This course is taught by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures by a professional ACMG certified guide. MSAA is offering a special price for BCMC members of $696.15 + GST (regular price for non-members: $819 + GST). 

Don't forget that all Active BCMC Member receive a 15% Discount on ALL MSAA Courses. To receive the discount please contact our office at info@msaa.ca with your valid membership number.  

Develop your "Backcountry Skills" with the Sea to Sky's leading mountain school. Obtain the complete required skill set & implementation through expert certified guides and our carefully crafted curriculum. Est. 1991 - Trip Advisor; Hall of Fame status,  beloved and trusted by BCMC members!

Course Details:

The AST 2 course consists of one classroom day and 3 days of extensive outdoor field sessions on the mountain focusing on terrain analysis, snowpack assessment and rescue skills.We provide you with the know-how to easily formulate a logical, concise and dependable safety plan for backcountry skiing or riding. You will learn to bring together critical information and resources into one unique integrated plan.

We have designed this as a step by step, regimented approach which is time efficient and highly effective. This greatly facilitates the task and ensures a plan is made and implemented prior to skiing or riding. This plan will form the basis of decision making as to where and how the next day’s skiing will safely take place.

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course is designed for students who have already taken the AST 1 Course or for experienced backcountry skiers & riders looking to broaden their avalanche skills. Our in-depth course meets and surpasses the Canadian Avalanche Centre requirements with additional MSAA curriculum.

Itinerary:

DAY ONE - Indoor Day

Meeting Place: Whistler Village Inn & Suites, 4429 Sundial Pl, Whistler, BC V8E 1G8.

Duration: 9am-5pm (please arrive 15 minutes before start time)

Things to bring: Day One will take place indoors, so all you will need is writing materials and casual clothes. Food and drinks not included. *please note that masks are now mandatory in the classroom

DAY TWO, THREE & FOUR - Field Day 1, 2 & 3

Meeting Place: RMU Patio

*Please note that field days 2 & 3 will be hosted in Whistler using the Lifts to access the backcountry. If you do not have a lift pass you can purchase a backcountry pass through MSAA for $45.00.

Location: Depending on group ability and conditions the field days can be hosted in other destinations such as the Duffey or Squamish. This will be a group decision made on either day 1 or 2. If you have purchased lift passes for this course and the field day location changes MSAA will issue a 100% refund.

Meeting Time: 8:00am

Gear List:

Day 1: (Classroom Day)

• Pen (due to COVID-19, we will not be providing pens)
• Paper/notebook
• Lunch, snacks & water
• Laptop (optional)
• Mask

Day 2 - 4: (Field Day): Dress appropriately for the conditions.

Clothing:

• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Mid layer fleece top
• Insulating top and bottom under layers and socks
• Warm hat/toque and balaclava
• 2 pairs of gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Equipment:

• Lift Pass (If you do not have a season pass or Epic Pass or Edge Card, you can purchase a backcountry ticket from MSAA for $59)
• Backpack-25-35 Litres
• Alpine touring skis/splitboard, skins, bindings, and boots
• Avalanche Safety Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Helmet
• Poles
• First Aid Kit with blister kit
• Rite in the Rain notebook and pencil (optional)
• Map, compass, GPS (optional)
• Lunch, snacks, and water

Curriculum:

Click HERE for the full curriculum

Payment:

Deposit Rule: Pay only 50% of the booking cost now to reserve your spot then pay the remainder 30 days before the course/trip start date. Select the option at checkout to redeem. 

On-line Registration process:

(1) Click “Join this trip” on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Waiting List

(2) Once on the Waiting List you will have access to the Course Online Payment on the left side of the page where you will find the promo code. Complete your payment directly with MSAA HERE  using the promo code. Be sure to select the right date in the drop down menu. You will receive a confirmation email from MSAA once your payment is completed.

(3) Forward your confirmation email to courses@bcmc.ca. You will then be added to the Confirmed List.

(4) Keep an eye on your email for further logistic details.

Please use the BCMC covid guidline for transporation. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact MSAA at +1 (604) 938-9242 or Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca.