AST 1 Refresher
Avalanche Skills Training 1 Refresher
1-Day Course
Location:
Hudson Bay Mountain
Smithers, BC
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Up-and-Coming Dates:
Feb 28/March 1, 2026 - 2 Spots
March 3/4, 2026 - 6 Spots
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Included with Course:​​​​
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Avalanche Skills Training Handbook
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Avaluator 3.0
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AvCan Companion Rescue Card
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Course Certificate
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Cold Smoke BC Guides Flat-brim Hat
[aka. your new favorite touring hat] -
Hudson Bay Mountain Lift Ticket
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10% off at Local Supply Co.
Price: $190 + GST
Already have your AST 1 but want a refresh or a confidence boost? This course is for you.
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The AST 1 Refresher is a one-day, field-based course for skiers and riders who have previously completed an AST 1 and want to revisit the fundamentals. Before the field day, you’ll receive online pre-course materials to review at your own pace, helping you get the most out of your time in the mountains. The evening before the course, we’ll meet for a 1-hour Google Meet to review key concepts and plan for the day ahead.
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We’ll review key AST 1 topics such as applying the avalanche bulletin, identifying avalanche terrain, trip planning, and decision-making in real terrain. There’s also plenty of time dedicated to hands-on practice, including companion rescue skills, so you can shake off the rust and leave feeling more dialed.
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Whether it’s been a few seasons since your AST 1, you’re getting back into the backcountry after some time away, or you simply want a guided refresher day in the mountains, this course offers a supportive way to rebuild confidence and sharpen your skills.
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Email us to sign up or request dates.
We will cover:
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Identifying avalanche terrain
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Safe travel techniques
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Applying the avalanche bulletin​
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Trip planning basics
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Companion rescue skills
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​Avalanche formation and basic snowpack skills
Prerequisites:
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Previously taken an AST 1
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Able to safely ski/ride expert, off-piste terrain
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Fitness to hike uphill 500m on your gear
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Sign a waiver
Online Pre-Course + Field Day to Refresh Skills
Online
Pre-Course:
Provided review materials and evening online meet up​​​​​​
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1-hr Google Meet the night before our course to review trip planning and make sure everyone is ready to go
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Online materials will be sent out to review before field day
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Pre-reading and online materials are not a requirement, but will help you get the most out the field day
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Field Day:
A full day out in the mountains honing in skills​
We will review:​
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How to use the avalanche forecast to mitigate avalanche risk
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Decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
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Route selection, terrain assessment, and travel techniques
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Companion rescue skills & scenarios - single burial and multi-burial
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Updates to the AST 1 curriculum
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Snowpack skills and snow profile basics