Alpine Access Australia is an accredited Avalanche Canada AST Provider. We run AST1 courses in NSW and Victoria. Avalanche Canada sets the global standard for providing avalanche awareness programs. Participants acquire new skills and knowledge to help them keep safe in the backcountry. Yes, avalanches do happen in Australia, and AST1 is also essential if you and your friends venture into the side or backcountry when skiing or snowboarding overseas.

Our Avalanche Canada Accredited Instructors are David Herring and Luka Szczepanik.

They are offering AST 1 courses this winter in the Snowy Mountains, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling.

AST1 is a two day course – 1 day in the classroom, and 1 day out in the backcountry.

What you will learn in an AST 1 course:

  • avalanche formation and release
  • identify avalanche terrain
  • the basics of trip planning
  • optimal use of tools and resources like the avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk
  • use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain
  • companion rescue using beacon, shovel, probe

We also incorporate into the field day of our course an emphasis on backcountry touring technique, safe touring in the Australian backcountry and touring etiquette.  The participants on our courses are always a diverse group with one main thing in common, a passion for the mountains and a desire to learn the skills and knowledge to be safe in the backcountry.  This makes for a fun, stimulating & challenging two days.

There are still spaces in the following courses:

Our AST1 courses in 2018 will be held on the following dates:

Jindabyne, NSW:

Sat-Sun 21-22 July

Sat-Sun 4-5 August – COURSE FULL

Mon-Tue 13-14 August – COURSE FULL

Sat-Sun 25-26 August

Wed-Thu 29-30 August

Sat-Sun 1-2 September

Sat-Sun 15-16 September – COURSE FULL

Sat-Sun 22-23 September

Mt Hotham, VIC:

Sat-Sun 18-19 August – COURSE FULL

Mon-Tue 20-21 August

Melbourne/Mt Buller or Mt Stirling, VIC –

Theory day held in Melbourne, Backcountry day held at Mt Buller or Mt Stirling (venue tbc):

Sat-Sun 11-12 August – COURSE FULL

Sat-Sun 8-9 September

 

The cost for the 2 day course is $300.

Please check here for further details, info on what equipment you will need and to register.