AST Level 2

AST 2

AST 2 is the next step if you have taken your AST 1 and have gained some experience in the backcountry.  The AST 2 curriculum is built around the daily process, which emulates the same approach used by professionals.  It expands on the foundations of AST 1 and provides a more advanced decision-making framework for travelling in avalanche terrain.

What you will learn:

• Progressive planning and travel techniques required to travel safely through various types of terrain using the daily process.
• Getting the most from the avalanche forecast.
• Key techniques for applying the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale to develop your own terrain ratings.
• How to proficiently carry out a companion rescue.
• Decision making skills to manage avalanche risk.
• A deeper theoretical understanding of avalanche terrain and snowpack.

A self-paced online avalanche tutorial reviewing concepts learned in AST 1 will precede a 3 to 4 hour online classroom session on Friday evening that will cover some additional review work and a deeper dive into trip planning with a look at more advanced weather and avalanche resources.  Two full weekends will be spent in the field expanding on managing avalanche terrain with an emphasis on having students taking the lead, practicing more complex companion rescue scenarios, examining weather factors, and an introduction to snow stability tests.

A maximum of 6 students per course ensures an intimate and interactive learning experience.

Course dates: February 14th (evening class), 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd (field days) 2025.

What is included: Avalanche Skills Training Handbook (sled version), Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain field book, Avaluator booklet and field card, companion rescue field card, certificate upon successful completion.

What is not included: Trail pass to access Powder Mountain Snowmobile Club’s trail network, personal avalanche safety equipment (rentals available), lunches.

About the Instructor

Bryce Anderson, CAA Avalanche Professional

Bryce is a 25 year resident of Whistler with extensive winter backcountry experience.  He is a CAA Avalanche Professional and works as an avalanche forecaster and mountain safety professional.  His background includes avalanche safety and mitigation work on mining, transportation, exploration and recreational projects in a variety of snow avalanche climates.  He has helped establish two avalanche safety programs which involved the development of an explosives control program, avalanche zone and path maps, avalanche safety plans, emergency response plans, training programs, and safe work procedures.

He currently works as the Lead Mountain Safety Technician for a large scale exploration project in the north Coast Mountains and as the Avalanche Forecaster for Powder Mountain Snowmobile Club’s operations in the Brandywine area, in addition to teaching Avalanche Skills Training courses.

Bryce has also been a volunteer member of Whistler Search and Rescue since 2014 where he regularly trains in a variety of search, first aid and rescue skills, including avalanche incident response and rescue techniques.  He often assumes the role of Avalanche Safety Officer during winter responses and has responded to numerous medical and avalanche incidents in the backcountry surrounding Whistler.

Bryce’s avalanche forecasting and search and rescue background, combined with his many years of experience skiing and snowmobiling in the Sea to Sky backcountry gives him a unique skillset and perspective that is shared with his students making courses both more informative and interesting.

Notes

Course dates: February 14th (evening class), 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd (field days) 2025.

CANCELLATION POLICY
• Cancellations made greater than 30 days from the course start date will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made greater than 48 hours but less than 30 days from the course start date will receive a full refund if the course space is filled by another student. If the space is not filled by another student only 50% of the course cost will be refunded.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start date will forfeit the course fee.

Prerequisites

A Sled or Snow Bike
Completion of AST 1, minimum 15 days of winter backcountry experience, intermediate mountain riding skills (able to sidehill and carve downhill). Minimum age of 16, students younger than 19 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.

More information: For more info, email Bryce@brycedanderson@gmail.com