Courses

AST 1 & 2 + early Season tune up

This multi-day introductory course is the national standard for recreational avalanche training. You can expect to ski away with a better understanding of avalanche terrain, how to manage your groups safety while travelling through the mountains and a solid process for decision making in the backcountry.

Curriculum Includes:

  • Avalanche formation and release
  • Identifying avalanche terrain
  • Trip planning using forecasts and mapping
  • Appropriate travel techniques and group management
  • Companion rescue and emergency preparedness

Course consists of a classroom evening session on the first night, followed by another classroom day including some outside learning. We finished the course with a full field day in the nearby mountains.

What you need to bring to the course:

Classroom: pen, notebook, snacks and water.

Field Day: Climbing utensils- skis, split board, skins, snowshoes, avalanche rescue gear; transceiver, probe, and shovel. Full gear list discussed in class.

We have some gear available for rent please enquire if you need certain equipment.

Winter 2024/25 Kaslo Course Dates

AST 2/Early Season Tune Up – Dec 18-22, 2024 @ Carlyle Lodge

All the details here!

AST 1 – January 3-4, 2025

Reach out about custom courses or dates

 Unfortunately there will be no Vitamin Ski PHD this winter. We look forward to offering this course again in coming years!
 

Register Here

Vitamin Ski PHD

at Carlyle Lodge

This course is designed similar to an AST 2 but is more catered to the individual groups learning goals of those present. Start your day with waking up at 2100m, enjoy cozy shared meals at the lodge combined with full days  skiing in field  and evening theory sessions. Sauna to finish the day. Eat, Sleep, Ski, Repeat.

Day 1

Arrive at Carlyle lodge by helicopter. Review of rescue skills and transceiver training. Guided skiing and group discussions. Terrain familiarization. Evening fireside theory chats and route discussions for the next day.

Day 2-4

Coffee and breaky accompanied by the weather and forecast updates for the day. Group hazard analysis and trip plan for the day. Full field days of skiing with students leading the days. Ongoing discussion of terrain, routes, objectives. Apres Reflection and learning. Prep for the following day.

Topics Covered throughout Course;

• Route planning and finding with maps & digital
devices
• Interpreting Weather and Avalanche forecasts
• Terrain selection for up tracks and fresh tracks
• Hazard and Snow Pit Analysis
• Rope and Avalanche Rescue
• Shred Posse Management

Students will get the opportunity to plan and execute the days with guidance and knowledge from ACMG certified ski guides. Guide to student ratio max 1:5 While staying at Carlyle you simply step out the door and click into your skis. This convenience allows for max time  in the snow with no shuttle with cars or machines. This course is immersive both in education and snow.