Looking to explore the backcountry this winter? Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) is an introductory course geared towards recreationalists with little to no experience in avalanche terrain. It’s also suitable for those with some experience who are looking for more formalized training. AST1 is recommended for anyone venturing into avalanche terrain.

In partnership with the KWRA (Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association), AST1 Powell River for Snowshoers is a three day version of AST1 - including one theory day and two practical field days. Students are provided with take-home reference materials and tools which provide clear and effective learning progressions, emphasizing important knowledge and skills.

The theory day (Day 1) will be in Powell River and the field days (Days 2 - 3) will be in the Knuckleheads. Please note, everyone who signs up for this course must be an able hiker to make travel to and from the cabin safe and efficient (volunteer ATV support may be available but is not guaranteed).

Overnight of Day 2 will be spent in the Vic Cole Cabin, with dinner provided by the KWRA. Dinner is free of charge but participants are expected to make a donation for their stay at the cabin; $5 min for KWRA members and $10 min for non members.

Please note, as the delivery of this course - in Powell River - is possible with the generous support of the Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association (KWRA) - who's mission statement is to provide and enhance access for the local (Qathet area) community to the backcountry - AST1 Powell River is respectfully for Qathet area residents only. 

For residents from the lower coast, Vancouver Island, and beyond - we offer AST1 Washington for Skiers/Boarders, AST1 Washington for Snowshoers, and/or AST1 Cain for Skiers/Boarders. 

The indoor and in-person theory day will be held within Powell River. The Vic Cole Cabin will be used as the access point to the Knucklheads backcountry terrain for the two field days. 

Avalanche Canada requires a minimum of 4 hours of classroom time and 7 hours in the field. Our courses exceed all the minimum time requirements set by Avalanche Canada. Anticipate that each day will go from 8:30 to around 17:00. Exact timing often depends on the group, the instructor and the conditions of the day, but below is a general idea of what to expect:

08:30: Meet your instructor and other participants for your AST1 theory day. Waivers and rental add-ons are handed out. Snowshoes will not be needed on day one. 

We may complete some companion rescue practice on the theory day, in which case avi kits will be required. 

16:00-17:00: Approximate finish time

08:00: Students meet their instructor in Powell River - exact location specified within the pre-trip email (info shared approximately one week before the start of the course with participants). Travel to the Knuckleheads/Vic Cole Cabin. Everyone who signs up for this course must be an able hiker to make travel to and from the cabin safe and efficient. Volunteer ATV shuttle to the hut may be available but is not guaranteed. 

After arriving in the Knuckleheads - there will be morning meeting and students will spend the day in the field, identifying terrain, practicing route finding and safe travel, and learning about slope assessment, hazard recognition and small party self-rescue.

 

16:00-17:00: Debrief and join for dinner provided by the KWRA (Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association) in the Vic Cole Cabin. Dinner is free of charge but participants are expected to make a donation for their stay at the cabin; $5 min for KWRA members and $10 min for non members.

Overnight in Vic Cole Cabin.

Day 3: Field session 

09:00: After the morning meeting, students will spend the day in the field, identifying terrain, practicing route finding and safe travel, and learning about slope assessment, hazard recognition and small party self-rescue. Course instruction will likely wrap up around 2pm on Day 3, allowing 3hrs for departing and getting back to Powell River. 

17:00: Debrief and rental return.

Exact meeting details will be provided in the pre-trip email sent one-week prior to the start of your course.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. 

Avalanche Skills Training 1 is an introductory avalanche course designed for individuals with little to no avalanche related experience. However, to comfortably participate we ask that you: 

Vehicle access to the Knucklheads trailhead in winter (Days 2 - 3 of this course) requires 4x4 with chains. For those without 4x4 vehicles, a rideshare program will be organized by the KWRA (Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association) at the end of the theory day on Saturday. 

Please note, as the delivery of this course - in Powell River - is possible with the generous support of the Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association (KWRA) - who's mission statement is to provide and enhance access for the local Qathet area community to the backcountry - AST1 Powell River is respectfully for Qathet area residents only. 

For residents from the lower coast, Vancouver Island, and beyond - we offer AST1 Washington for Skiers/Boarders, AST1 Washington for Snowshoers, and/or AST1 Cain for Skiers/Boarders. 

Pre-course study 

To help you prepare and get the most out of your course, we recommend some pre-course study. Avalanche Canada’s online avalanche tutorial is a great resource.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. We are always happy to help you find a suitable course or customize something to suit your needs whenever possible.

The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. If you have any questions, please send us an email: [email protected]

These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book, or by request for $45/3 days.

Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.