Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 1 Refresher

AST LEVEL 1 REFRESHER Course Overview:

Welcome back to the world of avalanche safety! If you’ve completed your AST 1 course and are eager to bolster your skills, our AST 1 Refresher Course is tailored just for you. This one-day field experience combines hands-on practice and online learning to ensure you’re equipped with the latest avalanche safety knowledge and techniques.

Course Highlights:

Hands-on field course

Immerse yourself in a full day of practical learning led by experienced instructors. Refresh your avalanche safety skills, practice rescue techniques, and enhance your ability to make informed decisions in the backcountry.

Flexible Learning:

Our AST 1 Refresher Course offers flexibility. Work through the online material at your own pace before and after the field day. You’ll have continued access to the content to ensure you absorb the material thoroughly.

Skill Enhancement

Beyond refreshing your knowledge, the AST 1 Refresher Course is an opportunity to refine your skills, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen your foundation of avalanche safety know-how.

Learning Outcomes:

Field Trip Planning

Develop the skills to plan safe and successful backcountry trips, considering factors like terrain, weather, and group dynamics.

Understanding the Avalanche Bulletin

Interpret and analyze the avalanche bulletin to make informed decisions about current avalanche conditions.

Companion Rescue Skills

Hone your skills in companion rescue techniques, ensuring you’re prepared to respond effectively in the event of an avalanche incident.

Avalanche Formation and Release

Deepen your understanding of how avalanches form and release, empowering you to identify potential hazards.

Avalanche Terrain Recognition and Management

Learn how to recognize avalanche-prone terrain and make informed decisions to manage risk.

Mountain Weather

Gain insights into mountain weather patterns and their impact on avalanche conditions and backcountry travel.

Dates & Costs:

Course Cost: $197 +tax

25/26 Dates: January, 17th, 2026

Location : Kootenay Pass

What's included:

One full 8-hour day of field-based instruction with our fun and professional guides.

Our 5 Rules to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain and gear checklist card.

Optional self-paced online primer (no mandatory Zoom meetings or classroom lectures) PLUS you'll have the material forever

Private Course: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (1 guide / 8 students)

Booking & Cancelation Policy: Read Here

A.S.T. Course Waiver:

All participants are required to review and agree to the Avalanche Skills Training Program waiver in order to participate in the tour or course. The waiver is a legal agreement in which you will waive legal rights – PLEASE ENSURE YOU REVIEW THE WAIVER. If the waiver is not completed, participation will not be allowed. Your guide will provide a paper copy of the waiver on the morning of your tour or course, and you will sign it in front of them so they can witness.

Fitness & Skill Requirements:

Fitness Skills (Up Hill)

Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox are new to ski touring; they are looking for a mellow day or unsure of how much vertical they can do in a day. However, they can confidently hike 6km (4 Miles) with a pack.

If you are not confident you are at the Arctic Fox level, you should consider booking a Private Guided Tour or our Ski/Splitboarding 101 course, where we can cater to your speed.

Ski Skills (Downhill)

Arctic Fox

Arctic Foxes might be new to ski touring/splitboarding but are not new to skiing and snowboarding. They are confident on a blue square in bounds and can ride the occasional black diamond but take their time. Arctic Foxes are welcome on AST-1 courses, Backcountry 101 courses and Private Guided Tours. If booking or joining a private guided tour with other participants, Arctic Foxes should inform their group of their skills, so the rest of the group is aware of their preferences. If you are below the Arctic Fox level, you should be booking a Private Guided Tour or a Backcountry 101 and reach out to let us know.

Join our waitlist!

Last-minute cancelations happen all the time. If the dates you were hoping to join are sold out fill out the waitlist and be notified when spots become available.

Join the waitlist