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$860 + GST / Student

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LEVEL 2 COURSES

M.A.S.T. Level 2+ Course Schedule

Day 1

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Thank you for joining us bright and early for the start of the course. Grab your coffee and settle in as we begin our day at 8:00 am sharp. The morning session will commence with introductions and provide you with a comprehensive overview of what you can expect throughout the duration of the course.

We will kick off the morning with a review of the essential aspects of avalanche rescue gear, emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared and knowledgeable about the equipment. Additionally, we will cover rescue planning, highlighting the critical steps and considerations involved in effectively responding to avalanche incidents.

To ensure your understanding and proficiency, we will revisit key concepts related to avalanche terrain, emphasizing the identification and assessment of potential risks in different environments. The avalanche bulletin will also be a focal point of the morning session, as we delve into its content and discuss the necessary skills to interpret and apply the information provided.

Once we have solidified our knowledge base, we will proceed to select a suitable riding zone for the day’s field component. This selection process will incorporate the principles and insights gained from our discussions, enabling us to make informed decisions regarding terrain choice and the management of potential avalanche hazards.

By beginning the day with a comprehensive review and application of foundational knowledge, we aim to set the stage for a productive and engaging field component. Your understanding of rescue gear, rescue planning, avalanche terrain, and the avalanche bulletin will be further enhanced, ensuring your readiness to navigate the backcountry safely and confidently.

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

Thank you for being prepared and ready to embark on our field component. Please ensure that you have your sleds fueled, gear, and food ready to go. We will be making our way to the field promptly.

To begin the day, we will conduct a thorough review of avalanche rescue equipment. It is crucial that your gear is in optimal working condition and ready for use in case of an emergency. We will perform quick checks to ensure that each participant’s equipment is functional and ready to be utilized effectively.

Following the equipment review, we will delve into avalanche rescue techniques and planning. This hands-on instruction will provide you with valuable practical experience in using your rescue equipment. Through mock rescues and scenario-based training, we will ensure that you have a solid understanding of rescue planning and the necessary skills to operate your rescue gear with confidence.

As we navigate through both simple and challenging avalanche terrain, our focus will be on developing your ability to identify and recognize avalanche terrain. By applying the knowledge gained from the avalanche bulletin, we will work together to assess and mitigate the risks associated with the current avalanche hazard. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of proper travel habits and teamwork in navigating avalanche terrain as a group.

Throughout the day, we will provide guidance and support to enhance your understanding of rescue techniques, terrain recognition, and safe travel practices. Our goal is to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate avalanche terrain effectively and minimize risks.

By the end of the day, you will have gained valuable experience in applying your rescue skills, assessing avalanche terrain, and traveling as a team. Your confidence and competence in managing avalanche hazards will be further strengthened, allowing you to make informed decisions and maintain safety during your backcountry adventures.

Day 2

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Thank you for joining us bright and early at 8:00 am for the start of our instruction. You’re welcome to bring coffee and treats to make the learning experience more enjoyable. During this morning session, our instructional team will assess the group’s understanding of the material covered thus far.

As we work with small groups, we have the flexibility to tailor our instruction to meet the needs of each individual student. This allows us to focus on reinforcing key knowledge and ensuring its retention. We will review important points related to avalanche safety, rescue techniques, terrain assessment, and the use of the Avalanche Bulletin.

By examining the current Avalanche Bulletin forecast and applying our knowledge, we will collaboratively plan and select a suitable riding location for the day. This process will involve assessing the terrain’s avalanche characteristics and considering the current avalanche hazard level. Our goal is to foster your ability to make informed decisions and choose riding areas that minimize the risk of avalanches.

Through this morning session, we aim to reinforce your understanding of avalanche safety concepts and provide practical examples of their application. By actively engaging with the Avalanche Bulletin and actively participating in the decision-making process, you will gain valuable experience in planning and selecting appropriate terrain for your backcountry adventures.

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

Thank you for being prepared and ready for the field portion of the course. It’s essential to have your sleds fueled, gear, and food ready to maximize our time together. Building upon the assessments from the previous day, our instruction team will continue working with the group to review any key points related to rescue gear, rescue planning, and any specific rescue skills that may need reinforcement.

We will focus on practical application by engaging in mock rescues. This hands-on approach allows you to actively apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired, providing valuable experience in real-world scenarios. By participating in these exercises, you will gain confidence and proficiency in rescue techniques, enhancing your ability to effectively respond to avalanche incidents.

Throughout our journey in avalanche terrain, we will place emphasis on honing the group’s ability to identify avalanche terrain. This involves recognizing the characteristics and indicators of potential avalanche zones, understanding snowpack conditions, and assessing the associated risks. Additionally, we will work on developing and implementing proper traveling habits that promote safety and minimize exposure to avalanche hazards.

By actively engaging with the terrain and implementing best practices, you will strengthen your ability to navigate through both simple and challenging avalanche terrain. This hands-on approach, combined with guidance from our experienced instructors, will enhance your understanding and confidence in making informed decisions while traveling in the backcountry.

Our aim is to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to assess and mitigate avalanche risks effectively. Through practical exercises and focused instruction, we will ensure that you are well-prepared to navigate avalanche terrain safely.

Day 3

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Join us promptly at 8:00 am, and don’t forget to bring your coffee and treats. By now, we all understand the crucial role of weather in shaping the snowpack and influencing avalanche hazards. To ensure your safety and preparedness, we will engage in a daily team review of the avalanche bulletin.

This collaborative process allows you to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course to your daily trip planning. Together, we will assess the bulletin and make informed decisions about selecting appropriate riding locations based on the current avalanche hazard. We prioritize the alignment of your knowledge journey with the practical application of choosing safe terrain for your adventures.

Throughout the course, we emphasize the integration of snowpack conditions with the avalanche terrain we wish to explore during our field sessions. By analyzing and understanding the current snowpack, we gain valuable insights into managing the specific avalanche hazards we encounter.

Additionally, we consider the impact of weather forecasts on the avalanche hazard for the day. While we acknowledge that forecasts are not infallible, we navigate the nuances and uncertainties by applying our knowledge and critical thinking skills. This approach ensures that we are well-prepared to adapt to changing conditions and make informed decisions while in the field.

By the end of the course, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of how weather, snowpack, and avalanche forecasts intersect. This knowledge will empower you to make educated choices when selecting terrain, allowing you to enjoy your backcountry experiences with confidence and safety.

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

Please come prepared for the course by ensuring your sleds are fueled, your gear is ready, and you have packed food for the day. With the necessary equipment and foundational rescue skills in place, we can now focus on advancing your abilities in traversing larger sections of terrain and enhancing your observational skills.

During this phase of the course, we will educate you on various techniques for assessing the snowpack using your sled, conducting simple snowpack tests, and making track observations. These skills are crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the current avalanche hazard faced by the group. By effectively selecting appropriate terrain and employing group travel strategies, we will work together to minimize risks and ensure safety.

To further deepen your knowledge of avalanche formation, we will engage in practical exercises involving track pits and probe penetration. These activities will allow us to identify suitable locations for digging pits, providing hands-on experience and fostering a deeper understanding of how avalanches form within the snowpack.

By the end of this phase, you will have acquired valuable field skills and an increased ability to assess avalanche hazards. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain, promoting safety for yourself and your fellow riders.

Whisky & Words – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

As the day draws to a close, we understand that it has been an intense and information-packed session. In order to maximize the effectiveness of our learning experience and ensure retention of knowledge, we may adjust the schedule for this particular time slot to 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During this time, we will have a group supper, allowing us to continue our educational journey.

This approach enables us to keep you engaged in the field, ensuring that you get the most out of the course by actively applying the knowledge you have acquired. We believe that hands-on experience is instrumental in solidifying your understanding of avalanche-related concepts.

Having spent some time with the group, we will have a better understanding of areas that require further review and reinforcement. We will tailor our instruction to address these specific topics. Our aim is to expand your knowledge on avalanche formation, understanding avalanche triggering mechanisms, dealing with touchy and stubborn slabs, enhancing your observational skills, conducting snowpack tests, practicing backcountry etiquette, refining traveling habits, improving mapping abilities, honing avalanche rescue skills, and exploring the human factors that contribute to avalanche accidents.

By delving deeper into these areas, we can ensure that you are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of avalanche dynamics and are better prepared to make informed decisions in the backcountry. Our goal is to empower you with the necessary skills and knowledge to mitigate risks and ensure safety while enjoying your snowmobiling or snow biking adventures.

Day 4

Morning Meeting – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

At 8:00 am sharp, our class will commence, and you’re welcome to bring your coffee and treats to keep you energized. This morning’s meeting will deviate from the previous days, focusing on the growth of your skills in interpreting the avalanche bulletin and applying it to your trip planning for the day. However, what sets it apart is our emphasis on teamwork.

We firmly believe in the principle that “five heads are better than one.” In the backcountry, where mechanical machines are involved, it often requires a collective effort to address challenges. Managing avalanche hazards follows the same principle. Learning to work as a team and making group decisions to effectively manage avalanche risks is a crucial skill that every group should possess.

During the meeting, we will provide guidance on how to collaborate effectively, share insights, and make informed decisions as a team. By leveraging the diverse perspectives and experiences of each member, we can enhance our ability to mitigate avalanche hazards. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, we aim to foster a cohesive group dynamic that prioritizes safety and risk management.

By the end of this session, you will not only have a better grasp of interpreting avalanche bulletins but also be equipped with the teamwork skills necessary to navigate avalanche-prone terrain. Together, we will strive to minimize risks and ensure a safe and rewarding experience in the backcountry.

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

Once again, I want to emphasize the importance of arriving prepared for the course. Please ensure that your sleds are fueled, and you have all the necessary gear and food ready to transition smoothly into the field.

On the final day of the course, we will put all the skills we have learned to the test as a team. Our objective is to travel through various types of avalanche terrain, ranging from simple to challenging, and if conditions permit, even manage complex avalanche terrain.

A primary focus for the day will be developing your avalanche rescue skills. This includes refining individual techniques and enhancing your ability to work collaboratively as a team. You will learn how to create effective rescue plans and address common challenges such as electrical interference, communication among team members, and utilizing your machines as tools to conserve energy during rescue operations.

Additionally, we will place significant emphasis on honing the group’s ability to continuously assess the avalanche hazard as we navigate through different terrains. This will require applying the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course. We firmly believe in the concept that the application of knowledge leads to better retention. Therefore, our instructors will guide you through the terrain, providing real-world examples and hands-on experiences that allow you to apply what you have learned.

By the end of the day, our aim is for you to not only have a comprehensive understanding of avalanche rescue techniques but also to be adept at assessing and managing avalanche hazards in a team setting. Your ability to apply the knowledge in practical scenarios will be key to ensuring your safety and the safety of others in the backcountry.

Remember, the final day is an opportunity to put everything into practice and reinforce your skills. Arrive prepared and ready to engage in a day filled with valuable learning experiences.