AST 2
AST 2 (Advanced Recreational Avalanche Class)
The AST 2 will test your skills to gather quality data, improve your interpretation skills and highlight opportunities to make better choices regarding route selection and group management. Rescue skills will honed through multiple scenarios and a stronger emphasis on teamwork and foundational search techniques than the AST2. Prepare to be challenged!40 hour minimum
8 students minimum – must be signed up before Nov 10, 2010
12 students maximum
2010-2011 Season
If there is enough interest, theory sessions may be held in Edmonton and Calgary over the summer/fall. These will be held during the week, from approximately 6-10pm. Field sessions will then follow in the mountains in the winter.Those interested should contact Zac’s Tracs in order that we can arrange dates and locations to suit the participants.
AST 2 Theory Sessions
Fort McMurray, ABOctober 14 & 15, 2011
Calgary, AB November 28, 2010
Valemount, BC
Dec 18-19, 2010 & Jan 22-23, 2011
Golden, BC
Mid-January, 2011
Mid-February, 2011
Grande Prairie, AB / Kakwa
Early – February, 2011
Other dates and locations are available upon request.
Call for a custom quote. 403-850-3042
Follow this link for the AST2 course outline set by the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
Recommended field equipment (this can be pre-ordered from Zac’s Tracs or purchased online or at a mountain shop)
- Inclinometer card ~ $10-$20
(or a compass with an inclinometer feature ~$60) - Snow screen ~ $12-$20
- Loupe (magnifier) ~$10-15
- Folding Ruler – 2 m ~$20
- field book (write in the rain paper) ~$15-$30
- pencils
- FULL SNOWSTUDY KIT ~ $130
MEC and other mountain shops may carry this equipment also.
Recommended Preparation
Ask yourself a few questions:
- Did your previous avalanche training include a hands-on component? AST1 or RAC ?
- How long ago? The research, curriculum and avalanche equipment is constantly changing. Is your introductory training up to date?
- How much have you ‘used’ your avy training since?
What I mean is have you ever dug a pit outside of the course?
Do you make conscious decisions related to route finding?
Do you use the CAC Avalanche Bulletin and do you understand the majority of it? - Have you ever heard of the AVALUATOR? This is a new decision making tool that is endorsed by the CAC for recreational backcountry use. You must have working knowledge of the PAB scale and the ATES scale (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale).
It is recommended that interested participants feel confident about the material in the ‘Sledding in Avalanche Terrain’ AST1 course manual.
It is recommended to read ‘Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain’ by Bruce Tremper.
Personal experience digging snowpits (other than in your AST1 course) will allow you to take your introductory skills to a new level.
I have included all of these questions to help you determine the best investment: a refresher of an AST1 or to move up to the AST2.
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