Home/Courses + trips/Avalanche Course
AST 1+ Managing Avalanche Terrain
AST 1 plus Managing Avalanche Terrain. Two field days in the Whistler backcountry with ACMG guides, for skiers and splitboarders who already tour and want to apply their avalanche training to real decisions.
- Location
- Whistler, BC
- Duration
- 2.5 Days**
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Guest Ratio
- 8 to 1
Starting at $339 per person
Book nowLive
Today in the Sea to Sky
Avalanche danger by elevation, from Avalanche Canada's daily forecast.
Full forecast- AlpineSee forecast
- TreelineSee forecast
- Below treelineSee forecast
AST 1 and managing avalanche terrain in one course
AST 1+ is Avalanche Canada’s AST 1 combined with Managing Avalanche Terrain: about half a day of online learning, then two full field days in the Whistler backcountry with ACMG guides. Day one covers the AST 1 curriculum. Day two puts it to work on a real tour: choosing terrain, planning and adjusting your route, managing your group and making decisions as conditions change. You finish with your AST 1 certificate and a clearer way to apply it every time you tour. $339 midweek or $389 on weekends (plus GST), with up to 8 students per instructor.
Which course is right for you?
| Intro Touring | AST 1 | AST 1+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 day | Online + 1 day | Online + 2 days |
| Certificate | None | AST 1 | AST 1 |
| Best for | Learning to tour | First avalanche course | Tourers applying AST in real terrain |
| Price + GST | $205 / $225 | $245 / $295 | $339 / $389 |
Prices are midweek / weekend. AST 1+ is for people who already ski tour or splitboard. New to touring? Start with AST 1. Already have AST 1 and a season of touring? The next step is AST 2.
When: weekend courses run every weekend from mid-November to mid-March, and midweek courses run Wednesday–Thursday.
Mtn Club members pay $288 midweek and $330 on weekends, plus 10% back in Altus credit. See the Mtn Club
** About half a day of online learning, done at home in the week before your two field days.
What does this course cover?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Part of the Intermediate skill set.
Participants learn the basics of avalanche phenomena, assessment and avoidance, then apply them on a real tour on the second field day. This course covers two parts:
Avalanche Skills Training
- Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release
- Identify avalanche terrain
- Pre trip planning
- Use of the Avaluator decision-making system
- Using public avalanche bulletins
- Travel in avalanche terrain (uphill and down)
- Companion rescue
Managing Avalanche Terrain
- Choose terrain to match the avalanche forecast and conditions
- Plan a route and adjust it as you go
- Assess terrain for the safest way up and down
- Identify snowpack and terrain areas of concern
- Manage your group ascending and descending
- Navigate with map and compass
Prerequisites
No prerequisites required
Is this course for me?
The AST 1+ course is for skiers and splitboarders who already know how to ski tour and want to go further than AST 1, learning to apply avalanche skills to real touring decisions.
- Comfortable skiing or riding black diamond runs in powder
- Able to ski tour: comfortable skinning, kick turns and transitions
- Moderate Fitness - Can Hike 2 to 3 hours/day
Online Pre-Course
Unique to Altus AST courses is our custom made #altusonlinelearning platform with over 13 courses available. Each course is built and instructed by one of our guides and is used to ensure you get the most out of your time in the field.
The AST 1 pre-course takes approximately 3 - 4 hours to complete and is a series of videos and presentations followed up with a final exam. The final exam requires a 60% pass to receive the AST 1 certificate.
Students will have access to this course for learning to revisit for 2 months from sign up.
Add Ons
W/B Lift Ticket - $45
Crevasse Rescue + Glacier Travel Online Course - $45
Includes
- Course Material (Decision Making Hand Book)
- 2.5 Days Instruction from CAA Members and ACMG Guide
- Free access to online course
Does Not Include
- Backcountry Ski Rentals
- Avalanche Rescue Equipment
- Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry Lift Ticket
- Lunch
Itinerary
Day 0.5
Online curriculum to be completed prior to the course. Takes 3–4 hours. Location: Anywhere!
Day 1
8:00 am - Morning Session in Whistler Village
9:00 am - Whistler Backcountry Field Session
Day 2
8:00 am - Morning Session in Whistler Village
9:00 am - Whistler Backcountry Field Session
*If you do not have a seasons or Epic pass, backcountry lift tickets are available at time of booking
2026/2027 Season
Day 0.5 (Online)
Complete online learning at your pace in the week leading up to your field days (3- 4 hours)
Day 1
8:00 am - Morning session
9:00 am - Field session
4:30 pm - Return to cars
Day 2
8:00 am - Morning session
9:00 am - Field session
4:30 pm - Return to cars
Whistler field day: If you do not have a seasons pass, backcountry passes are available for purchase at checkout.
Online Pre-Course
Unique to Altus AST courses is our custom made #altusonlinelearning platform with over 13 courses available. Each course is built and instructed by one of our guides and is used to ensure you get the most out of your time in the field.
The AST 1 pre-course takes approximately 3 - 4 hours to complete and is a series of videos and presentations followed up with a final exam. The final exam requires a 60% pass to receive the AST 1 certificate.
Students will have access to this course for learning to revisit for 2 months from sign up.
Partners
FAQ -
Gear List
Avalanche Safety Gear
Avalanche Transceiver
Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel.
Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm.
Hardware
Ski touring skis: bindings, skins, poles or split board+skins
Ski touring/snowboard boots
Snow saw (optional)
Suitable day pack 30 - 40L
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 hats
Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
Baselayers
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Goggles
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Ski strap
Small personal ski repair kit
Personal first aid, medication
Camera
Lunch/Water
Please arrive in the morning with food and drink for the day.
What is the booking Policy?
Please take a moment to read and understand our policies before booking! Booking, payment, cancellation and weather policies, as well as FAQ, may be found here.
What's the difference between AST 1+ and standard AST 1?
Standard AST 1 is 1.5 days (0.5 online + 1 field day) and covers the core avalanche curriculum. AST 1+ adds a second field day on managing avalanche terrain: applying what you learned on a real tour, from terrain choice and route planning to group management and decisions as conditions change. Both give you the same AST 1 certificate.
What's the difference between AST 1+ and the Intro Backcountry Touring Course?
Intro Backcountry Touring is a one-day touring skills course with no certificate: skinning, transitions and off-piste descents. AST 1+ assumes you can already tour and focuses on avalanche training: the full AST 1 certificate plus a field day managing avalanche terrain.
Which course should I take: Intro Backcountry Touring, AST 1, or AST 1+?
See the comparison table above. In short: Intro Backcountry Touring to learn how to tour, AST 1 for your first avalanche certificate, and AST 1+ if you already tour and want the certificate plus a day applying it in real terrain.
How much does the course cost?
$339 per person plus GST on weekdays, $389 on weekends, including women-led sessions. A Whistler Blackcomb backcountry lift ticket ($45 add-on *this rate changes from year to year at the discretion of WB), avalanche rescue equipment, backcountry ski rental, and lunch aren’t included.
Is there a women-led option?
Yes. Women-led AST 1+ sessions run on select weekend dates through the season, at the same $389 rate as standard weekend courses. See the dates on this page and book any session marked Women Led.
What's the guide-to-student ratio?
Up to eight students per instructor. Courses are led by ACMG guides and CAA-member instructors.
Is there an online component?
Yes. A 0.5-day self-paced online pre-course (3–4 hours of videos and presentations with a final exam requiring a 60% pass rate) comes before the two field days, with platform access for 2 months.
What certification do I get?
The full Avalanche Canada AST 1 certificate, the same one you get from the standard AST 1 course. The extra field day adds Managing Avalanche Terrain training.
What will I learn?
Avalanche formation, terrain identification, trip planning with the Avaluator, using the avalanche forecast, and companion rescue. On the second field day you apply it on a real tour: choosing terrain, planning and adjusting your route, managing your group, navigation and making decisions as conditions change.
Is this the same as Avalanche Canada's AST 1+?
Yes. AST 1+ is Avalanche Canada’s AST 1 combined with Managing Avalanche Terrain, and Altus is a registered Avalanche Canada AST provider. You finish with the full AST 1 certificate plus a second field day applying it on a real tour in the Whistler backcountry.
Can I take this course on a splitboard or snowboard?
Yes. Splitboarders are welcome. You need a splitboard and skins, and you should be comfortable touring on it, including transitions.
Where does the course meet, and do I need a lift ticket?
We meet in Whistler Village at 8:00 am on both field days. We use the lifts to reach the backcountry, so you need a Whistler Blackcomb season or Epic pass. If you don’t have one, add a backcountry lift ticket when you book.
Do I need ski touring experience?
Yes. AST 1+ is for people who already tour: you should be comfortable skinning uphill, doing kick turns and making transitions. If you’re new to touring, start with AST 1, then Intro Backcountry Touring.
Reviews
“Great communication prior to our course, very informative during the weekend and great staff. Scott was our Pro for the weekend and he was able to share his experiences and convey great lessons throughout the entire time. Great balance of 'classroom' and practical/ hands-on learning. 100% recommended for anyone whom is looking to start getting into Backcountry skiing. A+. ”
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, and if it would be worth paying extra to take the plus version, but the program exceeded my expectations. You complete the online course at your own pace, which leaves two full days in the field to be really hands on. Our guide, Christine, was extremely knowledgeable, approachable and fun to ride around with! ”
