AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING
​AST1
VICTORIA

​Alpine Access Australia is an accredited Avalanche Canada AST Provider. We run AST1 courses in Victoria at the following locations:
Mt Hotham * Mt Stirling * Falls Creek
Avalanche Canada sets the global standard for providing avalanche awareness programs. Participants acquire new skills and knowledge to help them keep safe in the backcountry. Yes avalanches do happen in Australia, and AST1 is also essential if you and your friends venture into the side or backcountry when skiing or snowboarding overseas.

Victorian Backcountry Festival 2020
Alpine Access is proud to be the official provider of AST1 courses during the VIC Backcountry Festival at Hotham 2020. Courses will be run before and after the Festival, and we are looking forward to being part of this great event! For all Festival activities: 
backcountry-festival.com

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​Our Avalanche Canada Accredited Instructors:
David Herring & Luka Szczepanik

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​Coronavirus update: A full refund will be offered if we are unable to proceed with the course. We will be following all government guidelines and directives and will keep participants updated of any changes.

AST1 is a two day course - 1 day in the classroom, and 1 day out in the backcountry.
What you will learn in an AST 1 course:

• avalanche formation and release
• identify avalanche terrain
• the basics of trip planning
• optimal use of tools and resources like the avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk
• use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain
• companion rescue using beacon, shovel, probe

We also incorporate into the field day of our course an emphasis on backcountry touring technique, safe touring in the Australian backcountry and touring etiquette.  The participants on our courses are always a diverse group with one main thing in common, a passion for the mountains and a desire to learn the skills and knowledge to be safe in the backcountry.  This makes for a fun, stimulating & challenging two days.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
To secure your place on the course, we require full payment within 7 days of booking (invoice will be emailed to you when we receive your online booking form).
Full refund will be provided if:
* you cancel at least one month before the course,
* we have to cancel the course due to unforeseen circumstances
* you are unable to attend the course due to illness or injury (medical certificate required)

Course Locations:
Hotham - Snowbird Inn/Hotham Sidecountry
Falls Creek - Howmans Gap (tbc)/Falls Creek Sidecountry
Mt Stirling - Mansfield/Mt Stirling

2020 COURSE DATES
Sat/Sun 11-12 July HOTHAM
Sat/Sun 1-2 August HOTHAM
Sat/Sun 8-9 August HOTHAM
Sat/Sun 15-16 August FALLS CREEK
Thu/Fri 20-21 August MT STIRLING
Sat/Sun 22-23 August MT STIRLING
Sat/Sun 29-30 August HOTHAM
Tue/Wed 1-2 September HOTHAM
Thu/Fri 3-4 September HOTHAM
Mon/Tue 7-8 September HOTHAM

​Price:  $320
To make a booking or enquiry please complete the form below:

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​Equipment needed for backcountry day:
Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe (we can assist with these)
Backpack 
Water
Snacks & lunch
Sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen
Beanie or helmet, gloves, goggles
Warm layers (not cotton)
Waterproof outerwear
Skiers: Skis with touring bindings & skins, poles
Snowboarders: Snowboard & snowshoes OR splitboard setup, 3 piece poles
Any questions or help needed with equipment - please ask us!