To register for your full AST 1 training click book now or view our course schedule
→ Select location → click availability → select date from calendar → book now
Private AST 1’s are available & all the rage this season.
Please contact us for availability.
As we head into another shred season amid a pandemic, we’ve been putting our minds to what riding will look like this winter.
The more we think about it, the more we see the backcountry as the best way to get turns in this year – away from the bustle of resorts and into the calm of the mountains (anyone else finding that nature is just about the only thing keeping them grounded right now?)
Stay Wild is pleased to offer new ways to learn with us this winter that will keep you safe from avalanches, virus’, murder hornets, and whatever else 2020 might send our way.
We’re stoked to offer the in-class portion of our Avalanche Skills Training level 1 (AST 1) as an online course for the first time this year!
We’re excited about this development because it means you can take the in-class portion of the AST 1 course from the comfort of your home and join us for one socially-distanced field day whenever it works best for you!
AST 1 is the foundational training for getting out into the backcountry safely & confidently.
» 2 day course – 7 hours of online learning + evening session with instructor (via zoom) + 1 day in the backcountry
» Online course can be completed anywhere at anytime!
» Beginner course
» Minimum amount of training required for backcountry travel
» To register click Book Now → choose desired location → select course dates
» Stay Wild is an Avalanche Canada certified AST provider
When you register for your Avalanche Skills Training, you will get access to our online course! You can complete this in the comfort of your own home. We will meet up via zoom the evening before the field day to answer any questions & drive home key points.
» Avalanche formation & release
» How to identify avalanche terrain
» Basic trip planning
» The ins & outs of the Avalanche Forecast
» Human factors & tools to mitigate them
» Tools & resources to mitigate avalanche risk
» Safe travel techniques
» Basic companion rescue
» How to use transceiver, probe & shovel
»How to dig a snow pit & perform a compression test
Stay Wild’s AST 1 course will follow the Avalanche Canada Curriculum as well as our own experiences & added content to get you started in the backcountry.
Following completion of the AST 1 you can further your education with Managing Avalanche Terrain, Companion Rescue, AST 2 or CAA Level 1 Avalanche Operations.
Check out our Shreducation Flow Chart to see where your training can take you!
» Comfortable skiing or snowboarding on black runs at the resort
» Physically fit
» Skiers: practice putting skins on & taking them off, practice with bindings & 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 & 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
*We do not have a ton of time on the field day to teach how to use equipment / how to tour. Check out our Learn to Walk Uphill Camp if you are interested in learning the need to know details when starting out!
» You will be invited to our private facebook group where you can posts questions, tell stories & meet other like minded people that are starting out in the backcountry!
»We will meet the evening before the field day via zoom to drive home key points & answer questions
» We are always happy to answer questions or clarify concepts through email or a phone call
» Transceiver (recommended 3 antenna)
» Probe (recommended 3 meter)
» Shovel
» Helmet
» Touring equipment (touring skis / or splitboard / or snowshoes / snowboard, skins, poles)
» Backpack
» Lift ticket to the resort to access Backcountry (required at Fernie, Kicking Horse & Big White)
Discounted passes available for Big White & Kicking Horse
» Appropriate clothing for a day in the backcountry
» Food
»Helmet
» Mask
Purchasing gear? Check out some of our favourite backcountry gear and avalanche safety equipment!
$229 per person + GST
Does NOT include lift ticket for the field day.
$950 + GST up to 4 people
$1435 + GST up to 6 people
$1900 + GST up to 8 people
» We offer splitboard rentals out of Golden, BC!
For touring skis, splitboards & safety equipment check out:
» Selkirk Sports & Avalanche Safety Solutions in Golden
» MEC in Kelowna
» Revelstoke Powder Rentals
Available as an add on for Touring Camps
Women’s Specific AST 1 courses available
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 chick in the shred crew or avy safety course way too often. While we love the men that come out for our co-ed camps, 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.
Classroom:
When you register for the AST 1 you will gain access to our custom online course (we did our best to keep it spicy & 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 & complete lessons when you have spare time.
We will have a zoom meeting the evening before the field day to answer any questions & drive home key concepts.
The online course can be completed anywhere at anytime! Some students prefer to go through it right away and then skim through for a refresh before the start of their course.
Field day:
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Online courses are non-refundable.
If you cancel the AST 1 course you will receive a refund of 50% if cancelled before the 14 day cut off. If you do sign up again in the future you will only be charged for the field day.
If cancelled within 14 days of the booking date 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.
If you are sick & can not make it to your scheduled course you will receive a credit to use at a later date with Stay Wild Backcountry Skills. We will work together with you to find a date that works when you are feeling better.
Please do not show up to a course if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to anyone with Covid 19 in the previous 2 weeks to your course. Our instructors can send home students if they show up ill & we will work together with them to reschedule a date.
Physical distancing will be maintained during courses & camps. If physical distancing can not be maintained (ie gondola) students will be required to wear a face covering (buff / face mask).
Please respect physical distancing and Covid regulations during our courses / camps.
