AST 1 Course Information Package
If you landed on this page from a Google search here is an overview of our AST 1 course and information on how to book, or read on for a detailed description.
If you have already signed up for a course please read this information package carefully. It should answer all your questions but if not you can contact me.
Course participants NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Read and understand the guide waiver. You will need to sign this waiver at the beginning of the trip. It is important that you understand it before you arrive. You will also need to sign a second, similar waiver for Avalanche Canada.
Have a look at the gear list and make sure you are able to bring everything on the list.
Let me know if you need me to provide any equipment for you.
VACCINATION
Vaccination for Covid is not required at this time. This may change depending on the local Covid situation at the time of the course.
Your Instructors
The lead instructor is Mark Klassen. I have been working as a ski patroller, guide and avalanche forecaster since the mid 80's and am an ACMG/IFMGA certified Mountain guide.
Additional instructors will be present for classes with large enrolments. We add a second instructor for groups of 9 or more. Maximum group size is 12.
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMES (MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME)
Day 1: For in-person classroom sessions we will meet in Banff at 8.30 am.
For all courses except Town of Banff organized courses: Great Room, YWCA, Banff. Google Maps location.
Town of Banff BanffLife or MountainLife courses: Fenlands Recreation Centre.
Day 2: Town of Banff BanffLife or MountainLife courses: Fenlands Recreation Centre, 7 AM. For all other courses: Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Hostel and Alpine Centre, 8 AM - please ask if unsure. After some prep work there we will drive to Bow Summit for the field day. Expect to be finished in the field by 4 pm.
Course Itinerary
Day 1: Classroom. Topics to be covered include:
Avalanche types and sizing
Mountain snowpack
Understanding avalanche bulletins
Decision making
Terrain evaluation
Details as to the duration and start time for this session TBA.
Day 2: Field day. We usually go to the Bow Summit area north of Lake Louise but we may choose other options, depending on conditions. We will start the day with a group meeting to review weather and avalanche information. In the field we will discuss snowpack and terrain, have a look at snow layering, and do an avalanche rescue practice. We will not travel very far on this day, it will be more observation and learning based.
Possible Itinerary Changes
There is always the possibility of having to change this itinerary due to weather or snow conditions.
Pre-Course Preparation
Before the course please do the following:
Keep track of what the weather is doing the week previous to the course. Avalanche Canada has a good weather resource here.
Keep track of the avalanche bulletins for Banff National Park for at least a week before the course. Use the glossary available on those bulletin pages to understand the different terms that are used.
Have a look at the Mountain Information Network and ACMG Mountain Condition Reports here.
Good touring information for Banff can be found here.
Equipment and materials required
Places to Stay
There are many hotels and hostels to stay at in both the Banff/Canmore area. For inexpensive accommodation I suggest:
Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse (Canmore)
HI-Banff Alpine Centre (hostel)
YWCA (Banff)
Same Sun Hostel (Banff)
Safety in the Field
Safety is our first priority. There are a variety of ways you can help make this a safe trip for all of us:
Listen to the instructor's instructions and if you are uncertain of what is expected of you please ask
Take the online avalanche course at the Avalanche Canada website.
Practice with your avalanche transceiver before the trip. Make sure it both transmits and receives at least 30 m away. Understand all its functions and how to use them.
We will be able to communicate with each other and outside agencies with cell phones, radios and my SPOT device.
Risk
It is important to understand that no matter how well prepared we are there is still an element of risk to backcountry skiing. To lower your risk do the prep work I’ve outlined in the safety section above. You can have a large impact in regards to your own safety!
Mountain Rescue and Rescue Insurance
I nearly thirty years of guiding I have only had two guest evacuations from the field for minor injuries and one for a medical condition. The probability that we will need a rescue are low.
The plan is to operate in the national or provincial parks where mountain rescue is provided free of charge (for national parks you need a valid vehicle permit to be covered for rescues).
Medical Issues
If you have any pertinent medical issues that I should know about, please make sure you include that when you fill in the guest information form.
Remember, YOU NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Read and understand the guide waiver. You will need to sign this waiver at the beginning of the trip. It is important that you understand it before you arrive. You will also need to sign a second, similar waiver for Avalanche Canada.
Have a look at the gear list and make sure you are able to bring everything on the list.
Let me know if you need me to provide any equipment for you.