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Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Managing Avalanche Terrain (MAT)

Testimonials from our AST Alumni

  • "THE MAT Course (Managing Avalanche Terrain) is a must for anyone who took their AST 1 and want to level up their backcountry game. Our guide Joel was amazing at pointing out different hazards and what to look for when venturing out , even in familiar terrain. A true professional! Highly recommend Kootenay Backcoutry Guides!!"

  • "Another wonderful course with Judson! Incredible day on Managing Avalanche Terrain! Huge thank you for a fantastic day. Great learning, good vibes, solid local knowledge and avalanche insight. So much gratitude for this sweet local company! Thanks!"

  • "Really enjoyed the Managing Avalanche Terrain course yesterday in 5 Mile Basin. Our guide Lee was excellent and we snowboarded in some beautiful terrain while learning important lessons in the field. Also was managed really well by Judson and I appreciated his willingness to move our original booking due to high risk conditions which I thought was a professional and sensible thing to do."

  • "I had a really great experience with Kootenay Backcountry Guidea taking their Managing Avalanche Terrain (MAT) Course. I learned many new things and enjoyed their approach to teaching decision making and terrain navigation skills. Designed for experienced skiers, I would eccomend this course as a "refresher" to anyone who spends time in the backcountry. Thanks for a great day!"

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Course Overview:

GET TO KNOW YOUR OWN BACKYARD!

The Managing Avalanche Terrain (M.A.T.) is a field-based course designed to expand on the terrain management taught in the AST-1 and to develop advanced winter backcountry travel skills.

Get to know your own backyard! Each one of our courses takes place at a different popular touring location in the Kootenay Pass or Whitewater Ski Resort backcountry. We encourage you to register for multiple M.A.T. course dates, to maximize your experiences and become more familiar with the accessible terrain out your backdoor.

Our M.A.T. course is designed to help you learn the terrain you play in and maximize your fun and safety in the backcountry. Our M.A.T. course differs from others as we will provide you with an online refresher for you to work through, at your own pace, before your field day. We understand that more than ever skiers and boarders are looking to explore the backcountry. Learn how to do so safely from our expert local guides, while having a good time.

What you will learn:

  • Skills to help you plan, prepare for and execute a safe backcountry trip.
  • Techniques to minimize risk when traveling in the backcountry.
  • How to recognize and classify avalanche terrain.

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

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.

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