AST 2 – Battle Abbey Lodge

Day 1: Arrival & Introductory Field Session
Meeting Point: Alpine Helicopters Hangar, Golden, BC – 10 AM (local time)

We kick off the program at Alpine Helicopters in Golden, BC, with an equipment check, companion rescue training review and pre-flight safety briefing. From there, we fly into the spectacular Battle Abbey Lodge, nestled deep in the Selkirk Mountains. 

After unloading our gear at the lodge, we will use the helicopter to bump us to the top of our first run to take advantage of the incredible terrain right outside the door! Starting the program with some turns will set the tone. After our first run, we’ll dive into more advanced companion rescue skills, including instruction and practice in transceiver searches, probing, and shoveling techniques.  

Each evening features short classroom sessions to build the theoretical foundation for the days ahead. Topics include: 

• Avalanche formation and characteristics 
• Terrain recognition and the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) 
• Snowpack changes and snow metamorphism 
• Avalanche Danger Scale and how to interpret public bulletins 
• Snow stability concepts and slab propagation tests 
• Introduction to the Avaluator™ decision-making tool 
• Backcountry planning and preparation 

Days 2–4: Avalanche Training & Ski Touring in the Selkirks 

With the world-class terrain of the Battle Abbey backcountry as our classroom, these full field days focus on practical application of avalanche safety principles, route selection, and terrain management. Each day’s ski tour is carefully chosen based on conditions, objectives, and group input. 

You’ll take an active role in the planning and decision-making process as we build your ability to travel confidently in avalanche terrain. 

Field day topics include: 

• Using the Avalanche Danger Scale in the field 
• Avalanche terrain identification and travel techniques 
• Route finding and hazard mitigation strategies 
• Practical use of the Avaluator™ 
• Interpreting weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations 
• Performing snow profiles, compression tests, and extended column tests 
• Evaluating snow stability and avalanche hazard 
• Group management and safety procedures 
• Decision-making under uncertainty and human factors 
• Advanced companion rescue: single and multiple burials, probing, and shoveling techniques 

Evening sessions will review the day’s lessons and introduce advanced theory to support your development as a backcountry decision-maker. 

Day 5: Field half day and Departure
Final Tour and Return to Golden, BC – Flight at 12:20 PM 

With an early breakfast we will finish off our last half day at Battle Abbey looking for turns and consolidating the final AST 2 skills. We are looking to get the most out of the experience!  

We wrap up the course with a final flight back to Golden. You’ll leave Battle Abbey with enhanced skills, greater confidence in avalanche terrain, and unforgettable memories from an immersive mountain experience. 

Instructors & Group Size

Yamnuska avalanche instructors are ACMG and IFMGA guides who are trained and certified by the Canadian Avalanche Association. They are true practitioners with years and in some cases, decades of experience in the backcountry, practicing what they preach.  For this program we will be teaming up with Battle Abbey’s professional guides who match our high level of certification and experience. Yamnuska has been offering Avalanche courses since the late 1970s and we have been instrumental in the curriculum development of the AST programs. We are proud of our rich history in training recreationists in Canada.    

The Battle Abbey AST 2 has a maximum of 10 participants and a minimum of 5. We will be operating at low ratios, typically 1 guide to 3 or 4 guests, so you should expect a tailored and in depth experience on this program. 

Program Logistics

We will meet at the Alpine Helicopters Hangar in Golden, BC at 10:00 am (local time) on day 1.

After introductions and an equipment check, we’ll start with companion rescue training, followed by a helicopter safety briefing and a scenic 15-minute flight to Battle Abbey. We’ll drop our bags at the lodge and head straight back to the helicopter for a bump to the top of our first run.

Each evening we will cover a short classroom session to give us the base theory needed for our field days

The next four days will be spent in the backcountry areas around the lodge.

Transportation

Participants are responsible for their own transport to Golden, BC. Golden is a 2-hour (165km) drive west from Canmore. Helicopter transport to and from Battle Abbey Lodge is included.

If you are flying from afar for the program, we suggest that you rent a car for your visit.

Accommodation and Meals

Perched at 2,200 m (7,200 ft) near the headwaters of Butters Creek, Battle Abbey offers exceptional Selkirk Mountain skiing right from the front door. Below the lodge lies 550 m of exciting tree skiing, while above, expansive alpine and glaciated bowls await.

Originally built in 1978 by Hans Gmoser, Bill Putman, and friends, the lodge blends old-world mountain charm with modern comforts. Following five major renovations—most recently in summer 2024—it now features over 3,000 sq ft of beautifully updated space across three levels.

The lodge includes five cozy guest rooms (bedding provided), a spacious lounge with fireplace, glass-enclosed sitting area, and two indoor restrooms with full washroom facilities. Guests enjoy hot showers, a cedar sauna, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a large gear room with ample drying space.

All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5, with hearty, chef-prepared dishes and snacks served throughout the day. A complimentary espresso bar with locally roasted beans and a well-stocked wine cellar and bar round out the experience. Battle Abbey is a refined backcountry retreat that balances comfort, community, and adventure. Alcoholic beverages are an additional cost.

Note: Should we be unable to fly into Battle Abbey Lodge on the scheduled day, any additional costs for accommodation or meals are not covered.

Due to helicopter capacity guests are permitted 35lbs of personal luggage, plus a day pack with extra ski clothing and their ski equipment. Luggage should be packed in a small to medium-sized duffle bag (traditional suitcases are not appropriate). Please note that guests will be asked to wear their ski gear, including boots and helmets, as we will be aiming to drop bags off at the Lodge and use the helicopter to bump us to the top of our first ski run! 

Equipment & Clothing 

Yamnuska and Battle Abbey supply classroom materials, avalanche equipment, and specialized snow study equipment only. Please bring a notebook and pen as well as your Avaluator  from the AST 1 course. On the field days, Yamnuska/Battle Abbey will supply, an avalanche transceiver with batteries, an avalanche probe, and an avalanche shovel.  We also supply group snow study kits and snow saws. 

You will need to bring: 

Skis or Splitboard 

Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding that allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then locks down to become like a regular downhill binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background in downhill skiing. 

Splitboards – If boarding you need to be an advanced boarder and you must use a ‘splitboard’. A snowboard and snowshoe combination is not acceptable. Please don’t bring a board if you’ve never boarded in the backcountry before.  Poles are essential for boarders. 

Equipment List 

• Skis/Splitboards: We recommend a short (160 – 185cm) wide ski designed for powder. Snowboards must be splitboards.  Please see the note under rental information if you are renting ski equipment. 
• Ski poles (for splitboarders as well) 
• Climbing skins 
• Daypack (large enough for spare clothes, lunch & equipment, 35L minimum recommended) 
• Avaluator™
• Sunglasses and/or ski goggles 
• Thermos flask and/or water bottle (1 – 2 Liters) 
• Sunscreen 
• Small Blister and Personal 1st-Aid Kit 
• Personal Toiletries including hand sanitizer 
• Headlight with extra batteries 
• Helmet (recommended)  
• Personal towels 

Optional Equipment 

• Camera 
• Compass with clinometer 
• Snow thermometer 

Yamnuska/Battle Abbey supplies but feel free to bring if you have: 

• Snow saw 
• Snow Study Kit 

Clothing List 

On the field days, there can be prolonged periods of inactivity in very cold temperatures. We recommend bringing extra layers. Light clothing of varying thicknesses that can be ‘layered’ to achieve comfort and versatility. The most important consideration for clothing is the ability to regulate temperature as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. Cotton clothing is not appropriate as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. 

• Long Underwear (top and bottom). They should be synthetic such as Capilene or Merino Wool. 
• Warm pants (softshell, insulated, or fleece) 
• Warm shirt (not cotton) 
• Sweater or fleece jacket 
• Insulated jacket or vest. This is essential for staying warm while taking breaks or when the weather gets really cold.   
• Waterproof jacket with hood and pants (Gore-Tex) A hardshell setup is essential when the weather turns really wet.   
• Socks (wool outer, synthetic blend liner). A good pair of socks goes a long way in preventing blisters. (3 pairs) 
• Wool or fleece hat that covers the ears 
• Buff 
• Warm gloves and light glove liner 
• Casual clothing for inside the lodge. Keep this to a minimum. Towels and linen are provided by Battle Abbey Lodge. 
• Bathing suit for the sauna 

Rental Information 

Skis, Boots, Boards, Skins & Poles can be rented from Battle Abbey. Please contact us for details. 

*Please note that your ‘DIN’ or ‘Release Value’ settings on your ski bindings are critical to your safety while skiing.  Our expectation is that everyone arrives on programs with their ski binding’s release value correctly set. We have noted that some ski rental shops will not set release values on touring bindings. We advise you to rent from Battle Abbey who will set release values on your ski touring bindings. Failure to have Release Values correctly set could result in a serious injury. 

Please call our office if you have any questions.

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a $1500 deposit (including taxes) at the time of booking for bookings before September 30th. The final payment is due September 30th. 

Cancellation notices which are received in writing prior to the final payment date are refundable less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellation notices received after the final payment due date are non-refundable.

No refunds will be given for weather-related trip changes or if you cannot join excursions due to injury or illness.

It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary. 

Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here.  Please note that you will be required to sign both Yamnuska and Battle Abbey’s waivers before commencing the program. Please review Yamnuska’s waiver and the Battle Abbey Waiver. 

As part of your trip to Battle Abbey, guests have the option to purchase a $100 helicopter medical evacuation insurance provided by the Battle Abbey team. This coverage ensures that if a guest sustains an injury in the field (e.g., a knee injury), the cost of an otherwise expensive helicopter transport from Battle Abbey to Golden, BC’s airport is covered. We do not cover helicopter long-lining work (a relatively rare requirement). 

Please note: This insurance does not cover any potential costs associated with medical care at the hospital for out-of-province or international guests. 

Travel Insurance: Weather delay costs or any additional travel costs that arise due to weather conditions are not covered this insurance. Costs can include: hotel nights in Golden BC, lost luggage, additional shuttle van transfer costs, domestic and international flight change costs, taxis, etc.

Purchasing additional travel insurance removes the stress of dealing with the additional costs and ensures greater enjoyment!  

The Simpson Group offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for both Canadian and International Travelers. Other providers offer similar services and we encourage you to select an appropriate level of coverage. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. The two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider are Medical and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. 

Insurance Risk 
One of the ways to mitigate risk is by purchasing appropriate insurance. Simpson Group Insurance Services who are travel & health risk specialists, work with technical and high-risk insurance solutions both in medical and non-medical spheres.  We highly recommend that you review your insurance needs to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Simpson Group have a team standing by to answer any of your questions. 

Emergency Medical Evacuation
While there is typically no charge for search & rescue, costs such as air & ground ambulance after the rescue are not covered through provincial programs. There are also other circumstances that may not be covered. The chance of a large bill associated with this risk is a real possibility. 

For Canadians
A common myth is that healthcare across provinces is fully covered. There are many things which do not carry interprovincial agreements. Ambulance services, medical evacuation, and some services which one province charges more than another you’d be responsible to pay the difference. 

For Internationals
A common myth is that healthcare in Canada is free. Although it is less expensive than US healthcare, charges for non-residents can still be very high. Proper medical health insurance is essential if you were to get injured. Most coverages exclude rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing and the like. Simpson Group can make sure all those risks are well covered. 

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons, business, family, flight delays, injuries, and other unplanned events.  For these eventualities, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment. We can assure you that circumstances do arise that prevent guests from participating in trips or courses and trip cancellation & interruption insurance is a relatively easy way to manage your level of risk of unforeseen events. 

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend Simpson Group Insurance Services.  For more information and to purchase a plan, visit Simpson Group’s website.