Winter Skills Courses for KMC Members – 2021/2022 season
To mitigate Covid-19 exposure, the technical standards that will be adhered to in these courses can be viewed here.
Summit Mountain Guides Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Courses
The Kootenay Mountaineering Club is subsidizing these courses to the amount of $25 per member. Please note we have a $75 course subsidy limit for any one member per calendar year.
Volunteer trip organizers will receive an additional subsidy of $25 over and above the regular member $25 discount, already included in the posted rates. To qualify, you must have organized at least 4 trips in the past year. This program recognizes the importance of all trip organizers within our club. If you think you qualify, please contact Peter Oostlander first for an approval.
AST 1 – December 18-19, 2021 (skiers) and AST 1 – January 8-9, 2022 (snowshoers)
Course value $278 – KMC member rate: $225 incl. GST
Price includes: Avalanche course book, CAA avaluator trip planning tool, AST 1 certificate.
Location: TBA
Group size: Maximum 8, Minimum 6
The introductory course, Avalanche Skills Training 1, is a 2 day weekend program.
Are you planning to explore the local backcountry this winter? Do you want to learn basic travel and powder skiing safety in avalanche terrain?
Join our AST level 1 course and learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, manage it and read snow packs information to better choose the right up track, avoid avalanches and enjoy your turns.
This 2 day introductory course follows the Canadian Avalanche Association program, goals and objectives. Check out a review of the course done by Backcountry Skiing Canada for more photo’s and course perspective.
Please click here for course itinerary and equipment requirements.
Companion Rescue & Refresher – December 12, 2021
Course value $158 – KMC member rate $120 Incl. GST
Group size: Maximum 8, Minimum 6
Has it been awhile since your last avalanche skills training? Review and renew your practical rescue skills, get information about new avalanche equipment as well as discover updated probing, shoveling and group rescue techniques.
This one day field course follows Avalanche Canada’s program, goals and objectives. In addition to learning modern search practices this course provides trip planning techniques and rescue resource awareness.
Please click here for course itinerary and equipment requirements.
Managing Avalanche Terrain – January 16, 2022
Course value $158 – KMC member rate $120 Incl. GST
Group size: Maximum 8, Minimum 6
The MAT is a one-day, field-based course, designed to expand on the terrain management theory taught in the AST 1 course, as well as develop winter backcountry travel skills. AST 1 is a prerequisite.
Please click here for course itinerary and equipment requirements.
AST 2 – See available dates
Course value $604 – KMC member rate: $520 incl. GST
Are you looking for the highest recreational avalanche training? Are you interested in boosting your skills before seeking further Industry Training Programs? The AST level 2 will deepen your knowledge, broaden your experience and skills for better decision making in avalanche terrain.
This 3 & 1/2 day program is the next logical step after completing the AST 1. Similar topics will be covered with more depth and emphasis on adapting personal exposure based on changing conditions & field observations.
This course provides the highest level of recreational avalanche training. It is also a stepping stone for further CAA industry training programs. Click here for more information.