ADVANCED DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN

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AST 2 is the next step if you have taken your AST 1 or have gained some previous experience in the backcountry.

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The AST 2 curriculum is built around the daily process, which emulates the same approach used by professionals. It expands on the foundations of  AST 1 and provides a more advanced decision-making framework for travelling in avalanche terrain. AST 2 comprises the equivalent of about one day of classroom/E-learning instruction with a minimum of three days in the field to put what you’ve learned into practise.

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This 3-day course follows the curriculum of Avalanche Canada (one of  the world leaders in avalanche safety training) and is awarded with an Avalanche Canada AST 2 certificate. 

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What you will learn:

• Progressive planning and travel techniques required to travel safely through various types of terrain using the daily process.

• Getting the most from your avalanche forecast.​

• How to proficiently carry out a companion rescue.

• Decision making skills to manage avalanche risk.

• A deeper theoretical understanding of avalanche terrain and snowpack.

• Key techniques for recognizing and assessing avalanche terrain and to develop your own terrain ratings.

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Course format: 

This course is basically an outdoor based course with lots of hands on practice. Additionally, the course is complemented by e-learning and classroom components. Before the start of the course you will complete a short online e-learning module to cover the basics of avalanche safety, avalanche formation and hazard assessment. 

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Daily logistics:

Each day starts with a discussing the major pre-trip planning steps (avalanche bulletin, weather report, terrain choices, etc) and a short presentation with additional background information.  As short homework assignment participants will run through the pre-trip planning procedure for the following touring day. During the day various rescue scenarios will prepare you for the worst cast scenario of an avalanche involvement.  

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The final course location will be decided on snow, weather and avalanche conditions. Options are the local ski resorts around Garmisch or Innsbruck or nearby suitable ski-touring destinations. 

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WHAT IS INCLUDED? WHAT DO WE PROVIDE?:

• Three days of practical training lead by an Int. Cert. Mountain Guide

• Access to the online E-learning platform Canvas

• Avalanche emergency gear: transceiver, shovel, probe

• Other study material such as topo maps, snow study kit, etc. 

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NOT INCLUDED:

Lift tickets, lodging and food, rental of ski touring equipment, transport to course location. 

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• To participate in this course you need to be able to safely downhill ski in variable off-piste conditions.

• You need to provide your own back country ski gear (AT, touring split board, telemark, etc. )

• You need to be reasonably fit to be able to climb up to 800 vertical meters of elevation gain.