Motorized Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 (M.A.S.T 2)

Motorized Avalanche Skills Training Level 2

Welcome to Soul Rides specialized on-snow avalanche course designed exclusively for motorized users, spanning either 3 or 4 days. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive and tailored learning experience that takes into consideration your specific needs, including the time that has passed since your completion of the initial Avalanche Skills Training (AST) and your ability to retain knowledge from that course.

For individuals who haven’t recently participated in on-snow level one training and may feel a bit rusty, we highly recommend our M.A.S.T. 2 plus option. This extended course is carefully structured to allow ample time for you to refresh and reinforce your avalanche safety skills. By dedicating an additional day to a thorough review, we ensure that you have a solid foundation to build upon before delving deeper into advanced concepts and practical applications.

On the other hand, if you have completed an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 within the past year and feel confident in your retention of knowledge, our condensed M.A.S.T. 2 course in a 3-day format may be a suitable choice for you. This option recognizes your recent training and understanding, enabling us to streamline the course and focus on enhancing your skills further. Not only does this condensed format save you time, but it also helps reduce the overall cost of education, as the first day of the M.A.S.T. 2 plus course, which is dedicated to a thorough review, is not necessary.

At Soul Rides, we prioritize your learning experience and strive to offer options that cater to your individual circumstances. We understand that different participants have varying levels of experience and recollection, which is why we have designed these two course formats. By choosing the option that aligns best with your training history and confidence level, you can maximize the benefits of the course and enhance your expertise in motorized avalanche safety.

While we are diligently working towards providing a Motorized Avalanche Online Learning Level 2, option please note that it is not currently available. However, we anticipate its release in 2024, offering added convenience and accessibility.

Integrating Soul Rides Online Learning with our Hands-On Avalanche Training is a seamless process. To get started, ensure that you and your group have successfully completed the relevant online learning level corresponding to the hands-on course you wish to undertake. You can explore our Pre-Scheduled courses or choose the Custom Booking option to identify a suitable date within one year of completing the online learning portion. This ensures a comprehensive and well-coordinated training experience.

M.A.S.T. 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 and or the price per person.

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$660 + GST / Student

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LEVEL 2+ COURSES

Course Schedule in Person Instruction

Day 1

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Please come prepared with your coffee and settle in comfortably, as our course will promptly begin at 8:00 am. The morning session will commence with introductions and provide a comprehensive overview of what you can expect throughout the course. We will emphasize the importance of reviewing and understanding the avalanche bulletin, equipping you with the necessary knowledge to effectively interpret and utilize this crucial resource. Additionally, we will carefully select a suitable riding zone for the field component of the day.

It is essential to note that our 3-day Level 2 course allows limited time for reviewing the knowledge and skills acquired in AST 1. Therefore, it is important to come into this course with a solid foundation and a good understanding of the concepts covered in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1.

Field Instruction – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

To maximize our time together, we kindly request that you arrive at the course with your sleds fueled, gear prepared, and food packed, ready to transition to the field. Our session will commence with a brief review of avalanche rescue equipment, ensuring that your gear is functional and in proper working order. We will then proceed to delve into avalanche rescue techniques and planning.

During the course, you will receive hands-on instruction with your equipment, engaging in mock rescues to reinforce your understanding of rescue planning and proficiency in operating your rescue gear. Our focus will also be on cultivating your ability to identify avalanche terrain, utilizing the knowledge acquired from the avalanche bulletin and applying it to assess the current avalanche hazard. As we journey through both straightforward and more challenging avalanche terrain, we will work closely with you to foster a comprehensive comprehension of proper travel habits as a team.

By the end of the day, our primary objectives will be to enhance your grasp of avalanche rescue skills, equip you with the ability to recognize avalanche terrain, and develop effective group travel habits in avalanche terrain.

Day 2

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

We kindly request your punctual attendance at 8:00 am for the course. Feel free to bring coffee and treats to make yourself comfortable. As we have previously covered the relationship between weather, snowpack, and avalanche hazard, our mornings will commence with a collective review of the avalanche bulletin and weather forecast. Through this team-based approach, we aim to assist you, the student, in effectively applying your knowledge to daily trip planning, selecting suitable riding areas, and making informed decisions based on the current avalanche hazard.

During the upcoming field component, our primary focus will be on integrating the prevailing snowpack conditions with the specific avalanche terrain we aim to navigate. We will consider and apply how the weather forecast impacts the avalanche hazard for the day, recognizing that sometimes both the weather and avalanche forecasts may not precisely predict the actual hazard. This component of the course emphasizes critical thinking and the practical application of acquired knowledge, empowering you to make informed decisions in real-world scenarios.

Field Instruction – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

To maximize the limited time available, we kindly request that you arrive fully prepared for the course with your sleds fueled, gear, and food ready for seamless transition into the field. Building upon your equipment readiness and rescue skills, our focus will now shift towards covering larger terrain areas and honing your observational abilities.

Throughout this phase, you will gain insights into sled snowpack testing, along with other simple yet effective techniques for assessing snowpack stability. Additionally, we will delve into track observations to further develop your field skills. Our primary objective will be to assess the current avalanche hazard faced by the group through a combination of terrain selection, group travel techniques, and observational prowess aimed at minimizing risks.

In order to deepen your understanding of avalanche formation, we will actively engage in activities such as track pits and probe penetration to identify suitable locations for digging pits. These practical exercises will foster a comprehensive comprehension of the intricacies involved in avalanche dynamics and enhance your overall proficiency in avalanche assessment.

Whisky & Words – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Given the intensity of the day’s activities, we acknowledge that fatigue may have set in. As a result, depending on the group dynamics and overall planning, we may consider adjusting the time slot for further instruction from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, accompanied by a communal supper. This approach allows us to maximize your time in the field, ensuring optimal application of knowledge, which in turn leads to better retention.

Having had sufficient interaction with the group, we will have formulated a plan to address key areas that require review during this session. Our objective will be to enhance the group’s understanding of various aspects related to avalanche dynamics. This will include a comprehensive exploration of avalanche formation, triggers, as well as insights into the behavior of both touchy and stubborn slabs. Furthermore, we will focus on sharpening observational skills, snowpack testing techniques, backcountry etiquette, safe travel habits, mapping proficiency, avalanche rescue skills, and effective planning. Additionally, we will delve into the critical examination of human factors that contribute to avalanche accidents.

By covering these essential topics, we aim to deepen your knowledge base, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of avalanche dynamics while equipping you with the necessary skills and awareness to mitigate risks effectively in backcountry settings.

Day 3

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

We appreciate your punctuality as class begins promptly at 8:00 am. Feel free to bring coffee and treats to keep you refreshed throughout the session. Today’s morning meeting will introduce a new approach to enhance your skills in interpreting the avalanche bulletin and its practical application in trip planning. The focus will shift towards teamwork and collaboration, emphasizing the principle that five heads are better than one.

In the backcountry, where mechanical machines are utilized, it requires a collective effort to address any challenges that may arise. Managing avalanche hazards follows the same principle. It is crucial to learn how to work cohesively as a group to effectively mitigate risks. By emphasizing teamwork, we aim to equip you with the necessary skills to make informed avalanche-related decisions collaboratively, ultimately reducing the overall risk for the group.

By emphasizing the importance of collective decision-making and fostering a team-oriented mindset, we aim to enhance your ability to manage avalanche hazards effectively and ensure the safety of everyone involved in backcountry activities.

Field Instruction – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

We appreciate your preparedness as we embark on the final day of the course. Please ensure that your sleds are fueled, and you have all the necessary gear and food for the day. Today’s field component will be an opportunity to apply all the skills we have learned as a team, navigating through various types of avalanche terrain, including simple, challenging, and, if conditions allow, complex terrain.

Our primary focus for the day will be on developing and honing your avalanche rescue skills. You will have the opportunity to refine your individual skills while also learning how to work effectively as a team to create a comprehensive rescue plan. We will address common challenges such as electrical interference, effective communication among team members, and utilizing your machines as tools to conserve energy during rescue operations.

Another key aspect of the day will be the continuous assessment of the avalanche hazard as we progress through different terrains. We believe in the concept that application of knowledge leads to better retention. Therefore, our instructors will guide you through the terrain, providing real-world scenarios and hands-on experience to help you apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course.

By immersing you in practical situations and constantly reinforcing the application of knowledge, we aim to solidify your understanding and proficiency in managing avalanche hazards. Your ability to assess and navigate through avalanche terrain as a team will be sharpened, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members involved in backcountry activities.