AST Level 1 Field – Zac's Tracs

AST1F Valemoount – Michel Dec 8

Nicole Zacaruk — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 06:24:26 +0000

Hi, I just completed the field session in Valemount and really enjoyed the course. It was great to get a lot of hands on experience with determining the snow conditions and using our equipment. I found that it was really an eye opener when it came to using my beacon, probe and shovel. It was nice to use/practice with my beacon for single and multiple burial situations. And it was great to learn about proper probing techniques. I realized that I need to purchase a new probe because mine is pretty light and flimsy and makes it more difficult to control while probing. It was also nice to learn the proper shovelling technique where I learned that as a group you can move a lot of snow in a short period of time. Mac did an excellent job instructing the field session and I really appreciated his honesty about what equipment isn’t as good as other equipment. Thanks for putting on an excellent course for the AST 1 classroom and field session. I am really looking forward to getting even more avalanche trading through Zac’s Tracs.

Thanks

-Michel Dumont, Valemount

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I Recommend It To Everyone

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 17:46:29 +0000

Well worth it! I recommend it to everyone I talk to about riding in the mountains. I don’t think there is anything you can do to improve the field training, it was awesome! I feel a lot more confident now about riding in the mountains, thanks Lori and crew.

— Doug R. Yorkton, SK

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Necessary for Your Whole Riding Group

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 17:45:01 +0000

I would definitely recommend everyone takes this course. I plan on mountain sledding for the rest of my life, so its not a big deal to give up a couple riding days, for a course that could keep me riding for the rest of my life! It was very beneficial to practice with the beacons and do lots of scenarios, to sharpen your beacon skills. I was amazed at how many people in our field training class had no idea how to work their beacons. Practicing shoveling and proper techniques was also very beneficial, teaching how to efficiently shovel with a group and not to trample your victim. Taking the course is necessary for your whole riding group! I can go take the course, and all my riding buddies can be thankful that I have an idea of how to assess terrian, snow pack, and i have good skills on how to efficiently dig one of them out in a slide. But how fair is it to me when i pay the cash go spend a day learning the skills, when no one else does. Its like I have learned the skills which could save your life, I would appreciate the same courtesy and respect, that you should have the same skill to save me. Taking this course will do me no good if I am buried in an avalanche and all my riding buddies don’t know what to do!

Taking the mountain practical session didn’t ‘waste’ a riding day… it actually gave me 2 extra days of riding that i would not have had. The wife wanted me to take the course, so when it was offered i got to take an extra trip this season that was not planned, once out there, after the course was complete we stayed for an extra 2 days and rode! Guys use this course to your advantage and get an extra trip out of the season, tell your ol lady you have to go for the safety and skills you will learn, then stay a couple extra days!

— Jared B. Black Diamond, AB

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Increases Your Confidence

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:58:08 +0000

The AST1 is a key practical session that you need to take. It covers proper beacon search technique and use, how to locate multiple burials and properly dig them out. Having an actual scenario reinforces the skills you have learned and increases your confidence, allowing you to be a leader in an emergency situation. If you could only take this part of the course, do it.

— Lindsay B. Edmonton, AB

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Best Sledding Money I Ever Spent

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:56:21 +0000

Avy class…wasted money and missed out riding day?! NOT AT ALL. No money spent foolishly, only knowledge gained. Best part was seeing my buddies agree it was the best sledding money ever spent.

— Keith T. Prince George, BC

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There is so Much to Learn From This Course

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:55:43 +0000

I took AST 1 three years ago which was a huge eye opener for me, this January I took the course again to refresh my memory and sure glad I did, the beacon training was great to go over again and also refreshing the memory on snowpack and being aware of conditions will help me be safer in the backcountry, I strongly recommend taking this course if your new to mountain riding and also for those who have taken the course in the past to take it again, there is so much to learn from this course! Thanks ZACS TRACS!

— Trevor Sonnenberg

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Changed Our Riding Perspective

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:53:39 +0000

This was an awesome course. Almost to much to absorb in two days. Knowing what to look for has changed our whole group’s riding perspective. Very highly recommended, even to those who just ride cutblocks and rolling hills. You never know when and where these skills will come into play. These skills are proven to save lives. Thank you Zacstracs.

— Keith T. Prince George, BC

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Absolutely Worth The Time!

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:48:37 +0000

Absolutely worth the time! Actually going over the terrain, working with beacons, probes and shovels. Understanding how to work as a group. All these things give you more confidence knowing you can use your gear in an emergency. The best part was that my son who is a very good rider has a better appreciation for avalanche dangers and when to change his riding plans based on the danger ratings.

— Darlene G. High River, AB

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The Difference Between Life and Death

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:47:28 +0000

Awesome experience! It certainly could be the difference between life and death. I wouldn’t want to be in the position of not knowing how to rescue my buddies in avalanche situation. This gave me the knowledge to get them out ASAP!
But most importantly, avoiding the risk in the first place!
Thanks gals and guys for your commitment in making sledding safer!

— Darren S. Grande Prairie, AB

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Understand What You’re Up Against

Monica Zacaruk — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:41:28 +0000

Learning is never a waste. Hands on using your rescue equipment. The rescue scene in the AST1 Field Session helps you understand what you’re up against.

— Dwight W. Stony Plain, AB

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