PANORAMA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Avalanche Skills Training at Panorama: Learn to Read Snow, Manage Risk, and Rescue a Companion
A focused, two-day AST‑1 course taught with Avalanche Canada and Playwest at Panorama that teaches avalanche hazard recognition, snowpack basics, route planning and companion rescue.
Avalanche Skills Training at Panorama: Learn to Read Snow, Manage Risk, and Rescue a Companion.
Join Avalanche Canada and Playwest’s Avalanche Skills Training - 1 (AST‑1) at Panorama to master the essential, entry‑level skills for safe winter backcountry travel: hazard recognition, snowpack layering, route planning, and hands‑on companion rescue techniques that prepare you to travel and make decisions with confidence in avalanche terrain.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Understand Snowpack and Avalanche Formation
The course breaks down how snow layers form and how weather and precipitation history influence stability—knowledge that underpins safer decisions in avalanche terrain.
Companion Rescue: Probing, Shoveling and Transceiver Work
Practice the full companion rescue sequence: efficient transceiver searches, effective probing patterns and rapid shoveling techniques tuned for real‑world recoveries.
Route Selection, Group Dynamics and Risk Management
Learn route‑planning tactics, group communication, human factors and decision frameworks that help you adjust plans or turn back when conditions demand it.
What the day feels like
What the Course Feels Like
Over two days you move from classroom foundations to field application: snowpack and hazard recognition lessons segue into hands‑on transceiver drills, probing and shoveling sessions, and guided decision‑making exercises designed to build competence and confidence for winter backcountry travel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Three‑antenna digital transceiver, avalanche probe, avalanche shovel and a backpack to carry these items; ski or splitboard touring setup with touring‑capable bindings and skins (snowshoes acceptable). Rentals are available at Columbia Cycle. Also bring suitable winter clothing, lunch, hot drink and snacks.
A lift ticket for the day at Panorama is required (the operator is working on a discounted one‑ride ticket for AST participants). Participants must provide their own transportation to and from field day locations at Panorama.
Come ready for full days in the backcountry; the training includes intensive transceiver, probing and shoveling drills and practical route‑planning work.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Avalanche Skills Training - 1 course?
The AST‑1 course runs two days.
Where do participants meet for the course?
Meeting point is Panorama Mountain Resort, BC.
What avalanche gear do I need to bring?
Bring a three‑antenna digital transceiver, avalanche probe, avalanche shovel and a backpack to carry them; rentals are available at Columbia Cycle.
Do I need touring equipment?
Yes: a ski or splitboard touring setup with touring‑capable bindings and skins is required; snowshoes are acceptable as an alternative.
Is a lift ticket required?
A lift ticket for the day at Panorama is required; the operator is working on a discounted one‑ride ticket for AST participants.
Is there an age minimum to participate?
The program is available to participants aged 12 and up.