Avalanche safety training
AST 1 and AST 2 courses in Akakura, Myoko. Learn to travel safely in the winter backcountry with our certified guides.
AST 1 & AST 2
Winter 2026/27
Akakura, Myoko
Certified guides
AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training
Two days of essential avalanche education, classroom and field
The foundational course for safe winter backcountry travel. Day 1 covers avalanche terrain, mountain weather and decision making in the classroom. Day 2 takes you into the field to apply it all, from beacon practice to companion rescue drills.
2026/27 course dates
18-19 December 2026
22-23 December 2026
27-28 December 2026
5-6 January 2027
7-8 January 2027
¥49,500 per person
Includes tax
AST 2 Avalanche Skills Training
Four days of advanced avalanche education and field experience
Building on AST 1, this course deepens your understanding of avalanche mechanics, complex terrain and leadership. Two days of classroom and field foundations, then two days of advanced field sessions with route finding, snowpack assessment and rescue scenarios.
2026/27 course dates
18-21 December 2026
¥99,000 per person
Includes tax
Participants must provide a copy of a valid AST 1 certificate (or equivalent) at the time of booking.
AST 1 course outline
Day 1: Classroom session
8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Akakura. The foundations of safe winter backcountry travel: avalanche types and characteristics, identifying avalanche terrain, mountain weather and snowpack formation, trip planning tools and maps, companion rescue introduction and a gear overview. Bring a notebook, pen and any course materials, your avalanche gear if you have it, water and snacks. We may spend a short time outdoors, so pack warm footwear, gloves and a jacket.
Day 2: Field session
8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Akakura. Hands-on practice applying Day 1 learnings: beacon, shovel and probe use, snowpack observations and stability tests, terrain recognition in real environments, safe travel techniques and companion rescue scenarios. Bring skis, a snowboard or touring gear (you need some way down the mountain), plus water and snacks.
Rentals
You can rent any required equipment, including beacon, shovel and probe, from our shop in Akakura after Day 1.
Good to know
Lunch breaks on Day 2 are short and flexible, so come prepared for a full day outside. Dress for variable winter weather and bring enough warm layers, food and water.
AST 2 course outline
Days 1-2: Foundations
8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Akakura. Advanced avalanche mechanics and snowpack evolution, identifying and managing complex terrain, snowpack tests and interpreting field data, weather forecasting and hazard analysis, group communication and leadership, trip planning and risk management frameworks, plus a companion rescue refresh.
Days 3-4: In the field
8:00 am to 4:00 pm, primarily in the field. Route finding in complex terrain, advanced stability tests and snowpack profiling, on-the-go hazard evaluation, group movement and safe travel protocols, timed multi-person rescue scenarios and terrain management in changing conditions.
What to bring?
Full avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe), touring equipment (skis or splitboard, skins, poles, boots), weather-appropriate layers for full days outside, water, snacks and lunch each day, plus a notebook, pen and any course materials. Rentals can be arranged after Day 1 at our shop.
Good to know
Lunch breaks are short and flexible, so come prepared for full days outdoors. Weather and conditions may influence field locations; your instructor will advise each morning. AST 1 must be completed before Day 1 of the course.
Knowledge is the best safety gear you can carry. Learn to read the mountain with our certified team.
Secure your spot
Places are limited. Email us with the dates you’re interested in, or any questions about course structure and requirements, and we’ll get back to you.