M.A.S.T. 1 In-Person Course Instruction

Course Schedule

Module 1 – Foundations, Rescue, Terrain, and Snowpack Awareness

Day 1 – Course Foundations and Rescue Application

The course begins by building the foundation for motorized avalanche education. Students are introduced to trip planning, terrain selection, avalanche terrain recognition, group travel habits, team movement, and avalanche rescue equipment. In the field, students begin applying these concepts through rescue equipment review, rescue practice, terrain identification, communication, and safe travel habits.

08:00AM – 11:30AM IN-PERSON MEETING

12:00PM – 05:30PM IN-FIELD INSTRUCTION

Day 2 – Avalanche Terrain, Bulletin Use, and Snowpack Awareness

Students continue developing their understanding of avalanche terrain, snowpack structure, instability, and safe travel in avalanche-prone terrain. The morning focuses on interpreting the avalanche bulletin, reviewing real avalanche incidents, and connecting classroom concepts to field decisions. In the field, students apply safe travel habits, use the bulletin to support terrain choices, and work through basic snowpack observations.

08:00AM – 11:30AM IN-PERSON MEETING

12:00PM – 05:30PM IN-FIELD INSTRUCTION

Course Focus:

• Trip planning and terrain selection.
• Recognizing avalanche terrain.
• Avalanche bulletin interpretation.
• Terrain travel habits and team movement.
• Avalanche rescue equipment and basic rescue techniques.
• Simulated rescue scenarios in real terrain.
• Safe travel habits in avalanche-prone zones.
• Snowpack awareness and basic field observations.
• Case study learning from real avalanche incidents.
• Group communication and decision-making.

Post-Course Progression

After completing M.A.S.T. 1, students should continue practising the skills introduced during the course. The goal is to build stronger habits around trip planning, terrain recognition, avalanche bulletin use, rescue readiness, and group communication.

Students who want more field time, stronger retention, and a deeper bridge into Level 2 should consider M.A.S.T. 1+ as the next step. Riders who continue applying these skills in real backcountry terrain should progress toward M.A.S.T. 2 or M.A.S.T. 2+.

Student Expectations:

• Arrive prepared with your sled fueled, gear inspected, food packed, and required equipment ready.
• Participate fully in classroom discussions, field sessions, and rescue practice.
• Come ready to learn the foundations of avalanche terrain, rescue, trip planning, and safe group travel.
• Be prepared to apply classroom concepts in real riding terrain.
• Bring your avalanche rescue equipment and know that you will be using it in the field.

This is not a passive course. M.A.S.T. 1 is designed to help riders build the foundation for safer motorized backcountry travel, stronger avalanche awareness, and better decision-making with their crew.

Logistics

M.A.S.T Level 1 courses require a minimum of 5 students for custom bookings. If we travel outside of Revelstoke/ Sicamous, BC, those minimum student numbers are subject to change. The price per person also will change.

Please read in full and understand all the risks before committing to a course. Links below. Avalanche Canada Student Release / Soul Rides Release of Liability / Avalanche Canada Youth Student Release

COST: CA$465.00 CND + Taxes / Student

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