Applied Decision Making
The backcountry ski course your friends hope you take.
A 3-day field-based ski touring course for people who already get out, but want to make better decisions with terrain, weather, snowpack, and group dynamics.
Why ADM
You probably already know enough to get into terrain. The harder part is making good decisions once you’re there.
Most people who take this course have already done some avalanche training and spent time touring with friends. They know the basics. They read the bulletin. They can use their rescue gear.
But real ski days are messy. The weather changes, the group has different opinions, the skiing looks good, and the plan you made in the morning might not be the right plan by lunch.
Applied Decision Making is built for that gap between knowing the theory and using it well in the field.
What makes it different
Part guided tour, part skills course.
Real terrain
We use actual ski terrain, not tidy classroom examples. The learning happens while planning, moving, skiing, stopping, adjusting, and debriefing.
Full touring days
Expect proper ski touring days with coaching built in. We are not standing around all day, but we will slow down enough to talk through the important parts.
Clear debriefs
We will look at the decisions we made, what changed, what worked, what felt uncertain, and what could be improved next time.
Group decision-making
Good partners are not just strong skiers. They communicate, notice things, ask better questions, and help the group make better choices.
2026 Course Date
December 19–21, 2026
This is currently planned as a single 3-day course based around Rogers Pass and the Revelstoke area. A second date may be added once my winter guiding schedule is confirmed.
If a second course runs, it will not be a required “part two.” It will use the conditions, terrain, and group that exist that week, which means it would naturally become a different learning experience.
- Location: Rogers Pass / Revelstoke area
- Duration: 3 field days
- Group size: 4–6 participants
- Price: $900 CAD + GST per person
- Experience: AST 1 or equivalent strongly recommended
Who it is for
For ski tourers who want to be better partners.
This course is not an introduction to ski touring. It is for people who already get out and want to feel more confident contributing to the decisions that shape a day.
You do not need to be an expert ski mountaineer, but you should be a strong intermediate to advanced skier, comfortable in ungroomed snow, and fit enough for full days in the mountains.
You are probably a good fit if you have taken AST 1, toured with friends, and want more practice applying what you know in real terrain.
What we work on
The small decisions that add up to the day.
Planning and options
Using the bulletin, weather, maps, terrain, and group goals to build a plan with realistic options instead of a single fragile objective.
Terrain choices
Choosing terrain that fits the avalanche problem, the conditions, and the group, especially when uncertainty is high.
Observations
Noticing what matters during the day and deciding whether new information confirms the plan or suggests we should change it.
Movement and spacing
Track setting, regrouping, transitions, exposure, communication, and the little habits that keep the day moving well.
Group communication
Practicing how to speak up, check in, challenge assumptions, and keep the group involved in decisions.
Rescue refresh
Reviewing companion rescue skills so they are current, practical, and connected to the terrain choices we make during the day.
The touring days
Expect real ski days, not a parking-lot clinic.
December conditions can be variable, which is part of the point. Early season is a useful time to build systems before the winter gets busy: planning habits, terrain discipline, observations, rescue refreshers, and group communication.
Most days will likely be in the 4–6 hour range with roughly 800–1200 metres of climbing, depending on conditions, objectives, and the group. We will not force big days for the sake of it, but you should arrive fit enough to learn while moving through the mountains.
FAQ
Common questions
Is this an AST course?
No. This is not an AST 1 or AST 2 course and it does not replace formal avalanche training. It is designed as a field-based course for skiers who already have some avalanche education and want more practice applying that knowledge in real terrain.
Do I need AST 2?
No. AST 2 is helpful, but not required. AST 1 or equivalent experience is strongly recommended. More important is that you have some touring experience and are ready to participate in planning, observations, communication, and debriefs.
How strong of a skier do I need to be?
You should be a strong intermediate to advanced skier who is comfortable skiing ungroomed snow in a variety of conditions. You do not need to ski steep lines, but you should be confident enough that the skiing itself does not take all of your attention.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be prepared for full ski touring days. In December, we will likely aim for 4–6 hour days and roughly 800–1200 metres of climbing, depending on conditions and the group.
What happens if the avalanche hazard is high?
High hazard does not automatically mean there is nothing to learn or nowhere to ski. It means we need to be more disciplined with terrain. Some of the best learning can happen when the hazard is elevated because the terrain choices, margins, and consequences become more obvious.
Is this guided skiing or instruction?
It is both. The course is built around real ski touring days, but the focus is on learning, decision-making, and debriefing rather than simply chasing the biggest objective or the best snow.
Can I book this as a private group?
Possibly. If you already have a group of friends or ski partners who want to work on decision-making together, get in touch. A private ADM-style course can be a very good format for groups who already tour together.
What gear do I need?
You need a complete ski touring setup, avalanche rescue gear, appropriate winter clothing, and the normal equipment for a full day of ski touring. A detailed equipment list will be sent before the course.
Interested in the December ADM course?
Send me a note with your skiing background, avalanche training, touring experience, and any questions you have. From there we can figure out if this course is a good fit.