Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association (PNOA) Helps Members Manage Outdoor Risks with Avalanche Skills Training

Vancouver, BC – The Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association (PNOA) organized a two-day avalanche skills training level 1 (AST1) course in February 2023 to help members understand and manage the risks of outdoor activities, remove unknown barriers, and build confidence for future activities.  The course was designed to serve the community by providing valuable training and knowledge to members, ensuring safe backcountry travel for all.

The Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST1) course is a nationally standardized curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. The course provides the fundamentals critical to safe backcountry travel, including pre-trip planning, backcountry equipment, snowpack and avalanche hazard assessment, terrain selection, and avalanche rescue skills. The training is specifically designed for skiers and snowboarders.

16 event leaders and members participated in the training course, provided by West coast educational adventures, and everyone enjoyed the training and learned a lot. The course was successful in helping members understand the risks of outdoor activities and how to manage them safely.

“We are thrilled to have organized this training course for our members,” said Li Wan, President of PNOA. “Outdoor activities come with inherent risks, and it’s crucial to have the knowledge and skills to manage those risks. This course is just one of the many ways we support our members in their outdoor pursuits.”

PNOA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor activities and providing education, training, and support to its members. The organization regularly organizes events and training programs to help members improve their skills and safely enjoy outdoor activities.