Take Notes [Photo: Tom Wilson Media]

I have been teaching Avalanche Safety Courses for over a decade. I stumbled upon this process several years ago, which always resonates with students. Why not use the scientific method to supercharge our learning? One of the most excellent tools humans have ever discovered can be applied to backcountry skiing! This isn't a way to make backcountry s...

In this video, our lead guide, Judson, gives you a taste of what you will learn in our AST 2 program. In this lesson, we use a catastrophic avalanche video to demonstrate how avalanches are formed and how they release. Are you looking to increase your confidence in the backcountry?  Our courses are the best way to maximize your fun and safety ...

We all share common traits as backcountry skiers: a passion for powder, the thrill of adventure, and the challenges of navigating unpredictable terrain. But there's something else we all share—our humanity. Human biases are an inherent part of our decision-making process, and while some biases can serve us well, others can lead us astray. In the ba...

December 1, 2022 Today we break from field observations to give a general overview of the snowpack and avalanche conditions we are seeing. In this video we breakdown: The Avalanche Canada Bulletin in the North and South of the region. Snowpack depths for various locations and elevations.The layers we see in the snowpack and their distributionA deta...

Welcome to our video series on collecting free information in the backcountry.  What is free information?  Free information is safe, easily accessible, and timely.  #1 Know Before You Go Exploring the backcountry in the winter is a unique experience, however there are many things to consider before venturing out of bounds. All profes...

Welcome to our video series on collecting free information in the backcountry. What is free information? Free information is safe, easily accessible, and timely. #2 Talk To People, Keep Each Other Safe Communicating with others in the parking lots or on the trails can help guide your day and make it safer for everyone. Sharing your plans/routes wit...

Welcome to our video series on collecting free information in the backcountry.  What is free information?  Free information is safe, easily accessible, and timely.  In this 1st video, we explain what free information is. Your backcountry tour begins from the comforts of your home before you step foot on the mountain. This is also the...

Kootenay Backcountry Guides - 5 Rules Card

If you've taken a course with us you know how essential this card is! For those who haven't taken one of our courses, this is our decision-making cheat sheet. The decision-making process starts at home before you even leave the house. It starts with a gear checklist, then lists essential before-leaving-home reminders: Leave a trip planCheck the for...

AST 2 Students, Hummingbird Pass Whitewater Ski Resort

One of the frequently asked questions we get at KBG is: When will I be ready to take the AST-2?   Ultimately the decision rests in your hands and should be in line with your backcountry goals and experience. In this post, we aim to help your decision by providing you with information that may help.  Students should consider the following ...