As winter draws near and you gear up for backcountry adventures, developing avalanche safety knowledge is critical for any skier, snowboarder, climber or winter mountaineer. Avalanche Skills Training (AST) courses, developed in conjunction with the curriculum designed by Avalanche Canada, serve as the cornerstone for learning how to confidently navigate avalanche terrain. But with multiple course levels available, it can be helpful to understand the differences between AST 1, AST 1 Refresher, and AST 2, so you can choose the right course for your current skill set and goals.
AST 1: The Foundation for Avalanche Awareness
The Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) course is the starting point for anyone looking to explore the backcountry in winter. This course provides a solid foundation in avalanche awareness, terrain assessment, and essential rescue skills.
Key Topics Covered in AST 1:
- Avalanche Basics: How and why avalanches occur, the types of avalanches, and common triggers.
- Avalanche Terrain: Identifying avalanche-prone slopes and learning how to recognize and avoid hazards.
- Snowpack Evaluation: Basic snow stability assessments and understanding the importance of weather conditions.
- Rescue Techniques: Introduction to using an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel in a companion rescue scenario.
The course consists of one day of classroom-based learning and one day of fieldwork. It’s designed for newcomers to avalanche safety, providing the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in simple to moderately complex terrain.
AST 1 Refresher: Sharpening the Skills You’ve Learned
After taking the AST 1, it’s easy to feel confident, but regular practice is essential to maintaining your knowledge and skills. The AST 1 Refresher course is perfect for those who have completed the AST 1 but want to brush up on what they’ve learned—especially if it’s been a few seasons since your last course.
What the AST 1 Refresher Offers:
- Quick Review of Key Concepts: A condensed review of avalanche basics, terrain identification, and snowpack assessments.
- Hands-On Practice: Emphasis on field-based activities such as route finding and mock rescues to ensure participants stay proficient in real-world skills.
- Updated Information: Avalanche science and terrain management techniques evolve, and the AST 1 Refresher provides insights into the latest research and best practices.
- This course is ideal for people returning to the backcountry after a gap, providing the confidence and practical experience to refresh their decision-making and rescue skills.
AST 2: Advanced Terrain and Complex Decision-Making
Once you’ve completed the AST 1 and spent time gaining experience in the backcountry, the AST 2 is the next logical step for more advanced skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers. The AST 2 delves deeper into avalanche dynamics, complex terrain analysis, and enhanced rescue techniques.
Key Topics Covered in AST 2:
- Snowpack Analysis: Detailed snow assessment techniques, including digging snow pits and recognizing layers of instability.
- Advanced Terrain Selection: Managing risk in more complex, high-consequence terrain where terrain traps and large avalanche paths are present.
- Group Decision-Making: Techniques for managing group dynamics and applying critical thinking to make sound decisions in the backcountry.
- Comprehensive Rescue Techniques: Expanding on AST 1 skills, AST 2 covers multi-victim rescue scenarios, including organizing rescues in larger groups.
The AST 2 is a multi-day course, blending classroom instruction with multiple field days in more challenging terrain. It’s geared toward participants who have already logged time in avalanche terrain and are looking to explore steeper, more technical terrain.
Which Course is Right for You?
Take AST 1 if you’re new to avalanche safety or have limited experience in avalanche terrain.
Take the AST 1 Refresher if you’ve completed AST 1 and are heading back into the backcountry after a break, or if you want to refresh your skills for the season.
Take AST 2 if you’ve gained experience in the backcountry after completing AST 1 and are ready to tackle more complex, challenging terrain.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push into more serious backcountry adventures, these courses offer the knowledge and practical skills needed to stay safe while enjoying the beauty of winter terrain. As always, avalanche safety is a lifelong learning process, and continuous education is key to developing confidence and competence in the backcountry.
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