AST2 for Sledders

As low as:

$740.00 / person

(at 8:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
    •  
    •  
    •  
  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
    •  
    •  
    •  

Add-ons

Avi Kit rental $60.00

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.

About


As our adventures lure us into more complex avalanche terrain, it’s important to delve deeper into snow science and move beyond the rules-based models learned in AST1. Avalanche Skills Training Level 2, an intermediate level course, takes things up several notches and opens up a bigger world of riding possibilities.

Over the span of four days of mostly practical, in-field learning, a professional avalanche forecaster/sledder will teach you detailed trip planning, advanced hazard assessment, detailed snowpack assessment and the finer points of decision-making. Along the way, we’ll cover group management considerations as well as advanced travel and rescue techniques. 

The course 90% field based, with a specialized curriculum delivered by an accomplished sledder and highly qualified avalanche forecaster. Take your sledding adventures to the next level! 

Curriculum

  • Closer look at the nature and formation of avalanches
  • Additional stability evaluation techniques
  • Winter backcountry travel and group management
  • Assessing avalanche danger 
  • Combining observations and experience in decision-making 
  • Safety measures and avalanche transceivers (multi-burial search)
  • Accident case studies  
  • Route finding and safe travel
  • Hazard and terrain recognition
  • Managing complex terrain
  • Small party self-rescue

Included

  • 4-Day of instruction with a Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Avalanche Forecaster
  • Industry-recognized certificate of completion
  • Avalanche Canada student fee

Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Personal equipment 
  • Avi Kit (available as add-on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.
Locations

The primary location of your course will be noted on the booking tab. Typical courses are run at Mount Washington.

Itinerary


This course is a big time commitment. Please ensure you leave your days and evenings free to maintain maximum flexibility for course delivery. Evenings will often consist of reviewing online resources, post trip debriefing and making a plan for the next day's objectives based on the most up-to-date weather and snowpack information available.

Precise meeting and location details are typically decided upon by the group and the instructor. Below is a typical breakdown of each day: 

Day 1 – Theory and review (virtual or in-person depending on health recommendations at the time) 

Day 2 – Field day at location determined by instructor and group

Day 3 – Field day at location determined by instructor and group

Day 4 – Field day at location determined by instructor and group

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 


This course is the next step in your Avalanche Skills Training. As such, we have a more rigorous set of pre-requisites to ensure that everyone can get the most out of the course and complete it safely:

  • Strong sledding ability (able to ride most conditions without getting stuck too much)
  • Good fitness (able to get that sled out when it does get stuck!)
  • AST1 or equivalent
  • Approximately 20 days backcountry sledding experience (or one season as a minimum)
  • Prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)
  • 19+ (if you are a minor, please reach out to discuss options)

If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please reach out! We are always happy to discuss alternatives or set up private courses to meet individual needs.

Preparation

To help you get the most out of your course, you will be asked to complete some homework in the week leading up to your trip. This will be sent in the pre-trip email one-week prior. You may also with to review Avalanche Canada's online tutorial, AvySavvy. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details for commonly asked questions or send us an email. 

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 (link). 

Avalanche Safety Gear

These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book, or by request for $45 ($15/day)

  • Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital, three-antenna)
  • Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel
  • Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm

Hardware

  • Sled 
  • Snowshoes and poles 
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Clothing

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
  • Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
  • 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. bandaids, medication)
  • Camera
  • Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended)

Rentals & Add Ons


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.

Avalanche Canada Learning Materials: Since AST1 is a prerequisite for this course, it is expected that you will have your own copy of the Avalanche Handbook, Avaluator and Companion Rescue Card. If you do not have these items, you may request to purchase the physical copies. We can also provide you with a digital handbook for prior study upon request.

Snowshoes: 'Ski Tak Hut' in Courtenay (https://www.skitakhut.com/pages/rentals) offers snowshoe rentals. Clients on IAG courses and trips are eligible to receive a unique 25% discount code towards their gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut - for the duration of their course/trip with us. Discount codes are distributed directly by IAG to our clients upon request. Rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Note you will be asked to show the booking confirmation you received from us when you pick up your gear clients can receive a 5% discount code towards their rentals from 'Far Out Wilderness'.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.

Testimonials

There are currently no testimonials for this trip yet.