What can I expect in the AST 2 advanced class?
AST 2 (Advanced Recreational Avalanche Class)
NOTE It is hoped to split the course and run:
- a 2-3 day terrain module in April 2008 (Apr 11-13 or Apr 25-27)
There are weekday options as well. - a 2-3 day snow stability module in January 2009
This schedule should have lots of advantages.
Spring typically means long days and ‘go-anywhere’ snow. A great time for learning route selection and group management & leadership skill building.
Mid-winter often delivers a more interesting snowpack to enhance stability evaluation skills. The 2nd module may take place in a different location, further enhancing the terrain evaluation exercises.
By splitting up the course over 2 weekends it may also make the program easier for more people to fit into their winter schedules.
8 people are needed to run this course. Please contact Zac’s if you would like to be added to the wait list. Once the numbers are confirmed a schedule will be customized to suit the group.
J. Kwan (tentative)
R. Hiebner (tentative)
T. Henkel (tentative)
S. Pigeon + 3
Meeting Time – 8:00am each day.
Be prepared to sled each day.
Course Fees – $450-650/pp for 4-5 days.
(Once the an instructor is booked, appropriate rates for each module will be confirmed. Rates are based on instructor fees, expenses, and materials.
Highly field based. Very small groups.
Follow this link for the course outline set by the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
Recommended field equipment (some of this can be purchased or borrowed from the instructor if necessary)
- 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
- snow density kit $45
- pencils
- FULL SNOWSTUDY KIT ~ $130 (SEAR pricing, see link below)
Follow this link to the website for SEAR Search & Rescue Equipment.
www3.telus.net/sear Call Garry Walton for info & to order 250-707-0063
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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Please CLICK HERE to download the registration form.
07-08 AST2 RegistrationForm.pdf
Host Hotel – Comfort Inn
301 Wright Street,
Box 421
Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
(250) 837-2191
revelstokecomfortinn@telus.net
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