AST1 Washington for Skiers and Boarders
As low as:
$295.00 / person
(at 8:1 ratio) Next Trip: Dec 20, 2026 (day trip)-
1 spot available. $295.00
Access to the online theory portion of this AST1 course will be shared with participants approx 2 weeks before the (Sunday) Dec 20 field day.
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8 spots available. $295.00
Access to the online theory portion of this AST1 course will be shared with participants approx 2 weeks before the (Saturday) Jan 9 field day
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6 spots available. $295.00
Access to the online theory portion of this AST1 course will be shared with participants approx 2 weeks before the (Sunday) Jan 31 field day.
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Add-ons
Avi Kit rental $18.00
Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Avi Kits once rented are non-refundable.
IAG Cancellation Coverage $15.00
As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.
Island Turns and Tours Guidebook $69.00
Save on postage and have this indispensable trip planning guide delivered to you at your course. With well over 500 Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale rated Island tours, this guidebook allows you to apply the learning from your IAG/HVI course to doing real trips in the mountains.
Lift Ticket $40.00
This specially priced lift ticket is mandatory if you do not own a season pass. If you are not purchasing this add-on, you must email us at [email protected] to confirm that you have a season pass, otherwise we will add a lift ticket to your booking. Lift Tickets once purchased are non-refundable.
About
Looking to ride in the backcountry this winter? Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) is an introductory course geared towards recreationalists with little to no experience in avalanche terrain. It’s also suitable for those with some experience who are looking for more formalized training. AST1 is recommended for anyone venturing into avalanche terrain outside of ski area boundaries. Each course provides a theory session and a practical field session. Students are provided with take-home reference materials and tools which provide clear and effective learning progressions, emphasizing important knowledge and skills.
This ski/board course at Mount Washington benefits from exclusive lift access from the resort on the field day, providing a quick approach to terrain for touring, learning, and riding.
Participants on the skier/boarder version of this course - must be strong intermediate skiers or boarders (able to ride blue square-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural, un-groomed conditions with a pack on their back). If your ski/boarding experience does not meet this level, we also offer AST1 for Snowshoers. Please see our 'requirements' tab for the full list of course prerequisites.
Participants on the skier/boarder version of this course - must be strong intermediate skiers or boarders (able to ride blue square-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural, un-groomed conditions with a pack on their back). If your ski/boarding experience does not meet this level, we also offer AST1 for Snowshoers. Please see our 'requirements' tab for the full list of course prerequisites.
Curriculum
- Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release
- Recognize avalanche terrain
- Develop a pre-trip plan
- Use the Avaluator decision-making system
- Interpret avalanche bulletins
- Safe travel in avalanche terrain (uphill and down)
- Complete slope scale assessments
- Enact a companion rescue
Included
- Online theory course (self-paced and pre-field day)
- 1 day of field instruction with a certified CAA instructor
- Avalanche Skills Training Handbook
- Avaluator Trip Planner/Slope Assessment Tool
- Avalanche Canada student fee
- Certificate of completion
- IAG Lifetime Learning Guarantee
Not Included
- Transportation
- Food
- Clothing
- Personal equipment
- Avi Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe – available as an add-on)
- Lift ticket (available as an add on)
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.
Itinerary
Online Theory Platform: We’ve partnered with Altus Mountain Guides to bring you a comprehensive online AST 1 theory course you can complete at your own pace prior to your field day. You’ll work through a series of videos and presentations covering essential avalanche knowledge, followed by a final exam to confirm your understanding. The completion of this online course is a prerequisite for your AST 1 certificate. You’ll have access to revisit the course material for two months after receiving the login details/beginning the course.
A link to access the online theory portion of this course will be shared with everyone registered approx two weeks before the scheduled in-person days. Completing the theory portion of the course close to the field date helps keep the information and any questions fresh in your mind for discussion with your AST1 instructor.
Field Day:
8:30am: Students meet their instructor at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for a morning meeting. Waivers and avi kit rentals are handed out. Exact meeting details will be shared in the pre-trip email. The field day of this course will be held in the backcountry area accessed from Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
9:00am: After the morning meeting, students will spend the day outside in the field, identifying terrain, practicing route finding and safe travel, and learning about slope assessment, hazard recognition and small party self-rescue.
4:00pm-5:00pm: Debrief and rental return
*Timing depends on the conditions, group dynamics, and how quickly the instructor can move through the necessary material.
Participants will receive a pre-trip email one-week prior with trip details. Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email.
Requirements
Avalanche Skills Training 1 is an introductory avalanche course designed for individuals with little to no avalanche related experience.
However, to register for our ski and board course, we ask that you are:
However, to register for our ski and board course, we ask that you are:
- Are a strong intermediate skier or boarder (able to ride blue square-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural, un-groomed conditions with a pack on your back).
- Have a basic understanding of your gear and any limitations (consider practicing with your transceiver beforehand and your transitions with your touring set up in and out of walk and ride mode).
- Are prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list).
- You have access to a vehicle with winter tires and chains.
If you don't have touring gear, we can offer our client's a 25% discount on their touring gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay for course and trip dates with us. If you'd prefer to use your resort skis/board for the course - you must then also carry snowshoes in your backpack for use on the uphill portions of the course and be prepared to carry your skis/snowboard uphill on your back (this latter combo option requires more energy).
As an alternative/for those who don't meet the above ski/board experience requirements we also offer AST1 for Snowshoers. AST1 for Snowshoers covers the same curriculum as AST1 for Skiers/Boarders - just the pace of travel on the field day is different between the two courses.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. We are always happy to help you find a suitable course or customize something to suit your needs whenever possible.
Gear List
The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. If you have any questions, please send us an email: [email protected]
Avalanche Safety Gear
These items are available as an Add On “avi kit rental” when you book, or by request.
These items are available as an Add On “avi kit rental” when you book, or by request.
- Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital three-antenna)
- Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel
- Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm
Hardware
- Ski touring skis/splitboard (boarders may also snowshoe uphill carrying their snowboard on their pack for the descents).
- Ski Poles with big baskets
- Skins
- Ski touring/snowboard boots
- Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)
Clothing
- Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
- Midweight, breathable jacket and pants -- for uphill skinning/climbing
- Insulated jacket -- synthetic or down
- Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning
- Warm gloves
- Warm hat
- Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
- Baselayers (top and bottom)
Other
- Water
- Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Ski strap
- Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
- Camera
- Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended)
Rentals
Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.
Touring Gear: We can offer our client's a 25% discount on their touring gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut for course and trip dates with us. These discount codes are distributed directly by IAG to our clients upon request. Gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Please note, to validate you will be asked to show the booking confirmation email you received from us when you pick up your gear.
If you require other items from the personal gear list, we suggest checking with: Sports Rent based out of Victoria, Alberni Adventure Gear based in Port Alberni, Blue Toque Sports based in Courtenay, and/or social media mountaineering groups to name a few.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.
