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

Course Schedule

Module 1 – Foundations, Rescue, Terrain, Bulletin Use, and Field Application

Day 1 – Evening Foundations and Course Introduction

The course begins with an evening learning session focused on the core concepts that shape avalanche safety. Students are introduced to trip planning, avalanche terrain, terrain travel habits, avalanche rescue equipment, emergency response basics, and preparation before entering the backcountry.

This session helps students build the foundation needed for the field days that follow. If time allows, the group will also review a real avalanche case study to better understand how incidents develop and what riders can learn from them.

06:30PM – 08:30PM EVENING SESSION

Day 2 – Rescue Skills, Terrain Recognition, and Avalanche Bulletin Use

Students begin the day by learning how to interpret the avalanche bulletin and apply it to real-world terrain decisions. The morning also introduces supporting forecasting tools and resources that help riders understand current snowpack and hazard conditions.

In the field, students practise avalanche rescue equipment use, mock rescue response, terrain identification, safe travel habits, communication, and decision-making in real riding terrain.

08:00AM – 09:30AM IN-PERSON MEETING

10:00AM – 05:30PM IN-FIELD INSTRUCTION

06:30PM – 08:30PM EVENING SESSION

Evening Session – Terrain, Snowpack, and Case Study Review

After a full day in the field, students return for an evening review session. This session is designed to reinforce avalanche terrain awareness, safe travel practices, snowpack basics, and the connection between the avalanche bulletin and real-time field decisions.

Topics May Include:

• Avalanche terrain identification.
• Slope features, triggers, and warning signs.
• Snowpack structure and instability.
• Safe travel practices in avalanche-prone terrain.
• Team movement and communication.
• Avalanche bulletin interpretation.
• Case study review of a past avalanche incident.

Day 3 – Trip Planning, Snowpack Awareness, and Rescue Application

The final day focuses on applying course concepts in real terrain. Students use the avalanche bulletin as a trip-planning tool, identify current hazard concerns, and work through terrain choices as a group.

In the field, students apply terrain management techniques, practise safe travel habits, identify avalanche terrain features, complete snowpack observations, and participate in a realistic rescue scenario.

This day brings the course together by connecting planning, terrain, snowpack, communication, and rescue into one field-based learning experience.

08:00AM – 09:30AM IN-PERSON MEETING

10:00AM – 05:30PM IN-FIELD INSTRUCTION

Course Focus:

• Trip planning fundamentals.
• Avalanche bulletin interpretation.
• Avalanche terrain recognition.
• Terrain travel habits and team movement.
• Avalanche rescue equipment use.
• Mock rescue scenarios.
• Snowpack awareness and basic snow profile discussion.
• Safe travel habits in avalanche-prone terrain.
• Case study learning from real avalanche incidents.
• Group communication and decision-making.
• Field-based application in real riding terrain.

Post-Course Progression

After completing M.A.S.T. 1+, students should continue applying the course concepts during their own riding days. The goal is to build stronger habits around trip planning, terrain selection, avalanche bulletin use, rescue readiness, snowpack awareness, and communication with your crew.

Students who continue riding in avalanche terrain should consider M.A.S.T. 2 or M.A.S.T. 2+ as the next step in their avalanche education progression.

Student Expectations:

• Arrive prepared with your sled fueled, gear inspected, food packed, and required equipment ready.
• Participate fully in evening sessions, morning meetings, field discussions, and rescue practice.
• Come ready to learn the foundations of avalanche terrain, rescue, trip planning, snowpack awareness, 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 for riders who want more field time, stronger retention, and a deeper foundation before progressing into Level 2 avalanche training. It helps build the habits, awareness, and confidence needed to make better decisions with your crew in real backcountry conditions.

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$595 + Taxes / Student

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