Avalanche Training Saves Lives!
In BC’s northwest, we have some of the world’s finest opportunities for winter backcountry recreation. If you are going to play in the mountains – you have a responsibility – to yourself, your friends and your family to get avalanche training. Hyland Backcountry Services Ltd is one of the largest providers of avalanche courses in Northwest BC, with regular scheduled courses or custom private courses .We offer a variety of Avalanche Safety Courses that will fit your needs.
Avalanche Skills Training (AST)…Ski or Sled
Our courses are taught by senior industry professionals with over 20 years experience, that hold certification in both the CAA & ACMG.
AST 1
By far our most popular course, it fills up fast each year.Developed by Avalanche Canada, this course is for people new to backcountry travel, or those who have not taken any avalanche safety training. Courses are specific for skiers or sledders. Courses are based in Smithers, giving us quick access to quality field trip locations with no long drives.
Course formats for this year
1. Classroom: Regular in person 7 Hr class
2. Online Class: Login to an online course, and complete the lessons on your own time, prior to field day
- Field Days are 0830-1630
- Private courses are available
Students will learn to
- Understand avalanche formation
- Identify avalanche terrain.
- Trip planning.
- Use of the Avaluator™
- Use ATES terrain ratings
- Safe travel in avalanche terrain
- Rescue training
All courses include
- Avalanche Handbook
- Avaluator 2
- Certificate of completion
- Instruction from an ACMG Ski Guide/ CAA Avalanche Professional
Student Ability Level:
This is a beginner friendly course. Our standard location is a treeline route, with approx 250m of vertical climb/descent, over approx 5km of distance travelled. Descent is down a “green” ski run, in variable, backcountry terrain. Weather can range from sunshine and blue sky, to very cold, windy, snowy or wet conditions.
Price: $375.00+ GST
Dates: AST 1 Ski
1. November 19 & 20, 22 or 23,2024:
Classroom – Evening Sessions:1800-2130, Nov 19&20. Field Day: Nov 22 or 23
2. December 28, 2024:
Classroom – Online delivery. Field Day: Dec 28 with a short zoom session Dec 27 evening (Optional)
AST 2
This is the course if you want to take the next step from the AST 1 or you have previous training or experience.Expect a full 3 field days, including a few evening sessions.
CONTACT US to book a custom group course »
Students will learn:
- Advanced use of the Avaluator
- In depth look at Terrain Management
- Travel Techniques applied to Avalanche Hazard
- Introduction to Snow Study & Specific Avalanche Problems
- Introduction to Group Leadership
- Group Rescue
Course Includes:
- Course Handbook
- Avaluator
- Fieldbook
- Instruction from an ACMG Ski Guide/ CAA Avalanche Professional
- Certificate
Student Ability Level:
This course is geared toward backcountry travellers with some experience, and at least an intermediate ski ability in variable backcountry terrain and snow conditions. Expect 3 days in a row that involve daily trips of 800-1000m of vertical climb/descent, over approx 8-12 km of distance travelled. Weather can range from sunshine and blue sky, to very cold, windy, snowy or wet conditions.
Dates :
December 11-14, 2024 : Dezaiko Lodge
Based out of a comfortable backcountry lodge, this fully catered course puts the student into the mountains for the duration of the course. For more information on this specific course please see: https://www.dezaikolodge.com/ast-2
March 12-15, 2025 : Smithers, BC
Prerequisites: Students must have an AST 1 or previous related skills.
Price: $775.00+GST
AST Companion Rescue
This one day course goes beyond what is taught on the AST 1, and is a great refresher or eye opener for beginner or experienced travelers.
Students will learn:
- Single, multiple, & deep burial techniques
- Understand advanced digital transceiver functions w new demo gear from local retailers
- Maximize your equipment
- Variety of mock rescue scenarios
- Post rescue victim care & evacuation w demo rescue toboggans
- Incident debriefs
Dates: January 21,2025 or by private group booking also.
Price: $200.00+GST
CONTACT US to book a custom group course »
Managing Avalanche Terrain (MAT)
The MAT is a very focused field-based course designed to expand on the terrain management taught in the AST 1 course, and to develop more advanced winter backcountry travel skills. This course will help you mitigate your risk by honing your terrain evaluation and travel skills.
This 1 day course can be taken after your AST 1, or as a refresher for past students
Dates: November 27,2024 & February 4,2025, or by private group booking also
Price: $200.00+GST
2024-2025
November 16 : Intro to Navigation Course, Smithers
November 19&20, 22 or 23: AST 1 Ski, Smithers
November 27: AST Refresher/ MAT Course, Smithers
December 10-14: AST 2, Dezaiko Lodge
December 14-21: Guided Trip, Dezaiko Lodge
December 28: AST 1 (Online Class Prior), Smithers
January 21: Companion Rescue Course, Smithers
February 4: Managing Avalanche Terrain Course, Smithers
February 14-21, 2025: Guided Trip, Burnie Chalet (FULL)
February 25-26: Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Course, Smithers
March 2-9: Guided Trip, Mallard Lodge
March 12-15: AST 2, Smithers
More to come. Stay Tuned.