Alpine Club of Canada, Calgary Section

AST-2 - Thursday, Jan 08, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type:		Course
Event Location:		Classroom evening sessions online, field days TBD in K-Country/Banff NP
Event Starts:		Thursday, Jan 08, 2026 06:30 PM
Event Ends:		Monday, Jan 12, 2026 03:00 PM
Registration Cut Off:		Thursday, Jan 01, 2026 12:00 AM
Difficulty Rating:		D2 - See Conversion Chart
Trip Coordinator(s):		Katherine Morianos

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:		Members Only
Attendee Screening:		Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size:		9
Minimum Group Size:		3
Number Registered So Far:		9 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:		No

Itinerary:
This is an AST-2 course run by ACMG Guide Brent Peters. Aim AST2 builds on AST1 fundamentals, emphasizing advanced terrain management and safe travel in avalanche terrain. Enhance your avalanche awareness and decision-making skills for confident backcountry navigation. There will be two classroom evenings online from 6:30-9:30pm and three field days January 10, 11 and 12 from 7-3pm The field days will be in the K-Country, Banff/Kooteny/Yoho NP area, depending on conditions. Objectives: Confidently apply advanced terrain analysis to identify and manage complex avalanche terrain Confidently perform snowpack tests (e.g., Compression Test, Extended Column Test) and interpret results Comfortably create and adjust backcountry travel plans using weather, snowpack, and avalanche data Comfortably manage group travel through variable and challenging avalanche terrain Comfortably use field observations to assess snow stability and adjust terrain use accordingly Understand how to track persistent weak layers over time and across different aspects and elevations Understand how to integrate field data with public avalanche bulletins for real-time decision-making Understand how to conduct structured route planning and implement dynamic risk management in the field Understand effective emergency response strategies in complex rescue scenarios Develop personal leadership and decision-making skills in a backcountry team environment Prerequisites: Completion of Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) Comfortable skiing or snowboarding intermediate (blue square) terrain at a ski resort if participating on skis or splitboard No specific prerequisites for participation on snowshoes, but a high level of winter backcountry fitness and travel experience is recommended Basic familiarity with avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) and its use Ability to travel in backcountry terrain for full days in winter conditions Please email me at kbmorianos@gmail.com to confirm that you meet both of the prerequisites for this course: 1. Completion of Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST 1) 2. Comfortable skiing or snowboarding intermediate (blue square) terrain at a ski resort if participating on skis or splitboard No specific prerequisites for participation on snowshoes, but a high level of winter backcountry fitness and travel experience is recommended
Required Items to Bring:
For field days: Ski or split set up (board/skis, skins, boots, poles) Avalanche safety gear (transceiver, probe, shovel) Notebook/pencil or phone for taking notes Snow study kit (optional) Food/drink Extra layers (there will likely be periods of standing around for discussions etc) Hat/gaiter/mitts/gloves Ski clothing Pack Headlamp Sunscreen Goggles/sunglasses No rental gear - other than in emergencies - and please ensure all gear fits & is in working order, and if at all possible get out prior to the course either on resort or in the backcountry prior to the course.

Recommended Items to Bring:


Notes:
Communication and Rescue What are the Risks 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\| Hazard Mitigation First Aid / Rescue Training\| Satellite Communications \| Terrain What are the Risks Cornices \| Crevasses \| Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps \| Cliffs \| Creeks \| Rocks and Boulders \|Holes and depressions below the snow surface\| Variable and difficult snow conditions \|Snowcat roads and road ranks \| Fences and other man-made structures \| Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects \| Encounters with domestic or wild animals \| Loss of balance or control \| Becoming lost or separated from the group \| Slips, trips, and falls\| Hazard Mitigation Mitigated by Trained and experienced Guide\| Radios General Hazards What are the Risks Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor\| Equipment failure\| Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact\| Negligence of other persons, including other guests\| Negligent first aid\| Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities\| Hazard Mitigation Developed safety plans and procedures with decades of experience managing risk. Rockfall and Icefall What are the Risks Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking) Hazard Mitigation Mitigated with certified and experienced guides, Helmets Avalanche What are the Risks Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering\| Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding)\| Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.\| Hazard Mitigation Certified Guides with experience and training to manage this risk Daily risk assessment processes Guest training Boots and Binding Systems What are the Risks 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.

Payment Options: Member $510.00 CAD
Course spots are not confirmed until payment is received. If a participant has to withdraw after payment is made, they are responsible for finding a replacement acceptable to the course coordinator. Persons on the wait list who are acceptable to the coordinator will have have priority. 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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