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Snowshoe AST 1 – Avalanche Skills Training
This AST 1 - Avalanche Skills Training course is specifically designed for snowshoers, equipping you with essential avalanche safety knowledge and backcountry travel skills to explore winter terrain confidently.
- Location
- Callaghan Valley
- Duration
- 1.5 Days**
- Difficulty
- Introductory
- Guest Ratio
- 8 to 1
$295 per person
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Your First Step to Accessing the Backcountry
Snowshoe AST 1 is the full Avalanche Canada AST 1 course for snowshoers and winter hikers: about half a day of online learning, then one field day in the Callaghan Valley near Whistler. Courses run Wednesdays and Saturdays ($295) through the winter, plus GST, with up to 8 students per instructor. You finish with your AST 1 certificate.
Do you want to recreate in the backcountry on snowshoes? Do you like learning in a group setting?
This course is for anyone who wants to make sure they are taking the appropriate steps to make smart decisions in the backcountry.
** Half day of online learning to be completed in the week leading up to your field day
What does this course cover?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Part of the Introductory skill set.
Our AST 1 course is unique in that we are teaching participants the basic skills of avalanche phenomena, assessment, avoidance, and snowshoe skills to access the backcountry. This course will cover both pillars of safe and efficient backcountry travel.
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
- Online Learning
Avalanche Statistics
- Snowpack Assessment
- Defining Avalanche Problems
- Avalanche Sizes
- Terrain Assessment
- Group Management
- Applying Daily Forecast in the Field
- Companion Rescue
- Pre-trip Planning
- Gear
Prerequisites
No prerequisites required
Is this course for me?
This course is for those who are new to backcountry travel and want to learn Avalanche Safety on snowshoes. Prerequisites include:
- Moderate fitness - can hike 2 to 3 hours/day.
- Enjoys being outside in the cold
Add Ons
Crevasse Rescue + Glacier Travel Online Course - $45
Includes
- Course material (decision-making handbook)
- Access to the online course for 60 days
- 1 day of instruction from CAA members and ACMG guides
Does Not Include
- Avalanche rescue equipment
- Snowshoes
- Lunch
Itinerary
Day 0.5 (Online)
Complete online learning at your own pace in the week leading up to your field day (3-4 hours)
Day 1 (Callaghan Valley)
8:00 am - Morning session
9:00 am - Field session
4:30 pm - Return to cars
2026/2027 Season
Partners
Itinerary
Day 0.5 (Online)
Complete online learning at your own pace in the week leading up to your field day (3-4 hours)
Day 1 (Callaghan Valley)
8:00 am - Morning session
9:00 am - Field session
4:30 pm - Return to cars
The road to The Callaghan is extremely well maintained, but winter tires and AWD or 4WD are encouraged.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Itinerary
Day 0.5 (Online)
Complete online learning at your pace in the week leading up to your field day (3 - 4 hours)
Day 1 (Callaghan Valley)
8:00 am - Morning session
9:00 am - Field session
4:30 pm - Return to cars
Gear list
Avalanche Safety Gear
Avalanche Transceiver
Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel.
Probe: 220cm to 320cm in length
Hardware
Snowshoes
Suitable day pack 30 - 40L
Clothing
Baselayers
Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill travel)
Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
Lightweight gloves for uphill travel
Warm gloves
Gaiters
Warm hats
Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Personal first aid, medication
Lunch/Water
Please arrive in the morning with food and drink for the day.
Booking Policy
Please see our FAQ page for all booking policies
How much does Snowshoe AST 1 cost?
$295 per person plus GST, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The snowcat ride is included. Avalanche rescue gear, snowshoes and lunch are not.
Who is Snowshoe AST 1 for?
Snowshoers and winter hikers who travel in or below avalanche terrain. No avalanche training or backcountry experience is needed, but you should be able to snowshoe uphill for 2–3 hours.
Is it the same certificate as the ski AST 1?
Yes. It follows the same Avalanche Canada AST 1 curriculum and you get the same AST 1 certificate. The field day is taught on snowshoes instead of skis. Skiers and splitboarders should take our AST 1.
How do I get to the Callaghan Valley?
The Callaghan Valley is a short drive south of Whistler off Highway 99. The road is well maintained, but winter tires are required and AWD or 4WD is recommended.
