Avalanche Skills Training (AST)
Level 2 - Lodge Based

Course Overview:

Location : Mt Brennan Lodge

Duration : 5 days with 4 full field days

Dates :
February 4-8th, 2026 With Local ACMG Guide Pate Neuman

February 19-23, 2026
Womxn Specific with ACMG Guide and Avalanche Canada Forecaster Zoe Ryan

Cost : $1399 (includes 5 days of course content and 4 nights at the lodge)

Welcome to elevated learning!

Take your backcountry education to the next level with our Lodge-based AST-2 at Mount Brennan Lodge, one of the most comfortable and equipped huts in the province, surrounded by the largest peaks in the Kootenays.

Join us on the learning experience of a lifetime! Spend fun-filled days learning core skills during the day and relax in a comfort in the evenings. We will spend five days and four nights in a beautiful backcountry lodge surrounded by incredible terrain. We are not talking about any old hut; enjoy hot and cold running water, a shower, indoor toilets, bedding, and even a hot tub to unwind in.
You get the bonus of having evening access to the instructor, where you can pick their brains over a beverage.

This is the most cost-effective lodge-based AST2 you will find anywhere. If you are travelling to the Kootenays to take your AST2, it is cheaper to join this course when you factor in food, lodging and driving expenses.

We offer an engaging and easy-to-use online learning platform where you can complete the theory components of the course before arriving at the lodge. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding terrain and field components while at the lodge. You must complete the online portion before Day 1 of your course date.

What you will learn:

Trip planning and daily process analysis
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.

You must have taken the AST-1 course to enroll in this course.

The KBG Method:

Blended learning model with FOUR full field days. Course theory work is done online on your own time.

Pre-Learning:

Our online classroom is easy to use with engaging lessons at your own pace in your own space! This allows us more time in the field, where the magic happens. We understand that everyone has busy lives and commitments, so we made our online self-paced course where you can set your schedule and take your time to absorb all the information to apply to your field days. All material must be completed before your first field day (about 6-8 hours).

What To Expect:

Pre-trip planning and information. Support with working through the online material. Pre-course information packages, gear lists and preparation material. Professional Guides, who are passionate about teaching and giving you all the skills you need. An unforgettable backcountry experience.

Lodge Access:

We will have a short 4km skin into the lodge. Pack light, pack tight, pack right - we will give you tips/advice. A snowmobile will provide transport for group meals and limited gear.

Self Catered:

Students on this course will be responsible for their lunches, working with a partner to make one breakfast and one dinner for the group, and preparing meals for up to 10 people. The lodge has a full kitchen. A PDF with the kitchen layout will be given to you when you sign up. We will assign you a partner for the week, and you will make the group meals with them (if you sign up with a friend or partner, it is possible to group you). We will assign your meal partner well ahead of the course so you can get together and plan your meals. We will let you know of any dietary restrictions of the other participants.

Worried about food quality or have severe dietary issues? Please reach out to us. We have run this course a few times and have had nothing but positive feedback on how the food worked out for all group members. (Catered options available, just ask This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Fitness & Skill Requirements:

This course is for people who have at least 20 days of touring experience and are confident backcountry travellers. The field days are long and demanding; we will be working hard to get the most out of you. We do our best to give you all the skills to become a more competent backcountry user. However, we can not affect your fitness or ski skills over five days; it is up to you to show up ready. So please show up in shape and prepared for long days in the mountains. We do not refund participants who can not complete the course due to a lack of skills or fitness.

Ski Skills (Downhill)

Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels have ridden powder in bounds and out of bounds and have tasted what deep powder can be. Flying Squirrels can ride tree runs but enjoy open bowls more. They are confident on a black diamond runs in bounds; however, cliffs and steep chutes might not be their thing. Flying Squirrels are primarily looking for a good time with their squirrel friends and can join most of our courses and tours.

Fitness Skills (Up Hill)

Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels have been ski touring at least ten times and are confident they can put in a 6.5 hour day of moving in the mountains. They can ski or splitboard 1000 vertical meters (3000ft) on back to back days and travel for 10km while following a track. They keep in shape and want a typical day of ski touring, hanging with friends and having a good time.

Course Cost:

what's included
$1399
- Four full 8-hours days of field-based instruction with our fun and professional guides.
- Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain Handbook used to trip-plan and compare field observations
- Lodge Accommodation *does not include transportation to/from
- Self-paced online pre-work (no mandatory Zoom meetings or classroom lectures) PLUS you'll have the material for life
Private Course:

Contact us for more details
25-26 Dates:

book now

February 4-8th, 2026.
With Local ACMG Guide Pate Neuman.

February 19-23, 2026 SOLD OUT
**Womxn Specific with ACMG Guide and Avalanche Canada Forecaster Zoe Ryan**

Booking & Cancelation Policy : click 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.

JOIN WAITLIST