Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 2









Testimonials from our AST Alumni
"Just finished my Splitboard AST 2 with Jeremy and Tyler and am really stoked on the experience. I had done an AST2 4 Winters ago, so I was unsure if I made the right call by doing it again, and I definitely did. The online course was a great refresher and learned lots from that. Super stoked on the field days. I feel like I got so much, from using a data-gathering mindset to trip planning to critically evaluating terrain. It was an awesome experience and invaluable to my decision making in the backcountry. Thanks guys!"
"I organized a private AST 2 course and it was taught by Judson. It was a great 4-day field course with an online precourse that we completed in our own time in the weeks prior. Judson was an awesome teacher and I learned far more than I expected regarding critical decision-making skills, snowpack study, avalanche terrain discernment, trip planning, online mapping, as well as group dynamics. Doing a private course was great as the dynamics are good and you are learning with the people you will be skiing with so you can further build and learn together while implementing what you all learned! I would highly recommend KBG for anyone thinking of furthering their backcountry knowledge."
"If you have the opportunity to go out with KBG's, I'd highly recommend jumping on your chance. It is money well spent! I took a 4 day + online AST2 class this weekend with Judson and Dan. They are both professionals. Judson's online learning was well done and felt like just the right amount. Enough to digest, but not so much to overwhelm. All the route finding, planning, and navigation skills using gps tools was particularly valuable. The 4 fields days were split between the two guides. They each had their own style of teaching, which enriched the experience to get the chance to learn from each of them. We were never late, days were scheduled perfectly, but also had lots of input from our group to accommodate our preferences. Oh, and we had a lot of fun and managed some good skiing too!! For sure a bonus, given the objective of the class was learning."
Course Overview:
Are you ready to take your learning to the next level?
No more guessing. No more just following.
This 4-day course is designed to give you the confidence and tools for a lifetime of immersive and rewarding backcountry travel. Building on what you learned in AST-1, you’ll develop higher-level decision-making skills to help you find the best snow while learning how to manage risk.
We spend four full days in the field at classic Kootenay touring zones—digging into route planning, group management, terrain analysis, and snowpack assessment, all in real-time, real-world conditions.
To make the most of our time outside, you'll complete a pre-course learning module (8 hours) on your own schedule ahead of time. It’s packed with interactive content that prepares you for the fieldwork and ensures you hit the ground running on day one.
What you will learn:
- Advanced methods for terrain analysis
- Companion rescue
- Route finding
- Skin track setting
- Map, and GPS reading
- Advanced weather forecasting
- We will show you how to take relevant snowpack observations, including the compression test, and extended column test.
The KBG Method: Blended Learning for Maximum Field Time
-
Pre-Learning
Blended Learning for Maximum Field Time
We've adopted a blended learning approach to give you the most time in the mountains to maximize the fun and learning factor. You'll complete the theory portion online at your own pace before your course begins—allowing us to spend 100% of our classroom time out in the field, focusing on hands-on, practical skills.
There are no mandatory Zoom meetings, so you can fit the learning into your schedule. The online portion takes about 8 hours and must be completed before your first field day. This format gives you the flexibility to learn when it works for you, while ensuring you're fully prepared to make the most of your time in the mountains.
-
Day 1
Is spent reviewing key lessons from the AST-1, covering advanced companion rescue skills, and introduction to snowpack tests. We will do a short tour to an area where we can run companion rescue scenarios and get snowpack information. We will plan out our backcountry trip for the following day at either Kootenay Pass or the Whitewater Ski Resort backcountry.
-
Day 2
We start with a one-hour morning meeting, covering weather, avalanche hazards and going over our route plan for the day. We will then head into the backcountry and begin putting all of our built-on skills into practice by having a full day of touring, assessing terrain, and snowpack.
-
Day 3
We start with a one-hour morning meeting, covering weather, avalanche hazards and going over our route plan for the day. We then head into the backcountry and begin to put you into the driver’s seat, making decisions with the aid of our expert guides. We will start to get you to gather your own snowpack information and assess terrain. At the end of the day, we will plan our trip for the next day.
-
Day 4
We start with a one-hour morning meeting, covering weather, avalanche hazards and going over our route plan for the day. Class members will be more involved in the planning and decision-making on this tour. The guide will take on more of a support role and assist you in planning and carrying out a backcountry ski tour.
Fitness & Skill Requirements:
Dates & Costs:
Courses may be held at either Kootenay Pass or Whitewater Ski Resort Backcountry. We may use the ski lifts to access the backcountry for courses hosted in the Whitewater Ski Resort Backcountry. If you are not a season pass holder, single-ride tickets must be purchased on the day of your tour.
-
Course Cost:
what's included$674 +tax
-
Four full 8-hour days of field-based instruction with our fun and professional guides.
-
Decision Making Handbook used to trip-plan and compare field observations
-
Our 5 Rules to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain and gear checklist card.
-
Self-paced online pre-work (no mandatory Zoom meetings or classroom lectures) PLUS you'll have the material for life
-
-
Private Course:
max 8 ppl. -
Booking & Cancelation Policy:
-
A.S.T. Course Waiver:
please read - do not print/sign -
25-26 Dates:
- January 1-4, 2026
- January 15-18, 2026
- January 22-25, 2026
- February 5-8, 2026
- February 13-16, 2026
Is the date you wanted sold out? Join the waitlist, and if there are any last-minute cancellations we will try to get you in!