Before trip
Prior self-learning required before the course. This will be online, ~2-4 hrs.
This is where you start. Avalanche Canada’s nationally recognized Avalanche Skills Training Level One or AST 1 for short is known as the prerequisite for anyone looking to get into the avalanche backcountry environment. Our BLAST courses (Backcountry Learning and Avalanche Skills Training) are based on the most advanced knowledge available to teach the fundamentals of decision making in backcountry avalanche terrain.
If you’re looking for the opportunity to get a skill set customized to your ability and learning style, this one-on-one coaching in terrain you want to tackle and in realistic condition will set you up for success in your ski-touring adventures. What a BLAST!
This course teaches you the fundamentals of moving through avalanche terrain. We will review how to use your great, identifying avalanche paths and types of avalanches, and learn basic avalanche and snow terminology. This course is the place to test your footing in the backcountry, ask lots of questions, and learn in a group environment.
Our BLAST courses teach avalanche skills in a real big mountain backcountry environment. With smaller numbers and more time in the field, it’s the best AST 1 course in the industry. We will explore our local ski touring haunts like Rogers Pass or the RMR side country. You will have some online/self led course work, and two full days in the field.
Our experienced ACMG-certified guides provide tailored instruction and engage in discussions to ensure you learn effectively. With their extensive backcountry experience, they bring valuable insights and stories to enhance your ski-touring skills.
Group dynamics and vibe are so key in the backcountry. We excel in connecting the right environment for your ability, personality and interests. Think of us like the backcountry matchmakers; hook it up with the right guide, crew and direction for your experience. We’ve developed a way for you to communicate using your hands. Be honest and use this format to communicate your vibe.
Experience: You have a day or two out touring with friends but feel new and intimidated with 1) the term “complex terrain” 2) Transitions 3) multi peak day 4) Your outfit
Fitness: Love the outdoors, but wish you could get out more. A full day is fine, but prefer lots of snack breaks
Shredability: Strong intermediate. Can shred at least 85% of inbounds terrain at your local resort.
Experience: Completed either an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course or been guided backcountry skiing before. Generally proficient and confident with mountain travel. Limited experience in complex terrain, but excited to #exploremore
Fitness: Bring on a big day, but let’s talk the whole way. There’s more to life then panting for air.
Shredability: Advanced. Will shred all terrain and comfortable in changing snow conditions
Experience: You’ve been out there doing this for years maybe even completed an AST 2. You own an ice axe and aren’t afraid to use it.
Fitness: So you’re fit, and you identify yourself as such. You’re looking for big days and big vert.
Shredability: Humility is good but you can ski any terrain and make it look good.
Experience: Years of backcountry touring in complex terrain and a credible level of avalanche training. More-than-proficient with technical equipment: ice axe, crampons, roping up on a glacier.
Fitness: You think you can actually hang with Greg Hill?… the guy that ski toured 2 million vertical in a season.
Shredability: Rappel into a couloir or 10,000+ ft days – BRING IT
Peace Sign
Shaka Bra
Devil Horns
Air Guitar Prior self-learning required before the course. This will be online, ~2-4 hrs.
Meet at La Baguette at 7:00am, cruise to trailhead. Avalanche Rescue instruction and practice
AST 1 field curriculum
Pre trip planning. Analyze weather forecast through avalanche.ca and how it will affect the day. Determine the day objective – Head to trail head
Full field day
Below are available dates for all avalanche courses
2 days of learning. Groups are small with a certified ACMG guide. Two FULL days in the field. We will include an avaluator and avalanche textbook.
Transportation, all food and accomodation
You might just find a new best friend. Yes, we’re guides, but we’re not going to hold ourselves higher than everyone else. More than anything, we’re mentors. We think safety should be fun, cool and the first priority of the ever-growing community of backcountry enthusiasts. It is our prerogative to communicate from the start to the end of the day. We’re going shredding and we’ll let ya know whats up, there’s a lot to learn from that. If you’re not into this, we’re not into you…the backcountry is our home, passion and arena to bring the best out of you. Lets get deep
Y-E-S. There is inherent risk in the activities we are partaking in. We are exposed to a remote and uncontrolled environment. It is vital to us that you understand what you are getting yourselves into. We use a waiver for you to understand these risks, use this document as a way to communicate to us that you understand. Expect to see a copy upon booking. We will have a fresh waiver for you to sign the first day. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions – info@capow.ca
Small group numbers and a longer course then other trips. Other AST 1 courses only have 1 full day in the field we focus on 2 FULL days. We believe in the importance of small group numbers to max learning PLUS with ACMG guides we apply the curriculum in the big mountains.... now don't you think you're worth it?
YES! This is the entry level course for backcountry education. We are looking for groups of people that have ski experience and a moderate to good fitness level. This should be the first trip into the backcountry to set you up right from the start!
YES! We look for people that are comfortable on skis and a moderate to high fitness level. AST courses are designed to apply standardize Avalanche Canada curriculum in big mountain terrain.
YES! The whole idea is that we will educate you on the gear you have and use.
You will have to rent or borrow from a friend. The whole idea is that we will educate you on the gear you have and use.
For the most part YES! We believe it's important to be on the same page as a touring group. We actually prefer group bookings. We are limited by instructor availability. The sooner we put a trip together the better.
Thats the plan... the whole idea is to apply the curriculum in the terrain you want to shred. Everything is condition dependant.
First off - you're here to learn so you can send it in the future. YES you will ski more on this AST course than others, but come in with the mindset of learning! The CaPosse comes with years of experience traveling in the big mountains.
Come-on, of course you are…encouraged even. Each trip we have a number of splitboarders. Make sure you have any extra bolts or parts specific for your set up.
We meet at La Baguette the morning of the first day.
Through Lifestyle Travel Insurance Services. It is custom to each person and trip. Follow this link to start the process. http://www.lifestylefinancial.ca/index.php/travelinsurance/capowguiding
We understand you’ve had something big come up (changed your millennial mind, you got bad frostbite, your loved one is making you go to your cousin's wedding) but we’ve saved you a spot. We can't just give you your money back. Here are your options // 1) Buy cancelation insurance, this makes it easy for everyone // 2) Excluding your non-refundable deposit, any amounts paid can be refunded or applied as credit at your discretion if you are making the cancelation 60 days or more in advance of the 1st day of the trip. // 3) If you are unable to attend a trip and notify us 14 days or less prior to the start of the trip, CAPOW guiding has the right to keep full payment. 4)If you are unable to attend a trip and are able to fill with a substitute to fill your space, DO THAT!!
YES - There are always cancellations. Give Sarah a message (info@capow.ca) and get your name on the list!
Look no further, you are not our demographic