AST 1 + Tour | Hotham

Learn backcountry touring basics and get some turns in while completing your AST 1.

This extended course combines the standard AST 1 Avalanche Canada curriculum with an extra day focused on learning the basics of ski touring.

The AST 1 + Intro Tour course combines up to 6 hours of online learning with two days in the field. Students apply AST 1 skills in real terrain, practising travel techniques and learning how to move efficiently and safely in the backcountry.

The online portion builds a strong foundation in snow science, avalanche terrain, trip planning, risk management, and emergency response. Interactive modules, videos, and case studies ensure participants can learn at their own pace while staying engaged.

The field days bring everything together on the snow. You’ll practice safe travel techniques, conduct snowpack assessments, and develop companion rescue skills in real alpine terrain. By the end of the course, you’ll see the backcountry with fresh eyes and have the tools to make safer decisions.

The minimum age for the standard AST 1 certificate is 16. Students between the ages of 12 and 15 will receive a “youth certificate”.

This Course is rated GREEN in the Blizzard Uptrack. See below to learn more about the Blizzard Uptrack.

Click Go to Bookings Site for more information on the Course Outline & requirements.

Blizzard Uptrack | The Uptrack Guides progression

Where you are vs. How to Progress

GREEN

• Experience: New to the backcountry or a handful of tours; learning skinning, transitions, terrain and avalanche basics.

• Fitness: A full day is okay; snack breaks keep you moving.

• Riding Ability: Confident on most resort terrain.

• Step 1 – Building the Foundation (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • AST 1 (Avalanche basics + rescue)
  • Alpine Navigation (map/compass/GPS)
  • Intro Tours (apply AST 1, pacing, transitions)
  • ASR (Refresh your skills)BLUE

• Experience: AST 1 done or a few guided days; solid with the basics, limited time in bigger terrain.

• Fitness: Can put in vert at a steady, conversational pace.

• Riding Ability: Handle all resort terrain; adaptable to mixed snow.

• Step 2 – Expanding Skills (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • Ski Mountaineering 1 (tech mountain skills)
  • AST 2 (advanced terrain & decision-making)
  • Intermediate Tours (apply AST 2 in all terrain types)
  • Winter Camping (advanced terrain use with integrated winter camping techniques)
  • Alpine Backcountry Wilderness First Aid (highly recommended; “Survive First Aid”)BLACK

• Experience: Multiple seasons of touring or AST 2; comfortable in big terrain.

• Fitness: Strong and motivated for long days and big climbs.

• Riding Ability: Ski/ride any terrain with style.

• Step 3 – Advanced Objectives (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • Ski Mountaineering 2 (steeper terrain, technical travel & advanced transitions)
  • Glacier Travel (rope systems, crevasse rescue & glacier safety)
  • Advanced Tours (steeper lines, bigger objectives)