AST 2 | Hotham

Blizzard Academy offers the only Avalanche Canada AST 2 accredited course in Australia, giving AST 1 graduates the chance to advance their backcountry skills.

AST 2 is a 3-day course with up to 6 hours of online learning, designed to build on your existing avalanche knowledge and backcountry skills. The online portion covers advanced snow science, terrain assessment, weather analysis, trip planning, and emergency management, providing a solid foundation before you head into the field. Interactive modules and case studies allow you to explore complex concepts at your own pace.

The three days in the field (note: start/end times are TBC) are guided by our most experienced instructors. You’ll practice advanced snow assessment, stability tests, complex decision-making, detailed route planning, route finding, handling unforeseen situations, and challenging companion rescue scenarios.

AST 2 equips you with the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to tackle more challenging alpine terrain, embark on multi-day excursions, and pursue ambitious backcountry objectives. It represents the pinnacle of recreational avalanche education.

Prerequisites:

• Minimum 10 days of backcountry experience after completing AST 1.
• AST 1 certificate required for registration.
• The minimum age for the AST 2 certificate is 16.

This Course is rated BLUE 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)