7am
Meet at La Baguette - Sign waivers and organize for the day
The best platform for learning is in real terrain. You want to be able to learn how to travel safely and efficiently through a complex mountain environment Avalanche Skills Training Course 2 - AST 2.
If you've completed an AST Level 1 and want to advance your skills, it's time to elevate your game with a BLAST course from CAPOW! Our Backcountry Learning and Avalanche Skills Training courses offer cutting-edge knowledge to refine your decision-making in avalanche terrain. While we emphasize fun and enjoyable skiing, our curriculum guarantees a serious, effective learning experience with a blend of good vibes and top-notch education.
Based out of Revelstoke, hitting up Roger’s Pass and area on the daily – we want to take you somewhere you’ve never been before, or somewhere you have but through a different, more knowledgeable perspective.
We’ll add the good times, but prepare for four full action-packed days of learning (about yourself).
AST 2 course is the build on AST 1 so we will advance our skills through real application in backcountry terrain. We will learn to interpret and apply the avalanche bulletin, practice advanced companion avalanche rescue and communication, and adopt professional-level documentation, communication, recording and group management (dynamics are fun).
This course is a mix of online and self led course work, and 4 days in the field. We want to maximize the practice in the backcountry, so yes, we will really go skiing and discuss our observations and travel tactics along the way.
As with all CAPOW courses, we are all about education, asking questions and learning together. ACMG certified guides will lead your course, and advance you through the AST 2 curriculum. Don’t worry, even with all that learning, we will still find great skiing.
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 Meet at La Baguette - Sign waivers and organize for the day
Comprehensive companion avalanche rescue practice
1st Day spent building off AST 1 curriculum
Full Field days
Below are available dates for all avalanche courses
No. BUT we are looking for a crew that has backcountry experience. Just let us know when you book
TOTALLY! Instructors will cover AST 2 curriculum and then take things further. It all depends on your previous experience and interest. Also see the AvyPro - its like an AST Level 3
We've created a more intimate set up. Small group numbers are key to maximize learning and that comes at a cost.
4 FULL days of learning. Groups are small with a certified ACMG guide. 4 FULL days in the field.
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
YES! 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 instructors availability. The sooner we put a trip together the better.
We have a call the night before, then meet at the trailhead.
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