Custom AST Course
The First Step to Safe and Efficient Backcountry Skiing
We will work with you to create an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course that suits your group's ability, experience, goals, and schedule. Using the AST 1+ and AST 2 as templates, we can design a course for complete backcountry newbies or experienced backcountry skiers who want to acquire decision-making skills to ski and ride in big steep alpine terrain. Whatever your group's ability level, we can make a course to teach you everything you need to know to safely and confidently enjoy backcountry adventures.
Courses are available for 1 or more days, accomodating groups of up to 8 participants per Guide.
The Goods
Length: 2 to 4 Days
Locations: Whistler or Squamish, BC.
Prerequisites: Ability to hike uphill for 3 hours and advance ski ability (black diamond runs).
Highlight Skills: Companion rescue, snow assessment, group management and the use of ski touring gear.
Season: November 1 through May 15
Max. Guest to Guide Ratio: 8:1
Price: Starting at $215 pp
What You Get
Create your own course to cover the skills you want to learn, the duration you want and, most importantly, the dates that work for you!
We provide the rest:
- ACMG Guides
- Experienced Avalanche Skill Instructors
- Intimate Local Knowledge
- Learning Resources
Is This for You
The beauty of a custom AST course is that we tailor the course to suit your group's needs. Whether your crew is totally new to backcountry adventures or has years of experience and multiple backcountry courses under your belt- we accommodate it all.
We recommend that all participants in your group have a similar ability level to ensure everyone gets the most out of the course. And as with all our Backcountry courses, we also recommend participants have confidence in powder skiing and the fitness to ski tour uphill for 3 hours a day.
I contacted five companies about setting up a custom mountaineering trip and Altus immediately got back to me with all sorts of helpful, informative details. They were much easier and better to work with than all the other companies.
- Michele G
I felt safe and secure, and I learned a ton. Great objective, great weather, great food, and great company - it doesn't get any better than this! Can't wait to get back out there with the Altus guides - don't leave home without 'em!
- Nigel B
Custom Courses Available All Winter
AST 1 $1520 / group
All listed prices are in CAD and subject to 5% sales tax.
AST 1+ $1980 / group
AST 2 $3550 / group
Build Your Own from $850 / day
Add-On
Still Have Questions or Concerns?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or requests on how we can make this the best trip ever!
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Popular Trips
Altus mountain guides is a group of motivated professionals dedicated to providing our clients with outstanding quality in the mountains with safe adventurous trips. From our base in Squamish and Whistler BC we provide you access to the most amazing mountain experiences the West Coast has to offer. Our exciting itineraries showcase the Coast Range but reach beyond to the interior ranges of the Selkirkʼs and Purcellʼs and onto the Rockies. We also offer trips internationally from the historic and classic European Alps to the windswept wilds of Patagonia.