certificate of completion
  • Avalanche Skills Training Handbook
  • Avaluator Trip Planner/Slope Assessment Tool
  • Avalanche Canada student fee
Not included in the price:
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment 
  • Avi Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe – available as an add-on)
  • Lift ticket (available as an add on)

Requirements:

Avalanche Skills Training 1 is an introductory avalanche course designed for individuals with little to no avalanche related experience. However, to comfortably participate we ask that you: 
  • Have moderate fitness (able to hike for 2-3 hours/day)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations (consider practicing with your transceiver beforehand if possible)
  • Be prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see the full gear list within the AST1 Washington course infopage on the Island Alpine Guides website)

ACCVI members registering for the 3 – 4 January course directly via the ACCVI will be grouped together on the course field day and as such can use skis, boards, and/or snowshoes for that field day. Please note that any skiers/boarders in the group will need to travel at a snowshoers pace for the group to stick together. Those wanting to use skis/boards for the field day must also meet the following additional course prerequisites: 

  • Are a strong intermediate skier or boarder (able to ride blue square-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural, un-groomed conditions with a pack on your back). If your ski/boarding experience does not meet this level, you can use snowshoes for this ACCVI course date.
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations (consider practicing with your transceiver beforehand and your transitions with your touring set up in and out of walk and ride mode).

More Details: Full course information is available on the Island Alpine Guides website.

Group Size: Maximum of 8 participants to ensure a high-quality learning experience.