Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides

AST 1 in the sun at Hudson Bay yesterday ☀️

📅 Upcoming Avalanche Courses at Hudson Bay Mountain ❄️

AST 1 Refresher — Jan 10
AST 1 — Jan 17, Jan 21, Feb 28

Join Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides for Avalanche Skills Training courses hosted at Hudson Bay Mountain. Courses combine pre-course learning with a full field day in the Hudson Bay Backcountry, where we focus on terrain selection, snowpack observations, using the avalanche bulletin, and practicing companion rescue skills in real terrain.

These courses are designed to build confidence, sharpen decision-making, and give you practical tools you can take straight into your own backcountry days.

✔️ Course options for new backcountry users and experienced ski-tourers
✔️ Lift ticket + course materials included
✔️ Student discount at Local Supply Co.

👉 Info + registration: coldsmokeguides.com
Questions? Send us a message!

Photo 1 📷:

❄️ AST 1 Refresher — Saturday, January 10 at Hudson Bay Mountain ❄️

This one-day, field-based refresher is perfect if you’ve taken AST 1 in the past and want to sharpen your skills—whether you’re feeling a bit rusty, building confidence, or thinking about an AST 2 down the road. We’ll kick things off with a short online meetup the evening before to pre-trip plan and get on the same page, then spend the day practicing what really matters: companion rescue, terrain management, using the Avalanche Bulletin, and making snowpack observations in the field.

All experience levels and levels of “currency” welcome—this course is about meeting you where you’re at and helping you feel more solid in your backcountry decision-making.

Have your AST 1 but feeling a little rusty?
Or just want a day to slow things down and actually practice?

Our AST 1 Refresher is a single, field-based day designed for folks who already have the basics and want to sharpen their skills with intention. Everyone shows up with experience, which means better conversations, more hands-on practice, and space to ask the questions that matter.

With such a great start to winter, now’s a perfect time to tune things up before the season really takes off. Grab your favourite ski touring partner and come spend a day practicing skills with an avalanche professional.

📍 Hudson Bay Mountain
❄️ One day, field-based
🔗 Link in bio for dates + details

Hey there! 👋
Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides is excited to be running AST courses at Hudson Bay Mountain this winter.

📅 Upcoming dates:
• AST 1 Refresher — January 10 (one-day, field-based)
• AST 1 — January 17, January 21, February 28 (online course + one field day)

Our AST 1 courses combine a full field day at HBM paired with Stay Wild Backcountry Skills’ excellent online course, which you complete ahead of time so we can maximize learning and decision-making in the mountains. Huge shoutout to Stay Wild — we’re stoked to partner with them.
Course fee: $325 + GST.

The AST 1 Refresher is perfect if you’ve taken AST 1 before and want to dust off the cobwebs, practice rescue skills, talk conditions, and get a solid day out with an instructor.
Course fee: $190 + GST

Courses are ideal for skiers, splitboarders, and riders looking to build confidence, refresh skills, and make better decisions in our local terrain.

All courses include:
Cold Smoke BC Guides Flat-brim Hat [aka. your new favorite touring hat]
Avalanche Skills Training Handbook
Avaluator 3.0
AvCan Companion Rescue Card
Course Certificate
Hudson Bay Mountain Lift Ticket
Discount at Local Supply Co. on backcountry gear

👉 More info + registration: Coldsmokeguides.com
Questions? Drop them below or send us a message!
— Madeline & Dave
Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides

Cold Smoke Backcountry Guides is officially live! ❄️ We’re excited to bring avalanche education and ski guiding to the Smithers community this winter. From AST courses to guided ski touring, our goal is simple: help you build confidence in the mountains so you can get out there and enjoy winter. Here’s to a season of cold smoke, good turns, and learning together. 🏔️✨