Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

Full AST 1 Course | Online + Field Session

To register for your full AST 1 select the BOOK NOW link below to select a location and date or view our course schedule.

AST 1 field days are available in Golden, Revelstoke, Fernie, Big White, Castle, Smithers and Kimberley.

Book Now | Full AST 1

Private AST 1’s are available and all the rage. Please contact us for availability.

Online Only

You can purchase the online course and book a field day later on when the time is right.

Book Now | Online only AST 1

Help us plant some trees! For every course registration a tree gets planted.

We are very excited to have partnered up with the Blue Green Planet Project. We have commited to planting a tree for every course registration we receive! To learn more follow this link to a write up we did about the Blue Green Planet Project.

» Stay Wild is a certified Avalanche Canada AST provider

» 7 hours of online learning with our custom (and spicy) online course + an evening session with your instructor (via google meet)

» 1 day in the backcountry

» Locations that require (and have discounted) lift tickets: Golden, Big White, Fernie, Smithers, Castle

» The online course can be completed anywhere at anytime!

» AST 1 is a must have for those who are in the backcountry

» Private courses available upon request

» To register click Book Now → choose desired location → select availability

» Check out our post on what to expect during your AST 1.

» The online course can be completed anywhere from the comfort of your home

» Field days available in:

• Golden at Rudis South
• Revelstoke at the Fingers
• Kimberley at Moe’s Canyon
• Fernie at Lost Boys Pass
• Castle Mountain Resort
• Big White

When you register for your Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1), you will get access to our custom online course!

You can complete this in the comfort of your own home over several days / weeks and continue to have access for one year from the date of registration.

» We will meet up via google meet the evening before the AST 1 field day to answer any questions and drive home key points.

» You will be invited to our private facebook group where you can posts questions, tell stories and meet other like minded people!

» We are always happy to answer questions or clarify concepts through email or a phone call

» You can follow this link to view solutions to common roadblocks with your online course

» Comfortable skiing or snowboarding on black runs at the resort

» Physically fit

Recommended course prep

 » Skiers: Practice putting skins on and taking them off, practice with bindings and go for a little stroll in a flat field or around the yard  to get the feel for your equipment

»Snowboarders: Practice turning your snowboard into two planks and back to one, practice putting skins on, go for a stroll in a flat field or around the yard to get a feel for your board

When you register for the AST 1 you will gain access to our custom online course (we did our best to keep it spicy and throw some jokes in there to keep you going).

The online course legit takes 7 hours! We are not exaggerating. Learn at your own pace and complete lessons when you have spare time. You will have access to the online course for one year from your registration date.

We will have an online meeting the evening before the field day to answer any questions and drive home key concepts.

Field day
8:30 am – 4:00 pm

You will be emailed details on location and logistics regarding the field day.  

» Avalanche formation and release

» How to identify avalanche terrain and different types of avalanche terrain

» Basic trip planning

» The ins and outs of the Avalanche Forecast

» Human factors and tools to mitigate them

» Tools and resources to mitigate avalanche risk

» Safe travel techniques

» Basic companion rescue

» How to use your transceiver, probe and shovel

» How to dig a snow pit and perform a compression

» Stay Wild’s AST 1 course follows Avalanche Canadas Curriculum as well as knowledge from our own experiences and key information to get you started in the backcountry

» Following completion of the AST 1 you can further your education with the following courses:

• Managing Avalanche Terrain
• Companion Rescue
• AST 2
• CAA AVSAR level 1

» Check out our Shreducation Flow Chart to see where your training can take you!

» Transceiver (recommended 3 antenna)

» Probe (recommended 3 meter)

» Shovel

» Helmet

» Touring equipment (touring skis / or splitboard / or snowshoes and snowboard (<No snow shoes at our Revelstoke location), skins, poles

» Backpack

» Lift ticket to the resort to access the Backcountry (required at Fernie, Kicking Horse, Hudson Bay, Castle and Big White). Discounted passes are available and can be added to your cart at the time of checkout

» Appropriate clothing for a day in the backcountry

» Enough food and snacks to keep you going through a full day outside in the cold

» We offer transceiver, probe, shovel and backpack rentals at our Golden and Big White locations!

»You can add on the rental at the time of checkout for $40. Your instructor will bring your rental bag on you field day.

» For touring skis, splitboards and safety equipment check out:

• Selkirk Sports and Avalanche Safety Solutions in Golden
• Mountain Lifestyle shop in Kelowna
• Revelstoke Powder Rentals in Revy

Please look into rentals before booking or ask friends if you can borrow gear.

$289 per person + GST

Does NOT include a lift ticket for the field day.

Lift tickets are required at Big White, Kicking Horse, Castle, Fernie and Smithers.
We can get you discounted rates, a pass can be added to your order when booking

Pass Prices:

• Big White: $30
• Kicking Horse: $79
• Fernie: $45
• Smithers: Free!

Private Group Pricing:

• $1400 + GST up to 4 people
• $1650 + GST up to 6 people
• $2150 + GST up to 8 people

Stay Wild offers exclusive women’s-only avalanche training classes in addition to our co-ed course.

As a female-led company, our instructors have been the only gal in the shred crew or avy safety course way too often. While we love the men that come out for our co-ed camps and our lovely token male instructors, there’s something magical about like-minded ladies learning together and having a killer day on the mountain.

When booking you will see the option / dates for our women’s specific courses.

You will be required to read and acknowledge that you have read our waiver before you complete your booking.

You will also be required to sign a paper waiver the morning of your field day.

Please follow the link below to read our waiver prior to checkout.

Click here to read our waiver

What a baller gift idea!

Online courses are non-refundable.

14+ days before the start of your AST 1
If you cancel your AST 1 course you will receive a refund for the field day (the full price minus $100) if cancelled 14+ days before the start date of your course. You will have continued access to the online course and if you do sign up again in the future you will only be charged for the field day.

0 – 14 days before the start of your AST 1
If cancelled within 14 days of the start date of your course you will not receive a refund unless your spot can be filled.

Please note that if the minimum number of people to run a course is not met the course will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.