Trip Dates
Dec.19, 2011
Jan.19, 2012
March 19, 2012
Price
$95 / person
Group Size
Maximum of 8, Minimum of 5
Skill Level
Intermediate ski touring skills
Related Trips
Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring
AST Level 2
Nelson Classics
AST 1
Companion Rescue Skills
Learn the most updated rescue technology. Your friends lives and perhaps yours depend on it...
Has it been awhile since your last avalanche skills training? Review and renew your practical rescue skills, get information about new avalanche equipment as well as discover updated probing, shoveling and group rescue techniques.
This 1 day field course is based out of Nelson BC. It follows the Canadian Avalanche Association program, goals and objectives.
Itinerary
The first hour is mainly classroom. We will review new rescue techniques, consider preventative measures, changes in equipment and use of airbags. We will also sign a waiver and do a gear check.
In the field doing we will practice transceiver skills, apply search and rescue techniques, practice searching without a transceiver, consider multiple burial situations, organize a group rescue and look at post-incident considerations during debrief.
Prerequisites
Intermediate backcountry skiing or boarding ability (touring equipment or Split board required). Previous AST 1 training and intermediate to advanced resort riding skills required. Students are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability. Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of course would suit you best.
Equipment
Weather
Kootenay weather can vary drastically. In winter you expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise well above zero. Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation can change within the day.
Location
This course is based in Nelson BC. Field days will occur in the Selkirks Mtns, the local backcountry near Nelson. Details will be given to participants before course start. For a list of possible venues click Nelson Classics. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Services Included
- Pre-trip planning support
- Fully certified ACMG/IFMGA guide service
- Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
Not included in price:
- Lunch, snacks
- Avaluator™ Trip Planner
- Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
- optional & very useful! Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain field book (available through SMG)
- Transportation or lift fee if applicable
- Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance
FAQ
Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks 354-4622 www.gericks.com
Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?
Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented in Nelson prior to your day trip. There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:
Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier.
Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.
Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.
