Alpine Club of Canada, Calgary Section

AST1 - Saturday, Dec 13, 2025

The Basics:

Event Type:

Course

Event Location:

TBD

Event Starts:

Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 09:15 AM

Event Ends:

Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 05:00 PM

Registration Cut Off:

Saturday, Dec 06, 2025 06:22 AM

Difficulty Rating:

D1 - See Conversion Chart

Trip Coordinator(s):

Katherine Morianos

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only

Attendee Screening:

Registration is First-Come/First-Serve

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

8 (View sign-ups, waiting list)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

This is a two-day AST-1 course run by ACMG guide Brent Peters. There will be one classroom day (location TBD) and one field day. The field days will be in the K-Country, Banff/Kooteny/Yoho NP area, depending on conditions.

Participants should be comfortable on their ski/split/snowshoe set up in all snow conditions. No rental ski gear - other than in emergencies - and please ensure all gear fits & is in working order.

Cost is based on 6 participants. Should there be fewer participants, the cost will increase - participants will be contacted to determine whether a higher cost is OK.

Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) provides essential knowledge and practical techniques for recognizing and mitigating avalanche hazards in backcountry terrain.

This foundational course covers snowpack assessment, terrain evaluation, risk management protocols, and companion rescue procedures. Participants develop critical decision-making frameworks through field-based exercises and theoretical instruction, establishing the fundamental competencies required for safer travel in avalanche-prone environments.

AST1 certification represents the industry-standard entry point for backcountry winter recreationists.

day 1 classroom

day 2 field day

Avalanche skills training handbook is included

food and accommodation is not included

Required Items to Bring:

Detailed Gear list to be provided

Notes:

POTENTIAL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EVENT - READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING UP

· Avalanche

· "Avalanches can occur in the terrain in which we operate and can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. skiing/snowboarding). What are the risks? Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss."

· Terrain

· Cornice fall

· Crevasses

· Cliffs

· Trees, tree wells, forest deadfall, and tree stumps

· Creeks

· Rocks and Boulders

· Holes and depressions below the snow surface

· Variable and difficult snow conditions

· Snowcat roads and road banks

· Fences and other manmade structures

· Snow immersion

· Impact or collision with other persons vehicles or objects

· Encounters with domestic or wild animals

· Loss of balance or control

· Slips trips and falls

· Becoming lost or separated from one’s group

· Communication, rescue and medical treatment

· Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident rescue and treatment may not be available

· Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field

· If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow

· Boots and binding systems

· Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.

· Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.

· Other

· Slips, trips and falls both outdoors and indoors

· Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact

· Equipment failure

· Negligent first aid

· Negligence of other people

Payment Options:

Member $275.00 CAD

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!

Cancellation Policy
If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.

Trip Feedback
If you have any feedback, positive or negative, concerning this trip or any other, we want to hear from you! You can send any feedback you may have to the Section Chair.

Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.

A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.

The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.

This event is full. If you register, you will be placed on the waiting list in case of a cancellation.

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Notes:

I have read and understood the hazards associated with this event. I understand that there are risks associated with with this activity and am signing up for this event knowing the dangers that exist.