AST 1 Avalanche Course

Hokkaido Backcountry Club offers the AST 1 avalanche skills training courses in Niseko under the authority and with curriculum provided by Avalanche Canada but tailored to suit Hokkaido’s terrain and snowpack. HBC is the longest running AST provider and the only ones providing a Japanese course in Hokkaido.

The 2 day AST 1 course is an introductory course designed to increase awareness and basic knowledge of travelling in avalanche terrain. At the end of the course participants will be able to recognize avalanche terrain, conduct various tests to determine snow stability, and should an avalanche occur, perform a self- rescue.

This course is highly recommended to recreational skiers and boarders who intend to ski/ride off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry terrain. These courses are recognized by Avalanche Canada and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.

Additional information on both courses can be found by visiting Avalanche Canada.

For Japanese courses, please click the link here.

*LOCALS DISCOUNT OF 5000YEN IS AVAILABLE TO ALL JAPAN RESIDENTS. PLEASE BRING A VALID FOREIGN RESIDENT CARD OR JAPANESE ID INDICATING YOUR RESIDENCY IN JAPAN TO QUALIFY

Course Location: Black Diamond Lodge (Niseko)

2020/21 course dates

Dec 4 – 5

Dec 12 – 13

Dec 15 – 16 (Japanese Course)

Dec 21 – 22

Dec 24 – 25

Dec 26 – 27 (Japanese Course)

Jan 9 – 10 (Japanese Course)

Mar 1 – 2

Mar 5 – 6

Mar 12 – 13

ec Note: AST 1 certification is a prerequisite for AST 2.

(Course fees includes manual, avalanche & touring gear, and one free cat bump at Chisenupuri!)

*Avalanche courses are weather dependent and may be cancelled as per our standard terms and conditions. In particular, some snow is required to achieve the course objectives so early season courses may be cancelled if there is insufficient snow. In the event of cancellation, Hokkaido Backcountry Club will contact all registered participants and either reschedule or offer a full refund (less any unrecoverable transaction fees).