AST1 Washington Extended - for Snowshoers

As low as:

$385.00 / person

(at 8:1 ratio) Next Trip: Dec 19 - 20, 2026
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    Upcoming Trips

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  • Dec 19 - 20, 2026
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    7 spots available. $385.00

    Access to the online theory portion of this AST1 course will be shared with participants approx 2 weeks before the Dec 19 + 20 in-person days.

Add-ons

Lift Ticket $40.00

This specially priced lift ticket is mandatory if you do not own a season pass. Lift Tickets once purchased are non-refundable.

HVI Cancellation Coverage $20.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Hike Vancouver Island or Island Alpine Guides trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

Avi Kit Rental $40.00

Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Once purchased our rentals are non-refundable.

AST1 Washington Extended - for Snowshoers 

Looking to explore the backcountry this winter? Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) is an introductory course geared towards recreationalists with little to no experience in avalanche terrain. It’s also suitable for those with some experience who are looking for more formalized training. AST1 is recommended for anyone venturing into avalanche terrain. Each course provides an online theory component and a two practical days. Students are provided with take-home reference materials and tools which provide clear and effective learning progressions, emphasizing important knowledge and skills. 

Our snowshoe specific AST1 is for those who are not skiers or snowboarders or whose riding skills are not yet up to the standard required for our ski/board AST1. This course benefits from resort lift access on the field day, providing a time efficient approach to excellent terrain for learning. We offer specially priced lift tickets as an add-on when you book. 

Curriculum

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release
  • Recognize avalanche terrain
  • Develop a pre-trip plan Extended
  • Use the Avaluator decision-making system
  • Interpret avalanche bulletins
  • Safe travel in avalanche terrain (uphill and down)
  • Complete slope scale assessments
  • Companion rescue practice Extended

Included

  • Online theory course (self-paced and pre-field days)
  • 2 days of instruction with a certified CAA instructor (0.5 additional theory and 1.5 field)
  • Avalanche Skills Training Handbook
  • Avaluator Trip Planner/Slope Assessment Tool
  • Avalanche Canada student fee
  • Certificate of completion
  • HVI Lifetime Learning Guarantee 

Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment 
  • Avi Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe – available as an add-on)
  • Lift ticket (available as an add on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Itinerary


Online Theory Platform:

We’ve partnered with Altus Mountain Guides to bring you a comprehensive online AST 1 theory course you can complete at your own pace prior to your field day. You’ll work through a series of videos and presentations covering essential avalanche knowledge, followed by a final exam to confirm your understanding.

Completion of this online course is a prerequisite for your AST 1 certificate. A link to access the online theory portion of this course will be shared with everyone registered approx two weeks before the scheduled in-person days. Completing the theory portion of the course close to the field date helps keep the information and any questions fresh in your mind for discussion with your AST1 instructor. You’ll have access to revisit the course material for two months after receiving the login details/beginning the course.

In-Person Days:

Day 1:
 
8:30am: Students meet their group and instructor @ the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre for a half day of AST1 pre-trip planning practice and additional theory discussion. Waivers and avi kit rentals are handed out upon meeting. 

Approx 12:30pm: Students will spend the afternoon outside practicing companion rescue scenarios. 
 
4:00pm-5:00pm: Debrief and rental return

Day 2:  

8:30am: Students meet their instructor at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for a morning meeting. Exact meeting details will be shared in the pre-trip email.

9:00am: After the morning meeting, students will spend the day outside in the field, identifying terrain, practicing route finding and safe travel, and learning about slope assessment, hazard recognition and small party self-rescue.
 
4:00pm-5:00pm: Debrief and rental return

*Timing depends on the conditions, group dynamics, and how quickly the instructor can move through the necessary material. 

Participants will receive a pre-trip email with specific course details, approximately 2 weeks prior to the field date.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. 

Requirements


Avalanche Skills Training 1 is an introductory avalanche course designed for individuals with little to no avalanche related experience.

However to register, we ask that you:

  • Have moderate fitness (able to snowshoe for 2-3 hours/day)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations (consider practicing with your transceiver beforehand if possible)
  • Be prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)
  • Have access to a vehicle with winter tires and chains.
  • The current minimum age to take AST1 is 12. We ask that all AST1 participants under the age of 16 are attended on the course by a parent or chaperone. Participants between the ages of 12 - 15 receive a "youth" certificate post course.*

*For large groups of youth or for those who prefer to learn with other families, we also offer AST1 Washington for Families.

If you don't have snowshoes, we can offer our client's a 25% discount on their snowshoe rentals from Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay for course and trip dates with us!

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. We are always happy to help you find a suitable course or customize something to suit your needs whenever possible.

Gear List 


The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. If you have any questions, please send us an email: [email protected]

Avalanche Safety Gear - required for both in-person course dates. These items are available as an “avi kit rental” add-on when you book or by request.

  • Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital three-antenna)
  • Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel
  • Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm

Hardware - required for Day 2 only of the in-person course dates. Reach out to the HVI office to receive a 25% discount code towards your snowshoe rentals from Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay (details at the bottom of this page).

  • Snowshoes + ski poles with big baskets
  • Warm boots to hike (Sorrels or hiking boots with gaiters)
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Clothing - required for both in-person course dates:

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
  • Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
  • Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning 
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
  • Baselayers (top and bottom)

Other - required for both in-person course dates:

  • Water
  • Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go) 
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
  • Camera
  • Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended)

Rentals


Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.

Snowshoe Rentals: For course and trip dates with us, we can offer our client's a 25% discount on their snowshoe rentals from Ski Tak Hut. Snowshoe rentals from STH also come with poles! These discount codes are distributed directly by HVI to our clients upon request. Gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Please note, to validate when picking up your gear, you will be asked to show your HVI booking confirmation email.

If you require other items from the personal gear list, we suggest checking with: Sports Rent based out of Victoria, Alberni Adventure Gear based in Port Alberni, Blue Toque Sports based in Courtenay, and/or social media mountaineering groups to name a few.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.