Canada West Mountain School
Schoolfrom $335English spoken
Canada West Mountain School suits Vancouver skiers and snowshoers who want an AST 1 on Mount Seymour, with courses every weekend from late November to late March at $335 plus GST in 2026/27. When Seymour lacks snow the field day moves to Whistler Blackcomb, and students buy their own lift pass there.
Photo Su-Laine · Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0 and others, credited in the gallery
What they offer
| Offering | From | Duration | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| AST-1 Classic, Mount SeymourDay one mixes theory with dry-land rescue practice, and day two is a field session in the backcountry of Mount Seymour Provincial Park. An avalanche kit adds $50 for both days. | $335 per person | 2 days in person plus 3 hours online | Every weekend, 21 and 22 November 2026 to 27 and 28 March 2027 |
| Other AST-1 coursesSquamish and Whistler have their own AST-1 dates, and the AST-1 PLUS splits its days between Seymour and Whistler. Snowshoers and midweek students each get a version too. | – | 2.5 days | Winter 2026/27 |
| AST-2AST-1 graduates get 15% off a scheduled Canada West AST-2. | – | Two weekends or four days | Winter 2026/27 |
| AST RefresherFree for students who took a Canada West AST-1. | – | 1 day | March and April |
Canada West has taught Avalanche Skills Training since 1982. Owner Brian Jones holds ACMG Mountain Guide certification and professional membership in the Canadian Avalanche Association, and he supervises every AST program himself. Each AST instructor belongs to the Canadian Avalanche Association and carries advanced first aid.
The Seymour AST-1 Classic runs every weekend from 21 and 22 November 2026 to 27 and 28 March 2027. Before the weekend you get three hours of self-paced work in the school's Virtual Classroom. Day one mixes theory with dry-land rescue practice in any weather, and day two is a field session in the backcountry of Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The $335 plus GST fee covers the Avalanche Skills Training Handbook and the Avaluator card, and $50 more puts an avalanche kit in your hands for both days.
When Seymour has too little snow for the field day, Canada West moves day two to Whistler Blackcomb, and anyone without a pass there buys a lift ticket. The school offers to reschedule as well. Graduates can come back for a free AST Refresher day in March or April.
Squamish and Whistler get their own AST-1 dates. Snowshoers have a course built for them, and a midweek Seymour version keeps weekends free. AST-2 runs over two weekends or four straight days, and AST-1 graduates pay 15% less for it.
Worth knowing
- Add the $50 avalanche kit when you register, because Canada West only books it at registration.
- If your weekend shows sold out, contact the office for the waitlist.
- Phone or email before you drop by the West Van office, since Canada West sets in-person visits by appointment.
Quick answers about Canada West Mountain School
How much is an AST 1 course on Mount Seymour?
Canada West Mountain School's AST-1 Classic on Mount Seymour costs $335 plus GST in 2026/27. An avalanche kit rental for both days adds $50.
What happens if there is no snow on Mount Seymour for the AST 1?
Canada West Mountain School moves the field day to Whistler Blackcomb, and students without a pass there buy a lift ticket. The school also offers to reschedule.
Does Canada West Mountain School speak English?
Yes. Canada West Mountain School works in English.
Is Canada West Mountain School open out of season?
Canada West Mountain School: the school runs mountaineering and Squamish rock courses outside the avalanche season.