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Looking to confidently tackle backcountry powder? Great White North Guides offers an advanced avalanche training course that prepares you for the complexity of winter terrain. Read on to discover what makes this program essential for winter adventurers.
Looking to confidently tackle backcountry powder? Great White North Guides offers an advanced avalanche training course that prepares you for the complexity of winter terrain. Read on to discover what makes this program essential for winter adventurers.
Book with Great White North Guides
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Operated by Great White North Guides · Calgary, Alberta
Nestled in the rugged terrains of the Great White North, the Avalanche Skills Training 2 + (AST2+) course by Great White North Guides offers a premium opportunity for backcountry enthusiasts seeking to sharpen their safety skills. This program combines interactive virtual learning with four intensive field days, designed to elevate your decision-making in avalanche-prone environments. Guided by ACMG-certified experts, participants gain hands-on experience with snow stability assessments, terrain recognition, and companion rescue techniques, giving you confidence to navigate complex winter landscapes with precision.
The course is set amidst the breathtaking backcountry of the region, famous for its expansive snowfields and dramatic slopes. Here, the landscape’s key features include layered snowpack formations, natural avalanche slopes, and sheltered gullies—each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities. This environment fosters a practical and engaging atmosphere where students can apply skills immediately in real-world scenarios.
What sets this course apart is its comprehensive approach. Virtual sessions prepare you for on-the-ground techniques, while in-field days allow you to practice in varied terrain, from steep descents to gentler slopes. Participants leave equipped with crucial knowledge about snow stability, route finding, and avalanche rescue, making it ideal for those leading winter expeditions or simply wanting to enhance their safety toolkit.
Great White North Guides has built a reputation for professionalism and a passion for winter adventure. This course is a vital part of their commitment to responsible outdoor recreation, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental awareness. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry skier or a committed winter hiker, AST2+ offers vital skills to keep you safe while fully engaging with this challenging season.
This program, perfectly timed for winter enthusiasts, integrates technical expertise with the scenic splendor of the North’s snow-covered wilderness, providing a thorough grounding in winter mountain safety that can be a game-changer in unpredictable conditions.
challenging.
4 days.
Moderate to high physical fitness; ability to hike in snow with gear
No, the AST2+ course is designed to build on foundational knowledge, but some basic familiarity is helpful.
Participants should have good physical fitness and basic backcountry experience.
It's suitable for those with some winter backcountry experience but not complete beginners.
The course is structured as a complete program; individual days are not available separately.
Courses are planned with safety as a priority; make-up sessions or refunds are available if needed.
Participants earn an Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 certification recognized nationwide.
The region has long been a vital route for trappers and explorers, shaping its rugged appeal today.
Great White North Guides emphasizes leave-no-trace principles and respects local wilderness to preserve this pristine environment.
Great White North Guides provides specialized backcountry avalanche education focused on advanced decision-making and practical skills. The company offers the Avalanche Skills Training 2 + (AST2+) course, a blended curriculum that pairs virtual learning with four field days. Course content emphasizes snowpack assessment, snow stability tests, route finding in complex avalanche terrain, and companion rescue techniques. Instruction is delivered by ACMG experts who guide students through decision-making frameworks and hands-on exercises. The AST2+ structure combines classroom-style virtual modules with on-snow practice during field days, allowing students to apply stability tests and route-finding methods under real conditions. Companion rescue training includes timed transceiver searches, probe line practice, and organized rescue scenarios. Great White North Guides designs each AST2+ offering for backcountry users seeking a methodical, skills-based progression from foundational avalanche awareness to advanced terrain management. The program is structured to support individual skill development and group-based decision-making, with a clear focus on safe travel practices and hazard evaluation. Logistics for the AST2+ course center on coordinating virtual instruction schedules and planning field days in appropriate snow conditions and terrain. Equipment and specific meeting details are provided to registrants ahead of field sessions. Great White North Guides positions the AST2+ course as a practical option for people who want advanced, ACMG-guided avalanche training that integrates virtual preparation with four field days of on-snow application. Registration information, prerequisites, and course schedules are available from Great White North Guides; prospective participants should review requirements and contact the company for current availability before enrollment begins.
Book with Great White North Guides