Resource person: brycedanderson@gmail.com

Description:

AST 1+

The AST 1+ course combines a standard AST 1 with the Managing Avalanche Terrain course to help you level up your backcountry travel skills.  You'll learn everything that is taught in an AST 1 in the classroom portion and the first field day, then you’ll spend an extra day in the field developing more advanced backcountry travel and companion rescue skills.  You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan trips, and perform a companion rescue.

This course will help you develop more advanced backcountry travel skills and teach you how to mitigate risk by honing your terrain evaluation and group management skills.

What you will learn:

• Avalanche formation and release.
• How to recognize and classify avalanche terrain.
• How to use the avalanche forecast to mitigate your avalanche risk.
• Skills to help you plan, prepare for, and execute a safe backcountry trip.
• Techniques to minimize risk when travelling in the backcountry.
• Companion rescue skills.

A self-paced online avalanche tutorial will precede a 3 to 4 hour online classroom session on Friday evening where the group will review concepts covered in the online tutorial, take a detailed look at the avalanche forecast, and study some real life avalanche incidents.  Saturday and Sunday will be spent in the field covering topics that include identifying avalanche terrain, safe travel practices, and companion rescue.

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

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.

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.

Available spots: Full

Price: $373.21 Taxes not included

Required age: Over 16 years old on the day of the activity

Notes: For the on hill days, remember to pack a lunch and something to drink. What is included: Avalanche Skills Training Handbook (sled version), 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. 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 None - all riding abilities and levels of experience are welcome. Minimum age of 16, students younger than 19 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.

More information: For additional Info, email brycedanderson@gmail.com

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