AST 2 – Revelstoke

Avalanche Safety Training 2 (AST 2) in Revelstoke. A vital first step in backcountry avalanche terrain exploration. Nationally-standardized curriculum by Avalanche Canada. Interactive classroom day and 8-hour field trip.

About the Course

The AST 2 Revelstoke features the curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada, which builds on skills learned in the AST 1 course. It is a 4 day course that includes 1 full classroom session, and three field sessions, with additional trip planning sessions in the evening. You will receive coaching on trip planning, navigation, track setting, and hazard assessment.

*Please note that the booking calendar only displays the course start date. Each course is 4 days in length and visible once you select “Book Now”.

"I did my AST 2 with Mountain Addicts and it was an incredible learning experience. The field days were packed with insights. Our guide (Mel) was interacting continuously, whether it be demonstrating snowpack analysis, pointing out terrain features in front of us, or constructively challenging our avalanche skills. I especially valued the encouragement to do a little homework each day by preparing the tour of the next day, applying our knowledge by writing up a concise report in a decision-making guide. At the end of the course, I felt much more confident in making decisions in navigating avalanche terrain. Would wholeheartedly recommend."

Joep Maas, AST 2 Revelstoke, 2020 Participant

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our Instructors and Guides

The Mountain Addicts team is obsessed with safety. All of our guides are members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). The ACMG is the only internationally recognized professional association of trained and certified mountain guides and instructors in Canada. Our guides come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and Mountain Addicts will find your perfect match.

Mel Makepeace

Ski Guide & Owner

Mel is the owner of Mountain Addicts, an ACMG Ski Guide and Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association. She began her career as a ski patroller in 2008 and now travels the world ski touring and heli-ski guiding. Mel particularly loves facilitating mountain travel confidence in women.

More Info

  • AST 1 or equivalent training and experience
  • Ability to ski tour approximately 800-1200 meters in elevation per day
  • Ability to ski/ride off-piste conditions in a controlled manner
  • Good knowledge of your riding gear and transitioning equipment from walk mode to ski mode
  • All participants are required to sign a waiver

Equipment List

Required items: Please bring the following on Day 1, Classroom Session

  • Lunch & Snacks – there will be a lunch break and there is food for purchase near by
  • Digital Avalanche Transceiver with Fresh Batteries: 3 Antenna type transceiver required, if you are unsure, send us an email indicating the make and model
  • Paper and pen AND PENCIL for notes (you will be provided with a field book)
  • Compass
  • Lap-top (google earth application recommended)
  • Smart-phone with topographic map/GPS app (GAIA recommended)

Required Items: Please bring the following on Day 2, Field Day

  • Water: thermos or flask 1-2L, hydration pack not recommended due to cold freezing the tube
  • Some additional snacks/treats/drinks to supplement provided lunch
  • Digital Avalanche Transceiver
  • Avalanche Shovel: collapsible & metal
  • Collapsible Avalanche Probe
  • Skis: ‘Alpine Touring with touring bindings’ or ‘Telemark’

or

  • Split Board: with split board skins. Please have your transitions dialled for the field days.
  • Ski Poles: recommended for all modes of travel
  • Climbing Skins ‘Stick-on type’
  • Boots: appropriate for your mode of snow travel
  • Day Pack: large enough for spare clothes, lunch, shovel, probe, and share of group gear (first aid kit etc.), 30-40 litre size recommended
  • Compass
  • Sunglasses and/or Ski Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp
  • You will be provided with field book, but please bring pencils
  • It is HIGHLY recommended that you arrive with a GPS App installed on your phone. GAIA is preferred.

Mountain Addicts have transceiver, shovel, and probe rentals available.

During the field day there can be longer periods of inactivity in cold temperatures. To maximize your learning experience, be sure to bring lots of extra clothing so that you can focus on the course and not the cold. Bring clothing of varying thicknesses that can be ‘layered’ to achieve comfort and versatility. Cotton clothing is not appropriate as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. You may have heard the expression “Cotton Kills”.

Below is a recommended clothing list:

  • Base Layers (top and bottom): Wool or synthetic materials preferred, such as  Rab® Forge Leggings and Top
  • Water Resistant Jacket: A quality hardshell for staying dry when it’s dumping is an essential piece of ski touring kit. Our guide’s use the Rab®  Khroma Kinetic Jacket.
  • Water Resistant Ski Pants: Waterproof pants help keep you warm in the powder. Pants with ventilation that you can open and close are ideal. Check out the Rab® Khroma Kinetic Pants.
  • Warm Mid-Layer Shirt, Sweater, or Fleece such as the Rab® Alpha Flash Jacket.
  • Insulated Jacket or Vest: A feather down or Primaloft™ insulated jacket is essential for staying warm while taking breaks or when the weather gets really cold. Don’t be afraid to double down! The Mountain Addicts love the Rab® Neutrino Pro Jacket.
  • Socks: wool or synthetic, no cotton.
  • Wool or Fleece Hat that covers the ears.
  • Buff: great for protecting your face in cold and windy conditions. Mountain Addicts have buffs for sale.
  • 2 Pair of Gloves: we always recommend ski touring with at least 2 pair of gloves. One pair for sweating in, and another pair for keeping your hands dry and warm. Check out these options: Rab® Pivot GTX Glove and Rab® Khroma Tour Infinium Gloves.
  • Ski Helmet: recommended for skiers and riders. We love Pret helmets!

Optional Equipment: Not essential, but feel free to bring

  • Camera
  • Chemical hand warmer & toe warmer packets
  • Snow saw
  • Snow-study kit

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