AST1 Powell River

As low as:

$430.00 / person

(at 8:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

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.

Avi Kit Rental $40.00

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 


Looking to explore 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.
 
AST1 Powell River starts with a self-paced online theory component, followed by two field days (including one overnight) in the Vic Cole Cabin area.
 
Participants would benefit from having a 4x4 high clearance vehicle with chains towards reaching the Knuckleheads trailhead. Everyone who signs up for this course must be an able snowshoer or an able ski tourer, to make travel to and from the cabin safe and efficient. Volunteer ATV support may be available but is not guaranteed.

AST1 Powell River is respectfully for Qathet area residents only, as the delivery of this course in the area is made possible with the generous volunteer support from the Knuckleheads Alpine Outdoor Society who's mission statement is "to provide and enhance access for the local Qathet area community to the backcountry". In appreciation of Knuckleheads Alpine Outdoor Society's time and expenses facilitating access towards the Knuckleheads and including shelter within the Vic Cole Cabin for this course, we ask that participants respectfully consider making a donation to KAOS. The current course rate for AST1 Powell River does not include a donation amount for KAOS. 

For residents from the lower coast, Vancouver Island, and beyond - we offer AST1 Washington for Skiers/Boarders, AST1 Washington for Snowshoers, and/or AST1 Cain for Skiers/Boarders. 

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 days)
  • 2 days of 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)
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 Days:
The Vic Cole Cabin will be used as the access point to the Knucklheads backcountry terrain for the two field days.

Day 1:

08:00: Students meet their instructor in Powell River - exact location specified within the pre-trip email (approximately two week's before the start of the course). Travel to the Knuckleheads/Vic Cole Cabin. Participants would benefit from having a 4x4 high clearance vehicle with chains towards reaching the Knuckleheads trailhead. Everyone who signs up for this course must be an able snowshoer (if on the snowshoers version of this course) or an able ski tourer (if on the skiers version of this course) to make travel to and from the cabin safe and efficient. Volunteer ATV support may be available but is not guaranteed.

After arriving in the Knuckleheads - there will be morning meeting and students will spend the day in the field, identifying terrain, practicing route finding and safe travel, and learning about slope assessment, hazard recognition and small party self-rescue.
 
16:00-17:00: Debrief.

Overnight in Vic Cole Cabin.

In appreciation of the KWRA's time and expenses facilitating access towards the Knuckleheads and including shelter within the Vic Cole Cabin for this course, we ask that participants respectfully consider making a donation to the KAOS. The current course rate for AST1 Powell River does not include a donation amount for the KAOS.

Day 2:

09:00: After the morning meeting, students will spend the day in the field, identifying terrain, practicing route finding and safe travel, and learning about slope assessment, hazard recognition and small party self-rescue. Course instruction will likely wrap up around 2pm on Day 3, allowing 3hrs for departing and getting back to Powell River. 

17:00: Debrief and rental return.

Exact meeting details will be provided in the pre-trip email sent one-week prior to the start of your course.

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 comfortably participate we ask that you: 

  • Have moderate fitness (able to snowshoe or ski tour for 4-5 hours/day)
  • For the ski touring version of this course, participants must be strong intermediate skiers (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 if possible)
  • Be prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)
  • Vehicle access to the Knuckleheads trailhead in winter (Days 2 - 3 of this course) requires 4x4 with chains. For those without 4x4 vehicles, carpooling may be optional but is not guaranteed.  
  • AST1 Powell River is respectfully for Qathet area residents only, as the delivery of this course is possible with the generous support of the Knuckleheads Outdoor Alpine Society (who's mission statement is to provide and enhance access for the local Qathet area community to the backcountry).

For residents from the lower coast, Vancouver Island, and beyond - we offer AST1 Washington for Skiers/Boarders, AST1 Washington for Snowshoers, and/or AST1 Cain for Skiers/Boarders. 


PRE-COURSE STUDY:
To help you prepare and get the most out of your course, we recommend some pre-course study. Avalanche Canada’s online avalanche tutorial is a great resource.

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 “avalanche kit” 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

Snowshoers Course Date:
  • Snowshoes + ski poles with big baskets
  • Warm boots to hike (Sorrels or hiking boots with gaiters)
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Skiers Course Date:
  • Ski touring skis
  • Ski Poles with big baskets
  • Skins
  • Ski touring/snowboard boots

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

  • Overnight gear for the Vic Cole Cabin
  • Lunches x 2, Dinner x 1, Breakfast x 1, and plenty of snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go). 
  • Water and Hot Tea x 2 days 
  • Water Bottle and Thermos 
  • Bowl and Utensils  
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
  • Camera/Phone Charger Kit
  • 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.

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

Helene was an amazing instructor! She managed to teach a huge amount of content over the course in a way that was easy to understand and remember. She highlighted dangers in the backcountry I was never aware of, and gave lots of resources on how to travel in the winter safely. Nick,
The course started with a great day of theory with clear explanation of avalanche safety, available resources, trip planning, group psychology and the science of avalanches. I especially appreciated the many videos and personal expertise that Helene brought, which made the subject feel tangible and accessible. The two full days of practical in the Knuckleheads were very valuable. The first day allowed us to do various scenarios with transponder searching and companion rescue. In the evening we were able to wind down and evaluate the day together in the cabin. The second day we spent assessing different avalanche terrains and digging snow pits to understand the conditions of the snowpack and how these impact avalanche risk and safety. I really liked the Helene’s methodical, yet down to earth approach, allowing me to be safe in the mountains. Jorne, AST1 Powell River
Everything. This far exceeded my expectations. Logistics support from Knuckleheads, super fun vibes, gorgeous location, and learned lots too. I really got a lot from the practical scenarios in the snow, digging holes and finding transceivers. Helene’s enthusiasm made the classroom session really engaging and entertaining. Pre-trip info was also super helpful. Anonymous , AST1 Powell River