Training/Avalanche Skills Training Level 1

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[edit] Description

Describe what this training is about.

http://www.avalanche.ca/training#ast1

Do you venture out of bounds, off the trails or into the backcountry? An AST 1 is your place to start. You don't need any experience to take this course. It is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry or slackcountry.

This is the course where you'll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and how to self rescue. An AST 1 is a minimum of two days with both classroom and field components. You need to take this course first and so should your friends because just one person trained in a group is not enough. Everyone in your group should take an AST 1. Recognize an AST 1 course is only the beginning - the avalanche pros will tell you avalanche training is a life long process. What you will learn in an AST 1:

avalanche formation and release
identify avalanche terrain
the basics of trip planning
optimal use of tools and resources like the avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk
use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain
intro to companion rescue

Many instructors will offer the AST 1 course packaged with a Companion Rescue Skills or the Managing Avalanche Terrain courses. Check out the course schedules to see what is right for you. Learn more about the Companion Rescue Skills and Managing Avalanche Terrain courses below.

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.

In addition, the course will:

Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.

Objectives At the end of the course, students should be able to:

Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
Identify avalanche terrain.
Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
Carry out a companion rescue.
Understand the limits of their training.

Minimum Classroom Time Requirement: A minimum of seven hours classroom time is required.

Minimum Field Time Requirement: A minimum of one day in the field is required.

This is the course where you’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and how to self rescue. An AST 1 is a minimum of two days with both classroom and field components. You need to take this course first and so should your friends because just one person trained in a group is not enough. Everyone in your group should take an AST 1. Recognize an AST 1 course is only the beginning - the avalanche pros will tell you avalanche training is a life long process.

What you will learn in an AST 1:

avalanche formation and release
identify avalanche terrain
the basics of trip planning
optimal use of tools and resources like the avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk
use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain
intro to companion rescue