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        <title><![CDATA[Avi Courses]]></title>
        <description>RSS of Avi Courses</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:49:24 -0700</pubDate>
        <link>https://www.backcountryskiingcanada.com</link>
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            <title><![CDATA[Intro to Backcountry Touring + AST1 Dec. 19 – Dec. 22, 2023]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Intro to Backcountry Touring + AST1&amp;nbsp;Dec. 19 &amp;ndash; Dec. 22, 2023
If you&amp;#39;re green&amp;nbsp;and curious about getting off groomed slopes/trails and into the beckoning terrain of the backcountry, this is the trip for you.&amp;nbsp; The Intro to Backcountry Touring + AST1 Trip provides 4-Days of hands on/in the field learning &amp;amp; training with Journeyman Lodge as your remote yet comfortable &amp;#39;home base&amp;#39;.&amp;nbsp; Our welcoming ACMG Certified Guides &amp;amp; and Avalanche Canada Instructor have designed this program specifically to give you, the beginner, the essential skills needed for any backcountry winter adventure. Comprehensive programming will introduce you to backcountry equipment, uphill track setting, descent line assessment, mountain weather, navigation, decision making, and includes a full Avalanche Skills Training Course.&amp;nbsp; Learn More &amp;gt;&amp;gt;
&amp;nbsp;





]]></description>
            <pubDate>2023-10-20 14:07:00</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/Intro%20to%20Backcountry%20Touring%20+%20AST1%C2%A0Camp</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/Intro%20to%20Backcountry%20Touring%20+%20AST1%C2%A0Camp</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE AST2?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[One of the frequently asked questions we get at KBG is: When will I be ready to take the AST-2? Ultimately the decision rests in your hands and should be in line with your backcountry goals and experience. In this post, we aim to help your decision by providing you with information that may help.&amp;nbsp;

Students should consider the following topics when deciding whether to take the AST-2.&amp;nbsp;


	What are your backcountry touring goals?
	What are you looking to achieve at the end of the AST2?&amp;nbsp;
	What is your experience level? How many times have you been touring?
	What is your fitness and skills?


What Are Your Backcountry Goals?

Taking the AST2 is a considerable undertaking, it is four long days of immersive experience meant to expand your understanding of a complex and rewarding sport. Before undertaking the commitment of the AST2 you should have a love for backcountry touring and a desire to take the next step in learning. After the AST1 students often join groups with more experienced people and follow along. They often say they wish to be a better touring partner by contributing to group decision-making and feel more confident with companion rescue skills.

What Are You Hoping To Achieve By The End Of The AST2?

Students often leave the AST1 with a basic understanding of concepts such as terrain, companion rescue, route planning, understanding the bulletin, human factors and decision making, snowpack layering, and weather. The AST2 aims to expand students&amp;#39; understanding of these concepts and add additional learning outcomes.&amp;nbsp;

The AST2 Learning Goals:&amp;nbsp;


	Demonstrate how to use the decision-making skills of a group to manage avalanche risk.
	Use intermediate to advanced concepts to describe the theoretical framework of avalanche terrain and snowpack.
	Plan and carry out trips using the seven steps of the Daily Process.
	Organize and lead companion rescue.


Kootenay Backcountry Guides uses these goals to craft a program that gives students a chance to practice these concepts and expand their knowledge through hands-on practical experience. Our four-day field-focused AST2 gives students 8-10 hours of pre-work followed by four full field days. During our field days we spend time planning trips and reviewing the lessons learned at the end of each day.

What Is Your Experience Level?

The prerequisites for the AST 2 are:&amp;nbsp;


	AST 1 (within last 10 yrs)
	Sufficient field experience


The AST 2 will be much more valuable for AST 1 graduates that have spent time practicing their skills. We recommend 10 &amp;ndash; 20 days of backcountry experience before taking the AST 2.&amp;nbsp;

What Are Your Fitness And Ski/Snowboard Skill?&amp;nbsp;

While enrolling in a four day-day course in a remote backcountry setting it is important to give an honest assessment of your fitness and travel skills. Making sure you meet the fitness and skill requirements is a group safety concern.&amp;nbsp;

At Kootenay Backcountry Guides, we have provided an easy way to assess your skills. Students wishing to take the AST 2 with us need to be at the following standard:

Fitness Level: 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.

Ski/Snowboard Skills: 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,&amp;nbsp; 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.&amp;nbsp;

Conclusion

AST 2 is a fun and immersive learning experience. Join with friends and family or go solo and meet new people who are as excited about backcountry touring as you are. But don&amp;rsquo;t just take our word for it, here is what some of our AST2 Alumni had to say:

&amp;ldquo;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!&amp;quot; - Esteban Acosta

&amp;quot;I organized a private AST 2 course and it was taught by Judson. It was a great 4-day field course with an online pre course 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, snow-pack 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.&amp;quot; - Cathy

&amp;quot;If you have the opportunity to go out with KBG&amp;#39;s, I&amp;#39;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&amp;#39;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.&amp;quot; - Diana Garroway

Learn More About Our AST2 Courses Here

AST2

AST2 LODGE BASED

NOW BOOKING 2022/2023 SEASON!
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2022-10-17 10:34:58</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/AST2</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/AST2</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Backcountry Skills Clinics &amp; Lodge Based AST. 2 (Coast Mountains)]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Tis the Season to think: SAFETY

Continuing on our commitment to raising awareness of backcountry safety &amp;amp; building an informed community of wilderness explorers, we&amp;#39;re pleased to host upcoming &amp;#39;Surthrival&amp;#39; &amp;amp; Navigation Backcountry Skills Clinics with ACMG, Dave Sarkany. Black Sheep Adventure Sports is also offering a comprehensive AST 2 at Journeyman Lodge...http://ow.ly/Tauj50xCrY9
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2019-12-18 11:45:12</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/Backcountry%20Skills%20Clinics%20&amp;%20Lodge%20Based%20AST.%202%20(Coast%20Mnts)</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/Backcountry%20Skills%20Clinics%20&amp;%20Lodge%20Based%20AST.%202%20(Coast%20Mnts)</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Upcoming Navigation Skills for Backcountry Touring Clinics]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Navigation Skills for Backcountry Touring Clinics&amp;nbsp;Offered Nov. 25th&amp;nbsp;&amp;amp; Dec. 1st

An introductory clinic covering the basics of mountain navigation with local and established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany. This full-day clinic is being held at Callaghan Country and will provide participants with classroom theoretical review and on-the-snow practical skills:

-printed topographic map layout to form an understanding of projection, datum, scale, distance, and contour lines
-referencing location through Lat/Long and the UTM grid
-understanding components of standard handheld compasses
-adjusting to the local magnetic declination to be able to follow a bearing off a map
-use of resection/triangulation

These skills will be brought together for modern navigation using digital maps stored on personal phones for the purpose of navigating with the units GPS/electronic compass and altimeter.&amp;nbsp;

$126.50 per person (includes Snowshuttle Seat &amp;amp; Ski Callaghan trail pass)&amp;nbsp; More Info &amp;gt;&amp;gt;
&amp;nbsp;
Instructor Bio:&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Dave Sarkany&amp;nbsp;has lived in Whistler for 27 years.&amp;nbsp; He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980&amp;rsquo;s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years.&amp;nbsp; In the mountains, Dave is recognized as an&amp;nbsp;ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide)&amp;nbsp;and a&amp;nbsp;CAA Professional Member&amp;nbsp;(Canadian Avalanche Association).&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2018-11-11 08:33:05</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/Upcoming%20Navigation%20Skills%20for%20Backcountry%20Touring%20Clinics</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/Upcoming%20Navigation%20Skills%20for%20Backcountry%20Touring%20Clinics</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Powder Creek Lodge AST2 Course Jan 2-9/16]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Bt far the best way to do an AST2 course is at a backcountry lodge. &amp;nbsp;We have 1 space remaining for our AST2 course, Jan 2-9, 2016 at powder Creek Lodge.

Check this link for details:
http://www.powdercreeklodge.co.....ochure.pdf]]></description>
            <pubDate>2015-10-20 12:28:50</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/powder-creek-lodge-ast2-course-jan-2-916</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/powder-creek-lodge-ast2-course-jan-2-916</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Sol Mountain  AST Dec 13-17]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[4 nights $1310 + taxes.
Includes course, heli, lodging and full service catering.
And LOTS of powder skiing.
info@solmountain.com for more info
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2014-11-25 11:11:42</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/sol-mountain-ast-dec-13-17</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/sol-mountain-ast-dec-13-17</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[NOLS Backcountry ski and snowboard courses]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[NOLS is offering courses in the Tetons, on tele, AT, and splitboard. We&amp;#39;ve just added a 23 and over splitboard course this year. These are 14 day courses with a ten day back country section based out of tents and snow caves, some courses spend a few nights in a yurt.
These courses offer some of the most immersive winter training available. Avalanche skills are a major focus. Winter travel skills, terrain management and cold management are all strongly developed. A standard avalanche course will give you the skills to get started in the backcountry, these courses will provide you with a strong base in all the skill sets needed to be safe and confident in the backcountry.
The web site is http://www.nols.edu/courses/lo.....ons/teton/
Courses range in cost from $2000.00 to $2800.00
Thanks for looking.]]></description>
            <pubDate>2013-10-25 01:53:00</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/nols-backcountry-ski-and-snowboard-courses</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/nols-backcountry-ski-and-snowboard-courses</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Getting Ready for Winter]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Thinking yet about snow, powder and safe routes? We are, register early for beginner AST 1 programs starting November, 2013 and advanced AST 2 starting January, 2014. J oin &amp;nbsp;David Lussier, experienced local mountain guide for these hands on recreational courses.
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2013-08-30 17:07:56</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/getting-ready-for-winter</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/getting-ready-for-winter</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Video: professional avalanche training]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[
check it out!
http://vimeo.com/54316189




If you&amp;#39;re thinking of a career in the the professional avalanche  industry, a CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 course is the necessary  first step. Learn more on our website: avalanche.ca/caa/training/avalanche-operations]]></description>
            <pubDate>2012-11-26 18:59:33</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/video-professional-avalanche-training</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/video-professional-avalanche-training</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Professional Avi Course - Avalanche Operations Level 1]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[As winter fast approaches I wanted to let you know that there are some spots available on many of our hut-based&amp;nbsp;Avalanche Operations Level 1&amp;nbsp;courses.
&amp;nbsp;
I can say without a doubt that these courses are a great value in terms of providing: an ideal learning environment; exclusive use of an operation&amp;rsquo;s terrain and facilities; along with catered meals, warm lodging and helicopter or snowcat transportation.

]]></description>
            <pubDate>2012-11-19 14:48:56</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/professional-avi-course-avalanche-operations-level-1</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/professional-avi-course-avalanche-operations-level-1</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[Section 8 Snowsport Early Bird Special]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Section 8 Snowsport at Mount Washington on Vancouver Island has an Early Bird Special for their 2013 Ski and Snowboard instructor courses.
Snowboard: CASI level 1 exams and membership, CASI Park Instructor level 1certification, Avalanche Safety Training level 1 &amp;amp; level 2 certification, a 50hr wilderness first aid certification, CPR level C, as well as your choice of either the regular CASI level 2 or CASI Park Instructor level 2&amp;nbsp;
Ski: CSIA level 1 &amp;amp; CSIA level 2 exams and membership, Avalanche Safety Training level 1 &amp;amp; level 2 certification, a 50hr Wilderness First-Aid certification, CPR level C and CSIA Snow Park Trained qualification.

http://goo.gl/nT9B2]]></description>
            <pubDate>2012-02-08 19:36:47</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/section-8-snowsport-early-bird-special</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/section-8-snowsport-early-bird-special</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[AST 2 Course starting Thursday - January 5th - Selkirk College]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[ADVANCED AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING
BE PREPARED FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR SKIERS AND BOARDERS
Advanced Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST 2)

Designed for those who wish to expand their skills and knowledge in avalanche safety. Four full days in the backcountry and two evening classroom sessions. This course covers advanced avalanche theory, hazard recognition, stability evaluation, route finding, rescue, and group management. For more information go to: http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/tr...../ast/ast-2
Participants must be physically fit and advanced intermediate or expert skiers or boarders and must have their own backcountry travel equipment (backcountry skis with climbing skins, snowboard with snowshoes, or split board). &amp;nbsp;
Course Cost:
$375 
Course Dates:
Evening sessions:
Thursday Jan 5th (6:30 pm on the Castlegar campus). The 2nd evening session TBA. 
Field sessions:
All instructors are professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) and use CAC prescribed curriculum. Participants completing these courses will receive a certificate of achievement. Avalanche safety equipment is available through Selkirk College.
Jan 7th, 14th, 21st, and 22nd.
If you are interested in this course, you can register by calling Continuing Education at (250) 365-1208.
For further information, email Keyes Lessard at klessard@selkirk.ca
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2012-01-03 15:41:14</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/ast-2-course-starting-thursday-january-5th-selkirk-college</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/ast-2-course-starting-thursday-january-5th-selkirk-college</guid>
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            <title><![CDATA[How to choose an avalanche course]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[
Choosing an Avalanche Course by David Lussier

View this article on the SMG blog:
http://summitmountainguides.co.....he_course/

Once again, fall is showing all the exciting signs that another snowy winter is underway. Down in the valleys the once vivid foliage has fallen to the ground, the daylight hours have decreasing and the temperatures surely cooled off. Winter has already made an appearance in the valleys over the last few weeks with a welcomed dump of snow in town and cooler temperatures. With all the natural elements aligned, the human excitement is slowly building with anticipation of another great winter in the mountains.
The mountain environment is rightfully praised and cherished by backcountry enthusiasts. It is an amazing place to connect with nature while exercising. The snow-covered winter landscape, full of contrasts, offers tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities.&amp;nbsp; As much as the winter mountain environment can be a rewarding place, it can also be a dangerous place. One of the main hazard facing winter recreationists in the mountains are avalanches. Statistics speak for themselves, every year there is an average of 14 avalanche fatalities in Canada. To put the odds in your favor, learn to make better decisions in avalanche terrain and to raise your avalanche awareness level, some avalanche training is highly recommended.
When it comes to avalanche training and education, the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) is a world leader. In recent years, the CAA has done a tremendous amount of work to standardize and simplify courses and curriculums. They have set high standards to help guides and educators provide the public with some highly effective avalanche awareness skills. So, depending on your background and interests, there are various levels of avalanche training you should be aware of.&amp;nbsp; Generally speaking, the courses fall into 2 broad categories; they are either recreational or professional. The recreational avalanche courses are for the general public and people interested in gaining avalanche awareness skills for their personal backcountry adventures. The professional avalanche courses are intended for people who aspire to or already work in the avalanche industry. Both categories offer various levels of courses depending on your background and interests. &amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
Recreational Avalanche Courses
Recreational avalanche courses are for anyone interested in learning avalanche skills out of personal interest.&amp;nbsp; Whether you or your kids are just getting into backcountry skiing, you want to deepen your knowledge base or simply refresh your skills you could start here. &amp;nbsp;Recreational courses vary in length from the 1 to 5 days, the longer, the course the more skills and experiential practice. Depending on your background, goals and interests, courses to consider are: the 1 day &amp;ldquo;Avalanche Awareness Courses&amp;rdquo;, the 2 to 3 day &amp;ldquo;Avalanche skills Level 1 (AST 1)&amp;rdquo; and the 4 to 5 day &amp;ldquo;Avalanche Skills Level 2 (AST 2)&amp;rdquo; courses. &amp;nbsp;
The one day avalanche awareness course is the very basic entry level. This course covers the necessary skills required to head into the backcountry including; backcountry safety, etiquette and resources, how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain as well as basic avalanche safety gear use (beacon, probe &amp;amp; shovel). Many organizations offer this course throughout western Canada, some of them non-profit. In the Kootenay region, Avalanche Awareness Beyond the Boundaries (AABB) is a non-profit society that provide free Avalanche Courses to youth between the ages of 13&amp;ndash; 18. This is an excellent avenue for youth interested in learning the necessary skills.
The Avalanche Skills Training series (AST 1 &amp;amp; 2) is the next logical step; it is the highest level of recreational training available in Canada. AST courses, formerly known as Recreational Avalanche Courses (RAC), have become the accepted recreational model since 2006. They have been developed by the CAA in an effort to improve avalanche safety in Canada. One of the main goals of the AST courses is to provide a decision making framework for recreationists based on the most advanced knowledge available. The curriculum has been streamlined to represent the changing techniques and bring awareness to recourses available so the public can make better decisions when planning a trip or while in avalanche terrain.
The AST 1 course involves about 8 hours of classroom and at least one day in the field.&amp;nbsp; It is ideal for people interested in learning the decision making and what resources are available and necessary to increase safety when planning a trip or while in avalanche terrain. This is a great course whether you are just starting up or want to refresh your skills with current techniques and up to date resources. The price for this course varies greatly depending on length, instructor skills and training and location of the program.&amp;nbsp; The AST level 1 is a steeping stone for further industry training (i.e. AST 2 and Professional Avalanche Courses).&amp;nbsp;
The AST 2 is a longer course involving about 8hours of classroom and a minimum of 3 days in the field. It is geared for experienced recreationists interested in refining their decision making skills. Unlike the AST 1, one of the goals of the AST 2 course is to learn how to adapt personal exposure based on the changing avalanche conditions. This is where recreationists will learn about the subtleties in the snowpack, the avalanche bulletins, the terrain variations, and changing weather patterns and their impact on terrain choices in avalanche terrain. &amp;nbsp;To do this course it is recommended that you have completed the AST 1 course as the material is a continuum and a basis for further training. &amp;nbsp;
As avalanche training is highly experiential, consider learning from instructors who also work in the ski industry and have lots of hands on practice and knowledge.&amp;nbsp; For a list of the current avalanche courses in your area, visit the training section of the CAA website: http://www.avalanche.ca/cac
&amp;nbsp;
Professional avalanche courses
As previously mentioned, the professional avalanche courses are intended for people who aspire to or already work in the avalanche industry. The avalanche industry refers to all the paid professionals working in the fields of snow safety evaluation, avalanche control, avalanche research, avalanche education, mountain guiding and winter search and rescue operations. The CAA has developed a thorough and chronological training program for avalanche workers called the Industry Training Program (ITP). The ITP courses&amp;nbsp;are&amp;nbsp;widely recognized as some of the highest standard training for avalanche workers in Canada and internationally.&amp;nbsp;While being very current, the ITP courses offer a wide range of skills. They portray the concepts that are essential to all avalanche risk management programs in Canada through; innovative research, best practices, decision making and operational risk management. Below you will find information about some of the key professional avalanche courses. Because of the nature of this article, I have mainly described the entry level professional avalanche course. For more detailed information on subsequent courses and a complete course list, visit avalanche.ca.
The CAA&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ldquo;Avalanche Operations Courses&amp;rdquo; provide the academic and practical foundation for avalanche professionals in Canada. These courses are divided into three chronological levels; Avalanche Operations Level 1, 2 &amp;amp; 3. Each course requires a significant time commitment as they vary in length from 1 to 2 weeks. They are also much more expensive than the recreational avalanche courses. For example, one can expect to pay upwards of $1350 for the 1 week-long level 1 course. This sort of commitment is well worth it as students will have a unique opportunity to&amp;nbsp;develop a wide range of skills,&amp;nbsp;build a resume of practical field experience,&amp;nbsp;and learn from some of the&amp;nbsp;most experienced instructors in the the&amp;nbsp;avalanche risk management industry.&amp;nbsp;Avalanche Operations courses are mostly field based with easy access to avalanche terrain.&amp;nbsp; Due to the nature of this article, I have described the entry level professional avalanche course more in-depth than subsequent levels. For more detailed information on further training and a complete course list, visit avalanche.ca.
The CAA &amp;ldquo;Avalanche Operations Level 1&amp;rdquo; course is the entry level course for professionals and the basis for further industry training. It is the logical 1st step for those interested in working in the avalanche industry. &amp;nbsp;This intensive 7 to 8 day technical training course comprised of approximately 40% theory and 60% practical field work. To better represent the various aspects of the industry, this course is available in different specific formats geared to skiers, snowmobilers, search and rescue personnel or educators. Some of the curriculum include; the formation and nature of avalanches, personal and group safety measures, significant properties of the mountain snowpack, organized search &amp;amp; rescue, recognizing avalanche terrain, operational risk management and decision making as well as the collection &amp;amp; recording of weather, snowpack and avalanche occurrence. To enrol, participants must be 19 years of age or older, be advanced skiers or splitboarders and should have considerable backcountry travel experience to comply with rising industry standards. &amp;nbsp;Also, participant must have completed a minimum of one recreational AST courses (preferably both). Upon successful completion of this course, participants will have the necessary skills to begin a career in the avalanche industry.
The CAA &amp;ldquo;Avalanche Operations Level 2&amp;rdquo; course is an advanced program for people who work full time with avalanche safety and control operations. &amp;nbsp;To consider this course, participants must have at least 100 days of operational field experience making and collecting weather data, snowpack information, and avalanche activity observations before applying. This generally requires at least two years of active operational field work and experience under the mentorship of more experienced CAA Professional Members. The Level 2 Program is 14 days and is divided into three modules. &amp;nbsp;Level 2 participants are usually very involved in the avalanche industry and seeking further knowledge for a more successful career in the avalanche industry.
The CAA &amp;ldquo;Avalanche Operations Level 3&amp;rdquo; course is very new; it has been developed in recent years and the first course was offered in 2009 in Canmore. The level 3 is intended for senior avalanche workers employed in forecasting, risk management, and/or planning positions. It is a 5-day classroom-based&amp;nbsp;course and is a requirement for CAA qualifications for both Avalanche Forecasters and Avalanche Planners. Level 3 participants have a wide range experience in the avalanche industry; they are highly involved individuals with senior positions in the avalanche industry.
&amp;nbsp;
Avalanche course instructors
Avalanche course instructors usually have successfully completed at least one of the professional avalanche courses. &amp;nbsp;Generally speaking, the more involved or advanced the course, the more experienced your instructors will or should be. This is especially true for the professional courses however; there is an increase in very experience instructors teaching recreational courses. &amp;nbsp;For example, at the bare minimum, instructors teaching avalanche awareness and AST 1 courses are required to have completed the Avalanche Operations Level 1 course as well as being an active member of the CAA. AST 2 instructors will have completed the Avalanche Operations Level 2 course and be a professional member of the CAA. &amp;nbsp;
Most of the instructors will also be tied to a particular aspect of the avalanche industry; this could be mountain guiding, avalanche control, avalanche risk management programs, etc.&amp;nbsp; There are various levels of instructors experience out there but generally speaking, you will benefit from instructors with more professional experience.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
The process
Mountain recreation in a winter environment is rewarding and exhilarating. It teaches us a great deal about ourselves and our environment. In those moments of bliss, it is often easy to forget about common sense.&amp;nbsp; Through avalanche education, it is possible to gain a proper knowledge base for better decision making in avalanche terrain. &amp;nbsp;The process for better knowledge and experience is lengthy and a journey in itself. Most of the courses offered in Canada target a broad audience and offer a great learning progression.
As in many things, knowledge teaches us the rules and experience teaches us the exceptions. The avalanche world is no exception, in fact it seems like the more we know, the more there is to know. Through this process we gain a better risk awareness perception. Since the level of risk associated with backcountry skiing is high, being humble and adapting to the constantly changing surroundings is key to survival. A good dose of avalanche training will surely play in your favor too!
Have fun learning and enjoy a safe winter!
David Lussier is a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide and Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association. He lives is Nelson with his family where he operates his guiding business, Summit Mountain Guides.
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2011-11-06 03:27:38</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/how-to-choose-an-avalanche-course</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/how-to-choose-an-avalanche-course</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AST Courses]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[
Gain the skills and knowledge to tour in the backcountry with more  confidence.&amp;nbsp; Weekend programs each month from Nov through March.&amp;nbsp; Join a  professional ski guide for a 2 day AST 1 introductory course or 4 day AST 2 more advanced program.&amp;nbsp;
Courses follow CAA and industry standards.&amp;nbsp; Scheduled courses out  based out of&amp;nbsp; Nelson, custom programs available at more remote  backcountry locations.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
AST 1: $195
November 26&amp;amp;27, 2011 December 3&amp;amp;4, 2011Dec. 17&amp;amp;18, 2011 January 7&amp;amp;8, 2012 Feb. 4&amp;amp;5, 2012 March 10&amp;amp;11, 2012
AST 2: $380

Dec. 19*-22, 2011 January 19*-22, 2012 March 19*-22, 2012
More info:
Contact info@summitmountainguides or visit http://www.summitmountainguides
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2011-11-06 02:59:19</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/ast-courses-1</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/ast-courses-1</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[national outdoor leadership school backcountry/avalanche courses]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[14 day tent and snowcave based courses in the tetons. Tele, rando, or splitboard. Skills taught are all aspects of backcountry travel from winter camping to avalanche and terrain selection to leading groups. http://www.nols.edu/courses/lo.....ding.shtml , http://www.nols.edu/courses/lo.....iing.shtml
I thought someone might be interested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>2010-11-19 20:16:05</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/national-outdoor-leadership-school-backcountryavalanche-courses</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/national-outdoor-leadership-school-backcountryavalanche-courses</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Early Season Avalanche Training]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Make the most out of winter.&amp;nbsp; Get your touring gear ready for early season by joining a weekend AST 1 avalanche course on Nov.27&amp;amp;28, 2010 based out of Nelson, B.C.
Learn how to recognize &amp;amp; manage avalanche terrain, read &amp;amp; analyze snow pack information, choose appropriate up tracks, avoid avalanches and enjoy safer turns.&amp;nbsp;
This introductory course includes 6 hrs of classroom with 10 hrs in the field over 2 full days and follows the Canadian Avalanche Association program, goals and objectives.&amp;nbsp; For reduced rate and time, combine AST 1 &amp;amp; 2.
Visit http://summitmountainguides.co.....urses/C26/ for more information about other course dates and costs.&amp;nbsp; Contact David Lussier at 250-354-4884 if you have any specific questions about&amp;nbsp; AST 1 or AST 2.
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2010-11-05 23:54:44</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/early-season-avalanche-training</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/early-season-avalanche-training</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Advanced Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST 2) - Starts January 7th]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[
ADVANCED AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING
&amp;nbsp;
Be prepared for your next adventure!
Essential Skills for Skiers and Boarders
&amp;nbsp;

Advanced Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST 2)

Designed for those who wish to expand their skills and knowledge in avalanche safety.&amp;nbsp; Four full days in the backcountry and three evening classroom sessions.&amp;nbsp; This course covers advanced avalanche theory, hazard recognition, stability evaluation, route finding, rescue, and group management.
&amp;nbsp;
Participants must be physically fit and advanced intermediate or expert skiers or boarders and must have their own backcountry travel equipment (backcountry skis with climbing skins, snowboard with snowshoes, or split board).

Course Cost: $350

Course Dates: (NEW DATES)

&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Evening sessions: Course begins at 6pm on Thursday January 7th at the Castlegar campus. &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Two other evening sessions will be scheduled at that time.

&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Field sessions: January 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
All instructors are professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) and use CAA prescribed curriculum.&amp;nbsp; Participants completing these courses will receive a certificate of achievement.&amp;nbsp; Avalanche safety equipment is available through Selkirk College.

To register, contact Community Education at 250-365-1208.&amp;nbsp; For more information and additional dates contact Keyes Lessard at klessard@selkirk.ca or call 250-365-7292 (x422).
&amp;nbsp;
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2009-12-28 19:13:54</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/advanced-avalanche-skills-training-course-ast-2-starts-january-7th</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/advanced-avalanche-skills-training-course-ast-2-starts-january-7th</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[AST courses]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Is anyone offering AST courses out of Nelson ?]]></description>
            <pubDate>2009-12-18 14:43:05</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/ast-courses</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/avi-courses/topic/ast-courses</guid>
                    </item>
                    </channel>
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