Will be offered at Dezaiko Lodge during the 2024/25 season. Limited to 8 participants.
The exact dates for next season’s course will be set in the fall. If you have a group of friends who would like to learn together, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate you.
Course Description
The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST 2) curriculum is built around teaching a daily process which emulates the same approach used by professional ski guides. It expands on the foundations of AST Level 1 and provides a more advanced decision-making framework for travelling in avalanche terrain.
This is a 5-day hands-on course involving extensive practical field experience in the Dezaiko terrain augmented with classroom theory. The course fee includes instructional materials, helicopter transportation, meals and lodging.
Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (AST2) for Skiers and Boarders
What You Will Learn
Progressive planning and travel techniques required to travel safely through various types of terrain using the daily process.
Getting the most from your avalanche forecast.
Key techniques for applying the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale to develop your own terrain ratings.
How to proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
Decision making skills to manage avalanche risk.
A deeper theoretical understanding of avalanche terrain and snowpack.
Instructional materials included:
Avalanche Skills Handbook
Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain field book
Avaluator 2 reference field card
Companion rescue reference field card
Certificate upon completion
Sean Fraser, Course Instructor
Sean has over 20 years experience in backcountry ski guiding and avalanche safety work for his clients. He guided at Dezaiko Lodge last season.
Sean is a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), and a Level 3 Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). These professional organizations require continued learning and professional development to ensure members are current with the latest research and technology in the industry.
Sean’s guiding background has included ski touring, catskiing, and heliskiing in the North Coast, North Rockies and Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, and the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Sean also has commercial snow safety experience in a wide range of industry in BC, from Golden to the Cassiar Mountains, providing services such as avalanche control and forecasting, to site assessments and mapping work. Sean has avalanche experience in the mining, forestry, highways, railway, hydro, and government sectors.
Sean often helps out with local backcountry community events and organizations including SAR operations.
Cost
$3,000 + taxes — includes instruction, all course materials, helicopter transport, meals and lodging.
To Register
Click here to complete the AST Registration Form >
We will then send you confirmation of receipt of your registration and how to arrange payment.
Course fees are non-refundable. It is recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Photos: Brett St. Clair