KIMBERLEY WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Read Snow, Rescue Partners: AST‑1 at Kimberley
A focused, two‑day Avalanche Skills Training (AST‑1) at Kimberley that teaches hazard recognition, snowpack basics, companion rescue and backcountry decision‑making.
Read Snow, Rescue Partners: AST‑1 at Kimberley.
Master avalanche safety with hands‑on gear use, rescue techniques, and risk management. This foundational AST‑1 course empowers participants to recognize avalanche terrain, understand snowpack layering, practice companion rescue with transceivers, probes and shovels, and apply route‑planning and human‑factor decision skills for safer winter backcountry travel.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on Rescue & Transceiver Training
In‑depth companion‑rescue practice covers how transceivers work and how to put them into action, plus efficient probing and shoveling techniques so teams can locate and recover buried victims quickly.
Snowpack Layering & Hazard Recognition
Learn snow‑science fundamentals: how layers form, how weather history affects stability, and how to identify warning signs on terrain to inform safer route choices.
Route Planning & Risk Management
Course material emphasizes route selection, group communication and human factors so you can make pragmatic decisions—when to proceed, adjust plans, or turn back in the backcountry.
What the day feels like
What the Course Feels Like
Across two days the program combines focused instruction with practical field exercises: you’ll handle and troubleshoot avalanche gear, study snowpack behaviour, rehearse transceiver searches and rescue drills, and work through real‑world risk‑management scenarios that prepare you for independent winter travel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a 3‑antenna digital transceiver, avalanche probe, avalanche shovel and a backpack to carry them; a ski or splitboard touring setup with touring‑capable bindings and skins is preferred, though snowshoes are acceptable. Rentals are available at Columbia Cycle.
A lift ticket for the day at Kimberley Alpine Resort is required (organizers are working on a discounted one‑ride lift ticket for the course).
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the field day locations in Kimberley.
Bring suitable clothing for a full day in backcountry winter conditions, plus lunch, a hot drink and snacks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Avalanche Skills Training - 1 course?
The course runs for 2 days.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
Do I need my own transceiver, probe and shovel?
Yes — bring a 3‑antenna digital transceiver, an avalanche probe, a shovel and a backpack to carry them; without these tools you may not get the most benefit from the program.
Are rentals available if I don’t own the gear?
Rentals are available at Columbia Cycle.
Do I need a lift ticket?
You need a lift ticket for the day at Kimberley Alpine Resort; the operator is working on a discounted one‑ride ticket for the course.
Is transportation to field locations provided?
No — participants must provide transportation to and from the field day locations in Kimberley.