Avalanche Skills Training AST-1 and AST-2
Avalanche skills training is intended for outdoor enthusiasts who seek to improve their safety and security when engaging in winter activities in a mountain environment. There are two levels of avalanche skills training, the first one being a 2-day introductory course (AST1) and a second more advanced 4-day course (AST2) that has been developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association. A 5-day AAST course is also offered every year to students in the specialized Adventure and Ecotourism programs at St-Laurent CEGEP in Montreal. This course is given both in the classroom (40%) and outdoors in the field (60%) and it integrates notions of recognizing avalanche-prone terrain, recognizing conditions that are conducive to avalanches, preparing for mountain outings, safe and secure mountain touring and autonomous search and rescue practices in the event of an accident.
Introductory Avalanche skills training course (AST 1)
Goals
The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is:
• Based on the most advanced knowledge available.
• Suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.
In addition, the course will:
• Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
• Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the next logical step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.
Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
• Identify avalanche terrain.
• Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
• Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
• Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
• Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
• Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
• Carry out a companion rescue.
• Understand the limits of their training.
Dates and Locations:
December 3-4th 2011 Ottawa
December 10-11th 2011 Montreal
December 10-11th 2011 Montreal
December 17-18th 2011 Quebec City
December 17-18th 2011 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs
December 31-January 1st 2012 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs
January 7-8th 2012 Montreal
January 7-8th 2012 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs
January 14-15th 2012 Quebec City
January 21st-22nd 2012 Sherbrooke
February 11th-12th 2012 Montreal (English)
February 17th-18 (19th) 2012 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs (French) CSA-1++, with one day of Touring (with climbing skins) at the Madeleine Mines.
March 10-11th 2012 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs (French)
Additionnal English sessions, specialized and private trainings are available on demand depending on availabilities.
Advanced Avalanche skills training course (AST2)
Goals
The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course will provide an intermediate level decision-making framework that is:
• Based on the most advanced knowledge available.
• Suitable for use by people with a moderate degree of training and experience.
In addition, the course will:
• Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
• Introduce and promote the Canadian Avalanche Association Industry Training Program as the accepted standard for advanced avalanche training.
Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Use the Avaluator™ as a filtering tool to determine when additional planning and travel techniques are required to travel safely.
• Be familiar with Avalanche Danger Ratings verification techniques for personal use on a local scale.
• Be familiar with the ATES technical model as a means to develop personal, local terrain ratings.
• Use route finding to take advantage of nuances in terrain to manage personal risk.
• Use travel techniques in avalanche terrain appropriate to the avalanche conditions.
• Proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
• Understand the limits of their training.
Dates and Locations:
January 20-23th 2012 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs (English, 1 place remaining!)
February 23-26th 2012 Gaspe, Chic-Chocs (French)
Specialized and private trainings are available on demand depending on availabilities.