Check these sites out:

mountainsense.ca

summitmountainguides.com

Gain the skills and knowledge to tour in the backcountry with more confidence.  Weekend programs each month from Nov through March.  Join a professional ski guide for a 2 day AST 1 introductory course or 4 day AST 2 more advanced program. 

Courses follow CAA and industry standards.  Scheduled courses out based out of  Nelson, custom programs available at more remote backcountry locations.  

AST 1:

November 27&28, 2010
December 11&12, 2010
January 8&9, 2011
February 12&13, 2011

AST 2:

4 day programs: December 28-31, 2010, Feb. 4-7, 2011
Weekend Programs: Jan. 15-16 & 22-23, March 19-20 &26-27, 2011

Contact info@summitmountainguides or visit http://www.summitmountainguides for more information.

Can you let us know what the cost for this course is? and any pre-requisites required?

AST 1 Courses  (2 day program)

$185 / person includes student book, avaluator, AST 1 certificate

Prerequisites:  Basic backcountry skiing or boarding ability (touring equipment or Split board required). Previous avalanche training useful but not required. Students should be intermediate to advanced resort riders, this allows effecient travel. 

AST 2 Courses (3.5 day program)

$350 / person includes student course materials, avaluator, AST 2 certificate

Three full field days and an afternoon class session; expect evening sessions after field trips.  This course is for more experienced skiers and boarders who are looking to gain more independence in the backcountry.  A great buildilng skill for anyone taking level one CAA course. Offered as a four day program or two weekends in a row.

Prerequisites: Basic skiing or ‘boarding ability (touring equipment or Split board required).  Successful completion of Avalanche Skills Level 1.  Students are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.

For reduced costs, combine AST 1 & 2 for a packed 5 day program, $525.

For your holiday stocking...4 day advanced avalanche course, Dec. 28-31.  Highly experiential program giving you lots of exposure to managing risk, reading terrain and assessing avalanche conditions.   Course costs $350 

Contact Summit Mountain Guides for details at info@summitmountainguides.com

Build on your avalanche training, join an advanced recreational course, AST 2, Feb. 4-7th, $350.  Review class session followed by 3 field days packed with experiential opportunities where you can learn how to manage terrain, read the snowpack and assess avalanche conditions. Touring out of Nelson area including Whitewater backcountry and Kootenay Pass.  Contact http://www.summitmountainguides for more info.