January Winter Events in Whistler BC

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Step into the backcountry with confidence in our AST 1+, a two-day, small-group learning experience in the Whistler Backcountry. With a maximum of six participants, this course offers hands-on instruction, space to ask questions, and real-world practice so you can continue the winter season feeling informed and capable.

This course follows Avalanche Canada standards and is designed to help you move through the mountains this winter with more awareness and confidence.

• Dates: Saturday, Jan 10 & Sunday, Jan 11 (field days)
• Online Zoom: Friday, Jan 9 at 7:00 PM
• Time: 8am – 4pm ish
• Location: Whistler Blackcomb, meeting upper Village base of Blackcomb. 
• Cost: $350 (use code 'NF10off' for a discount)

• Online learning module
• Pre-course Zoom session
• Avalanche Skills Training Handbook (Avalanche Canada)
• Two full field days with ACMG certified ski guide
• Take-home: Sun Bum sunscreen

• How to recognize avalanche terrain and identify hazards
• Effective use of avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Decision-making frameworks for safer winter travel
• Group travel techniques, spacing, and communication
• Tour planning using weather, avalanche forecasts, and terrain choices
• Expect a supportive, collaborative pace with plenty of time for questions and hands-on practice.

This course is ideal for skiers and splitboarders who are curious about stepping beyond the resort or building a stronger foundation in avalanche education.

A great fit if you:

• Have no prior avalanche training
• Are ready to explore beyond resort boundaries
• Learn best through hands-on, field-based experience
• Are joining solo, with friends, or as a couple
   

Prerequisite:

• Comfortable skiing or riding blue-square terrain in mixed conditions and able to tour uphill for 1–2 hours.

• Avalanche safety equipment not included (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Touring skis or splitboard required, plus poles and skins
• This is open to all genders
• Optional rental access for avalanche safety gear and touring setups 

Curious about the backcountry? This immersive 1-day Intro to the Backcountry course is designed to build comfort, efficiency, and confidence while ski touring or splitboarding. You’ll learn how to move smoothly through winter terrain — from dialing in your gear and transitions to traveling uphill and downhill with intention.

This course focuses on practical skills that make touring more enjoyable and less intimidating. 

• When: Saturday, January 18
• Time: 8am – 4:00pm ish
• Where: Whistler Blackcomb, meeting upper Village base of Blackcomb.
• Cost: $200 (use code 'NF10off')
• Lift Ticket: Backcountry lift ticket available day-of for $45
• Take Home: Plant of Life CBD Heal Stick

• Avalanche safety equipment required and not included (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Touring skis or splitboard required, plus poles and skins
• Optional rental access for avalanche safety gear and touring setups 

Prerequisite:

• Comfortable skiing or riding blue-square terrain in mixed conditions and able to tour uphill for 1–2 hours.

• Gear setup and trailhead systems
• Efficient uphill travel (kick turns, stance, stride)
• Terrain awareness and safer route selection
• Downhill transitions, flow, and regrouping
• Companion rescue introduction and situational awareness

Ideal for skiers and splitboarders who are new to touring and curious about what exists beyond the resort. No previous backcountry or avalanche training required. Training will be taught by an ACMG certified ski guide. 

Open to women and non-binary folks.