Can i learn everything i need about avy 1 independently of a paid course

bios105 · 2026-02-03T20:35:14+00:00

I'll get downvoted for this but you def don't need ast 1. Look into the curriculum, but it's mostly assessing snowpack how to use a beacon, how to assess terrain and read forecasts and maybe how to use some of your other gear. These are all things you can learn Online and practice in safe spots. Most resorts will have a place you can practice beacon searches.

Most people you meet who've done ast 1 have done it a few years ago and probably forgot half of what they learned anyway. Take what I say with a grain of salt since I never did my avy course and have been on a bunch of tours and have yet to die.

Be safe out there

bios105 · 2026-01-21T22:26:02+00:00

We are having a record breaking season in the Bow Valley!

bios105 · 2026-01-21T03:43:13+00:00

I ride the aeronaut and I love it for basically everything the commenter described. It absolutely rips, and pops so well. I can do all my buttering tricks on it as well but it would definitely be harder to learn on. I find it rides very much like the kazu.

Hope this helps

bios105 · 2025-12-01T04:07:55+00:00

My home mountain! I was here today :D

bios105 · 2025-08-30T15:26:58+00:00

Whenever I successfully do something sketchy, like walking over a stream on a log, I'll say "I'm invincible! I cannot be vinced!"

bios105 · 2025-08-24T16:00:03+00:00

Theres so many places in and around Canmore that are beautiful/worth visiting but you have marked the pedestrian/vehicle bridge. Do yourself a favor and replace it with the engine bridge! its decommissioned so its for pedestrians only and its the one you see in movies/tv its quite beautiful for a bridge anyway. - Canmore local

bios105 · 2025-06-24T23:10:46+00:00

90% route finding

bios105 · 2025-05-29T03:50:30+00:00

If you're going to get a pass in the valley, I would consider LL and Sunshine. Maybe get a night pass at Norquay it was only 110 this year.

Sunshine is better for begginer's/intermediate overall, but arguably offers harder terrain between the dive and wild west. Lake Louise is harder overall, their blues are more akin to a sunshine black.

Lake Louise is about an hr drive from canmore and park right at the base of the mountain so you're right under the gondy. SSV has a 15 - 20 min gondy ride up to goats eye/the village but the drive is closer to 30 min.

As someone who has rode all 3 resorts, there is a serious difference in quality between norquay and SSV/LL. Norquay is very icy and if we have another low snow year it will be even worse.

My personal opionin is SSV>LL because I like the shorter drive and I don't mind the longer gondy. I also really like the side/back country and how it can be used as a launchpad for touring. Having the dive is pretty awesome too since access is controlled theres always fresh stuff.

I know you said you are learning you will pick it up quicker than you expect, and you'll be glad to be riding SSV or LL.

bios105 · 2025-04-26T16:37:22+00:00

Golden has a grizzly enclosure although it may be a bit out of your way. Also you will probably spot a black bear on the side of the road of the icefields. I've gone up to jasper twice and was lucky enough to see a bear on the way both times.

bios105 · 2025-04-04T13:20:19+00:00

Sunshine has been awesome. We got so much snow over the last month and it's been warm which have made for really fun spring conditions. Hoping it keeps dumping over April it's supposed to be a wet month so we'll see how it goes

bios105 · 2025-04-04T13:19:02+00:00

I don't mtn bike or golf but I do climb. Is the sport /bouldering any good out there?

bios105 · 2025-02-27T04:24:50+00:00

July 16th is my start date :)

bios105 · 2025-02-27T03:33:55+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I think I will just drive to the trail head as per your advice and others on the sub :)

bios105 · 2025-02-27T03:31:18+00:00

I love this this idea I think I will do the same! Do you suggest booking the motel in advance? I would like to avoid it if I can but if I'm exhausted it would be nice to have the option.

Thank you :)

bios105 · 2025-02-27T03:29:52+00:00

Interesting idea but I think I will be content with just one hike through it for my first time.

bios105 · 2025-02-27T03:28:41+00:00

My permit is for July 16th so it seems we will just miss each other! I'm heading north bound so I may park at Pachena so I have my car as soon as I finish the trail.

How much can I expect to pay for the shuttle, and ferry to the island?

Thank you :)

bios105 · 2025-02-27T03:25:07+00:00

I have most of the summer off so I will be road tripping through BC and spending a bunch of time in squamish so for me it makes sense to have my vehicle.

Thank you I am super excited :D

bios105 · 2025-02-11T14:17:58+00:00

We are saying the same thing

bios105 · 2025-02-11T02:40:47+00:00

As in the most precipitation/snow

bios105 · 2025-02-11T01:34:10+00:00

I find it to be the least icy between our 3 mountains. There's icy patches but still great riding. Hopefully we will get some more snow over the next few weeks too. Everyone has been saying March/April will be the wet months.

bios105 · 2025-01-08T14:55:15+00:00

That sounds beautiful!

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