MountainLIFE

For current schedule of available courses, visit https://banff.ca/active

Avalanche Safety Training Level 1 
The AST 1 course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework for those wanting to travel in the mountains in winter. We focus on understanding avalanche bulletins, making good observations in the field, and recognizing avalanche terrain.

This course is for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers. If you plan to ski you will need touring equipment. Snowboarders may use a splitboard or snowshoes. Transportation not included. Ages 31+

Companion Rescue Skills (CRS)
Hone your rescue skills—this is what keeps you and your partners alive! A Companion Rescue Skills (CRS) course is a must-have for all backcountry recreationists in any sport because it teaches life-saving search and rescue techniques. The CRS course is an important refresher for those with previous training and a great way to improve the rescue skills you learned in your AST 1. This hands-on, one-day course takes place in the field. Transportation not included. Ages 31+.

Avalanche Safety Training Level 2
The AST 2 is an advanced course that is an excellent resource for more experienced skiers, snowboarders and climbers. It is the recreational user’s equivalent to the Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 professional level program. 

The instructor focuses on students creating a decision-making framework for themselves that is based on correctly interpreting avalanche bulletins, understanding weather, making fact-based weather and snow observations while in the field, and working together as a team. Finally, we learn about risk - how to determine what risk you are exposing yourself to, whether that risk falls within levels acceptable to you, and how to reduce risk through the terrain you select for your routes both on ascent and descent.

If you are a strong intermediate backcountry skier or split-boarder, have at least two seasons of backcountry experience where you have traveled in avalanche terrain, and read the avalanche bulletin regularly, then this is the course for you. Transportation not included. Ages 31+ 

Intro to Ice Climbing
You can learn how to ice climb in one day, and spend years mastering the sport! Gain the skills and knowledge you need to have confidence to move forward with the sport of ice climbing. This program is good for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher.  In a small group lead by some of the best climbers/ACMG guides in the Bow Valley you will learn the basics of ice climbing.

Topics covered:

• Fitting your gear
• Discussion of safety procedures and climbing area hazards
• Basic ice movements
• Basic rope work

Most equipment provided. Boots can be rented for $18 per day. Transportation is not included. Ages 31+