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Know Before You Go
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Need advice for AST course
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2013-09-19 00:09:15I'm an amateur skier and I recently completed a basic backcountry skiing course in Canmore. It has been recommended that I also take an avalanche safety training course along with. I'm wondering if this training is a good investment for me at this stage? If there are others who took this training, could you please give your feedback? Do i need to look for anything more than a CAC standard when deciding upon whose course I take?
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2013-09-19 08:27:03
Hey Aaron712, you can never be over qualified to ski in the backcountry.
If you have not taken an AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training) course then this is a must at a bare minimum. This course will show you how to avoide avalanche terrain. The AST2 course will show you how to navigate avalanche terrain. I would recommend both of these to any backcountry skier. We all seem to get complacent with our skills and figure someone else in the group has enough knowledge. And on this note, your skills will help you navigate better in the backcountry but you should also insist that all of your ski partners also have the requisite skills as these will be your rescuers should something go wrong.
Not sure where you are located but if you are in the Calgary area I would recommend Shaun King as an instructor from Mountain Sense.
Hope that this helps.
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2013-09-20 01:06:03Totally agree with above. Virtually everyone who skis in the backcountry nowadays has AST I and II. Many people are even going on to get Level 1 or more. Personally, I don't think you should be skiing in the backcountry without those basic courses (even with a guide as I know several who have been buried).
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2013-09-25 16:19:26Aaron712 said:I'm an amateur skier and I recently completed a basic backcountry skiing course in Canmore. It has been recommended that I also take an avalanche safety training course along with. I'm wondering if this training is a good investment for me at this stage? If there are others who took this training, could you please give your feedback? Do i need to look for anything more than a CAC standard when deciding upon whose course I take?
Hi Aaron,
Great question and nice to see many people agreeing about education and practice. Consider choosing an instructor that has lots of experience in the area and profession. Here is a bit of information on options for recreational vs professional courses, http://summitmountainguides.co..... Enjoy your time skiing and be safe.
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2014-03-26 04:35:59
Well i would suggest both of these, to any back country skier. We all seem, to get satisfied with our abilities and determine someone else in the team has enough information.
