Avalanche Safety in Niseko with Rising Sun Guides

Last season, we were fortunate enough to be invited to a last-minute AST-1 Course being run by Rising Sun Guides, a course that has been in such high demand that they had to double the number of classes they were offering and still filled every seat!

Now, whilst we’re definitely still not even close to being experts on the topic of avalanches, we’re now far more prepared thanks to completing this course and are here to answer some common questions around the topic.

What is an avalanche, and why is avalanche safety important?

Avalanches are a natural phenomenon whereby any amount of snow, ice, and debris, slide down the mountainside. The size and magnitude of these can vary greatly, but even a small avalanche can cause catastrophic outcomes in the right conditions.

As such, Avalanche safety is paramount to anyone considering a trip to any area where there is snow, regardless of the activity you will be participating in (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing etc.).

If you’re in the mountains, and there is snow, then there is a chance of an avalanche.

Should I take an avalanche course (AST-1) course?

Yes. With ~90% of all avalanche accidents being triggered by the victim or another member of their own party, and a quickly diminishing survival rate after 18-minutes, educating yourself and party members before your next expedition is essential.

If you plan on venturing into the backcountry at all, or even just through the Niseko gates (these are part of the backcountry and not patrolled at all), it’s imperative that you not only have all the correct gear, but that you’re educated in avalanche awareness, safety, and self-rescue. 

Do I need any experience to take an avalanche course (AST-1) course?

No. We had zero experience before visiting Rising Sun Guides and felt very comfortable from the moment that we met the team.

The course is structured in a way that allows anyone at any experience level to fully understand and learn not only about what avalanches are, but how to minimise your chances of being caught in one, and what to do if you are.

The only thing you need to do is book.

What is an AST-1 Course?

An AST-1 Course has been specifically designed by Avalanche Canada to provide the necessary curriculum and information to skiers and snowboarders alike who are looking to explore new terrain and familiarise themselves with the backcountry.

In the case of Rising Sun Guides, it is a 2-day course where you will first go through avalanche theory before venturing out into the field and putting your newfound skills to practice.

You will learn essential backcountry travel skills such as companion rescue, terrain evaluation, formation of avalanches, trip planning and many other critical skills to help you make informed decisions.

What will I learn in an avalanche course (AST-1) course?

You will learn a lot, a lot more than you probably realise, especially if you think you already know everything:

• What an avalanche is, how they form, and how they are triggered
• Trip planning, terrain evaluation, and safe travel practices
• Reading and understanding avalanche reports
• What gear you you need, how to test it, and use it
• Basic companion rescue, including fine search, probing, and shovelling

All of the above culminates into one simple takeaway, the most important thing that you can do whilst out touring is avoid being caught in an avalanche altogether.

Is an avalanche course (AST-1) worth it?

Yes, our time spent with Rising Sun Guides was beyond worth it. Despite having some knowledge of avalanche safety prior, we learnt so much more than what is available online.

In addition to that, and perhaps the most valuable part of the whole experience, is the practical aspect spent in the field, testing and using your gear whilst simultaneously getting familiar with the environment, all the while under the watchful eye of professionally accredited guides.

Where can I take an avalanche course (AST-1) in Niseko?

There are often many options when it comes to completing an avalanche (AST-1) course in any snowy part of the world, but when it comes to Niseko, Rising Sun Guides has to be your first choice.

Not only do they make the whole process seamless and complimentary transportation from Hirafu, their team is full of accredited professionals from all around the world with years of backcountry, guiding experience.

If you’re staying at a property managed by NISADE x The Luxe Nomad, it’s even easier—just let our Guest Experiences Team know, and they’ll take care of the bookings for you.