Alpine Islands course
AST 1
Avalanche Skills Training, the two-day course that teaches you what is actually out there, and how to travel through it with your eyes open.
Next courseWed Dec 9 & Thu Dec 10
WhereNorth Shore & Whistler
CostFrom $325 CAD
Avalanche Canada curriculum, taught by a licensed AST provider
Learn How To Read The Mountain.
White belt gets you moving. AST 1 is where the mountain starts to make sense: why slopes release, which terrain matters, and what to do when it goes wrong.
- Read the forecast
Turn the daily avalanche forecast into a plan for where you will and won’t go. - Recognize avalanche terrain Spot start zones, terrain traps and the slopes above you before you are on them.
- Find your partner
Beacon, probe and shovel, practised until it is automatic.
How the course runs
Two days back to back, then a month of practice with the club.
Day 1
Classroom
How avalanches form and release, reading the forecast, and planning a trip.
Day 2
Field day
Terrain, travel techniques and companion rescue drills in the snow.
The month after
Online club
One month free in the Alpine Islands online community.
Where it sits on the belt ladder
White belt›AST 1›Blue belt
AST 1 is the base curriculum after White belt, and the step toward Blue. See the belt system.
What you’ll learn
The AST 1 curriculum
- Avalanche formation and release
- Identifying avalanche terrain
- Trip planning basics
- Using the avalanche forecast and other tools to manage your risk
- Travel techniques in avalanche terrain
- Companion rescue
What’s included
- Avalanche Canada AST 1 certificate
- Course materials
- Rental beacon, shovel, probe (additional)
- One month free in the Alpine Islands online club
The Practice Keeps You Sharp
Every AST 1 graduate gets one month free in the Alpine Islands online community. Use it for practice drills, meetups, and conditions reports with a community of others doing the same.
- Weekly snow pits from the same spot all season, so you can watch the snowpack change.
- Discussion about conditions, terrain and decisions.
- Meet others at your level to tour with.
- Ask questions and get answers from people who were out there.
Is this the right course?
Yes, if you
- Have the White belt basics and want to start touring on your own terms
- Ride or ski off-piste and want to understand the terrain you are in
- Have a beacon in your pack but have never really practised with it
Not yet, if you
- Are not yet comfortable riding blue runs or at least 3-4 hours of cardio per day
- Want a guided day rather than a course
- Already hold AST 1 and want the next step (look for AST 2, coming soon)
Taught by Steve Andrews
Founder of Alpine Islands. 32 years on snow, and a CAA Basic Avalanche Educator.
- Canadian Avalanche Association member, Basic Avalanche Educator
- CSGA Level 1 Ski Guide
- Advanced First Aid (WorkSafeBC)
Dates and registration
[DRAFT] Courses alternate between the North Shore and Whistler. Both days run back to back.
Weekday course
$325 CAD
Two weekdays, back to back.
- Wed Dec 9 & Thu Dec 10, Whistler, BC
- Wed Dec 15 and Thu Dec 16, Whistler, BC
Weekend course
$375 CAD
Saturday and Sunday, back to back.
- Starting Dec. 12, 2026
- Every other weekend for 2027, Jan-April
Request a seat
Leave your name and email. We will confirm your date, send payment details and a pre-course reading list.
Online theory option
Coming later. Do the classroom portion from home, then join us for the field day. Leave your email to hear when it opens.
Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the date. 50% refund up to 48 hours, and no refunds within 48 hours.
Questions
North Shore or Whistler?
Courses alternate between the two. Each location has its own benefits. Whistler has bigger terrain, North Shore has a more interesting snowpack.
Do I need to have my White belt?
You need to be comfortable in blue runs and able to use touring gear. If you don’t, you may hold others up. We will be offering intro to backcountry courses soon, get in touch if you’d like to knwo more.
What do I need to bring?
Beacon, shovel, probe, layers, lunch, good attitude, and a curious mind. Additional
Can I rent avalanche gear?
Yes. Get in touch with us if you need to and we’re happy to get you set up.
Do I need a lift ticket or trail pass?
If you’re taking the course in Whistler, yes. backcountry tickets are available at Guest Services.
How big are the groups?
Max size 8 people.
Is this the official AST 1?
It sure is! We follow the Avalanche Canada curriculum.
What happens after the course?
You get a month free in the online club, and you are ready to work toward Blue belt.
[DRAFT] First course Dec 9.
[DRAFT] Weekday and weekend dates through the season, on the North Shore and in Whistler.
AST 1
Dec 9, from $325