AST 1 Ski/Snowboard

Do you venture out of bounds, off the trails, or into the backcountry? An AST 1 is your place to start. You don’t need any experience to take this course. It is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry or slackcountry.

This is the course where you’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and how to companion rescue. An AST 1 is a minimum of two days with both classroom and field components. You need to take this course first and so should your friends because just one person trained in a group is not enough. Everyone in your group should take an AST 1. Recognize an AST 1 course is only the beginning—the avalanche pros will tell you avalanche training is a lifelong process.

This course will be located at Castle Mountain Resort. Classroom starts at 9:00. Field day starts at 9:00 and will be utilizing the cat ski terrain, this requires all participants to purchase a one-ride lift pass for Huckleberry Chair (link will be shared during classroom). All students are required to have: Transceiver, shovel, and probe in a backpack and a way to travel uphill in the backcountry. (touring skis, split board, snowshoes)

All students are required to read and sign a waiver at the beginning of the course. Please review and sign this online waiver in advance of the course date. Avalanche Skills Training Course Waiver

What you will learn:
Avalanche formation and release.

• How to identify avalanche terrain.
• The basics of trip planning.
• Optimal use of tools and resources like avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk.
• Using appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
• Intro to companion rescue.