Course curriculum

  • 01

    Intro

    • Welcome

    • Intro to the course
  • 02

    Avalanche Statistics

    • Intro

    • The Facts

    • Full Burial

  • 03

    The Snowpack

    • Intro

    • Presentation
  • 04

    Defining Avalanche Problems

    • Intro

    • Presentation

    • Avalanche Footage

  • 05

    Avalanche Size

    • Intro

    • Size and Terminology

  • 06

    Terrain

  • 07

    Group management

    • Group Management

    • Getting Down
  • 08

    Applying Daily Forecast in the Field

    • Weather Factors

    • Quick Reference
  • 09

    Snowpack Evaluation Basics

    • Why we dig

    • Where we dig

    • What we dig

    • Quick Reference
  • 10

    Companion Rescue

    • Intro

    • Presentation

    • Example 1

    • Example 2
  • 11

    Pre-trip Planning

    • Reading a map

    • Digital Products

    • Avalanche Forecast

    • Weather Forecast

    • Rescue Plan

    • Quick Reference
  • 12

    Gear

    • What is in your pack

    • Skis, Skins and Boots

    • Use of backcountry skins

    • Split-Boards

    • Layer up!

    • Quick Reference
  • 13

    Wrap Up

    • Intro

    • Case Study

    • Special thanks to:

    • Survey

    • Final Quiz

AST 1 - certificate

All Altus AST courses are taught to the highest standard and follow the Avalanche Canada curriculum.

To receive your AST 1 certificate a one day in the field session is required. This 8 hour day in the backcountry with one of our certified guides is available all winter long in both Whistler, Squamish or Revelstoke BC. Learn more.

Extra learning

Additional learning opportunities for

  • Ask questions

    If you have a question about a lesson or want more explanation. Ask your question and have feedback from the course instructor.

  • Chat with a guide

    Sign up to chat with your instructor and certified guide online. Ask questions you might have or to help make steps to propel your next adventure.

  • Outdoor courses

    All online course students will have access to outdoor courses curated directly for them. Find a course in Revelstoke, Whistler and Chamonix

Instructor

Instructor Bio:

Born in Red Deer, Alberta, Ross discovered the mountains as a teenager visiting Western Canada's best winter destinations as a sponsored snowboarder. At the age of 16 he was introduced to rock climbing through a local Whistler guide. This experience completely captivated him and opened his eyes to the huge potential the mountains present. In the following years, he completed his certification as an International Mountain Guide. “I feel privileged to be able to work as a mountain guide and look forward to sharing the thrill of the mountains with my guests.” Ross has guided, climbed and skied in the European Alps for the last several seasons. When he's at home he can be found working as a heli-ski guide in winters and climbing alpine rock routes in summer. @ross_berg_

Ross Berg

IFMGA Mountain Guide