Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Course in Hakuba

The AST 1 is an accredited introductory avalanche course formulated by the Canadian Avalanche Center and designed to give you an entry level decision making framework. On successful completion you will receive an AST 1 certificate and also be able to move onto more advanced recreational and professional avalanche training within the CAC curriculum.

The course is run over two consecutive days and requires a minimum of 7 hours class room time (day 1) and one full day in the field on day 2. The field day is not a day of skiing/boarding nor extensive backcountry travel. We will use resort lifts and a very short bit of simple hiking to reach a safe area where we can observe snow, terrain and practice companion rescue.

Please note that in Japan AST courses are taught by third party vendors, such as The Avalanche School, under a licensing agreement with the CAC. It is not taught by CAC employees.

What you will learn:

We proudly choose to stick the the true AST 1 curriculum for your longer term benefit. What we teach is briefly summarised below and a great deal more detail is provided here. It is well worth reading before deciding on a course provider.

  • Introduction to the Formation and Nature of Avalanches
  • Introduction to Avalanche Terrain
  • Terrain Traps
  • Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale
  • Avalanche Danger Ratings and Forecasts
  • Decision Making Competence
  • Trip Planning - Introduction to the Avaluator
  • Trip Planning - Weather
  • Trip Planning - Human Factors
  • Trip Planning - Equipment and Emergency Plans
  • Avalanche Slope Assessment
  • Good Travel Habits
  • Companion Rescue

much more details are provided here



Required Equipment

For Day 2 of the course you will require full ski/boarding clothes and equipment. You will also require the basic backcountry kit:

  • A ski/board backcountry backpack that is specially designed to carry skis/boards if required.
  • Avalanche transceiver (3 antenna digital is highly recommended!)
  • Avalanche probe
  • Avalanche shovel
  • Either snowshoes or climbing skins and touring bindings/splitboard
  • Sunglasses and goggles (sunglasses are important)
  • Warm jacket
  • Extra water and snacks (basic lunch is provided)

    Please contact us for rentals. Once again, note that a 3 antenna digital beacon is highly recommended!