Avalanche Canada AST Access Grant

Making avalanche safety training accessible to all Canadians.

Avalanche Canada is pleased to announce the return of the Avalanche Canada AST Access Grant for the 2026-27 season. As of this year, we are expanding grant funds to allow for further training, opening up support for AST 2 in addition to AST 1 courses for non-profit organizations serving marginalized communities.

We recognize that many individuals from marginalized groups face systemic barriers to accessing avalanche safety training and winter backcountry recreation in Canada. This grant aims to reduce those barriers by supporting organizations that offer AST 1 and 2 courses to Indigenous, Black, and other People of Colour, LGBTQIAS2+ individuals, neuro-diverse or gender-diverse participants, and others facing marginalization.

The grant provides up to $2,500 for four organizations to host an AST 1 and/or 2 course. All courses must take place in Canada between Nov. 27, 2026, and April 18, 2027.

Applications for the 2026–27 season are open from October 5, 2026, to November 15, 2026. 

2025–26 Program Recap

In the 2025–26 season, Avalanche Canada awarded four grants to organizations serving IBPOC communities. Three organizations successfully delivered AST 1 courses, while one was unable to proceed due to funding and board approval challenges. The successful recipient organizations were:

• N'Quatqua First Nation - N'Quatqua Qwixwla7: 5 participants
• Indigenous Backcountry Training (IBT): 12 participants
• Women's Adventure Network (WAN): 6 participants 

A total of 23 students completed AST 1 courses through the program. Two courses served groups where 100% of participants identified as Indigenous, while the third supported a multicultural group of women, including immigrants and People of Colour. The grant helped address barriers such as financial constraints, transportation, equipment access, and the need for inclusive learning environments.

Participant Feedback

“This trip was so amazing. I feel so confident and prepared to be in the mountains. Now we can be in our traditional territory, having fun just like everyone else gets to do.”

“This course really impacted my dreams to explore the backcountry in winter. I feel more capable and know how to better assess and manage risk in this environment. I'm excited to use and further develop these skills!”

Women's Adventure Network participants during their snowshoe-based AST 1 course.

Backcountry Access also supported the program by donating two boxes of safety gear, each containing eight avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for use in the AST 1 courses. We thank Backcountry Access for its generous contribution.

The Avalanche Canada AST Access Grant is a key part of our commitment to making avalanche safety training accessible and inclusive for all Canadians.