Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies

We rate this tour as a 2/5. You’ll spend one day in a classroom and one day out in winter conditions in the mountains, skiing or snowshoeing up to 5km with up to 250m of elevation gain. If you add the optional ski or splitboard day, you’ll need to be an intermediate or better skier or snowboarder and be 18 years of age or older.

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

The minimum age is 13. Those who are younger than 16 years old are recommended to be accompanied by a parent. Optional ski or splitboard day has an age limit of 18.

Yes! You will receive Avalanche Skills Training 1 Certificate. The AST1 is the prerequisite for the professional level Avalanche Operations Level 1 and our Avalanche Skills Training 2 course.

No meals are included.

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.

Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). Calgary courses are held at Suite 550 Guinness House in the Elveden Center at 727 7th Avenue S.W. Canmore courses are held in variable locations. We recommend renting a car if possible as you’ll need to transfer to Bow Summit on Day 2.

Yes, you will be learning from and supervised by an experienced guide.

The tour ends after the final lesson on Bow Summit. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport.

Let us know if you wish to book the optional 3rd day of this tour, which involves a backcountry ski or splitboarding expedition. You need to bring your own equipment (snowboarders must use a splitboard), be 18 years of age or older, and be intermediate level or better. This extension will incur an additional fee.

Check with your family doctor.

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies for this tour is the wintertime between December and March when there’s enough snow to accurately learn about avalanches.