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Skip the slog and move AST-1 classroom concepts into real alpine terrain. Field Ops uses Panorama’s lifts to put you on the Goldie Plateau for a day of slope-reading, pro skin-track technique and decision-making under guide mentorship.
Skip the slog and move AST-1 classroom concepts into real alpine terrain. Field Ops uses Panorama’s lifts to put you on the Goldie Plateau for a day of slope-reading, pro skin-track technique and decision-making under guide mentorship.
Book with Playwest Mountain Experiences
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Operated by Playwest Mountain Experiences · Panorama, British Columbia
P-LAB - FIELD OPS is a one-day, lift-accessed backcountry mentorship at Panorama Mountain Resort, British Columbia, that skips the long climb and puts you into high-alpine terrain for focused skill-building. Meet in the Upper Village at the Fireside Café, where guides brief the day’s objectives and run the weather and avalanche bulletin before loading the Mile 1 Express, Champagne and the Summit Quad toward the Panorama summit. At 2,365 m you’ll cross the boundary and step onto the Goldie Plateau, a broad, wind-scoured bench in the Purcell Mountains where north-facing slopes hold stable, clean powder. This program is designed to bridge textbook AST-1 knowledge and on-snow decision-making. Field Ops stacks mentorship on top of course work: guides coach you through terrain identification, slope-reading and choice-making in real time. You’ll practice the “pro” skin track—efficient uphill travel techniques that conserve energy—and run rapid, repeatable transitions so you spend more minutes ripping and fewer minutes fussing with gear. The day’s flow alternates between focused drills and high-quality turns. Expect beacon checks, probe and shovel practice, pack and transition audits, and guided line selection across varied alpine features: shallow bowls, wind lips and narrow chute options that reveal how microtopography directs snow deposition. The Goldie Plateau’s exposed ridgelines and sheltered couloirs make it an ideal classroom for spotting persistent slabs and assessing aspect-related avalanche risk. Field Ops is rigorous and practical. Participants must hold an AST-1 and be comfortable skiing or riding at a black-diamond level. Bring a full touring setup—skis or splitboard with touring bindings and skins—plus a three-antenna digital transceiver, avalanche probe, shovel and a pack sized to carry them, a lift ticket (available as an add-on at booking), snacks and a hot drink. Guides provide real-world mentorship for route-finding, efficient skinning and group check-ins used by professionals. Beyond the technical skills, the day offers a deeper sense of place: panoramic vistas of the Purcells, wind-polished alpine grasses poking through late-season snow, and the compact subalpine fir stands at lower elevations. The operation respects the mountain environment; guides emphasize minimal-impact travel and avalanche-awareness as conservation practices. If you’re ready to move from classroom theory to confident backcountry travel, P-LAB // Field Ops compresses essential mentorship into one dense, lift-assisted day that accelerates your progression while giving you the confidence to plan smart, safe outings in the Purcells. Meeting address: 2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC V0A 1T0, Canada. Groups are intentionally small—minimum four, maximum six—so mentors can tailor feedback and watch individual decisions. The program suits adults (minimum age 19) seeking to build repeatable habits for safe backcountry days. Reserve a spot through the booking link to add a discounted lift ticket and confirm logistics before the mission. Bring curiosity and patience.
Yes — you are required to have an AST-1 certificate to participate in P-LAB // Field Ops.
Lift tickets are not automatically included; you can add a discounted lift ticket at booking by selecting the lift ticket option.
Groups run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 participants to ensure focused mentorship.
Participants must be comfortable skiing or riding at a black-diamond ability — this program is not suitable for lower-skill guests.
Minimum age for the program is 19.
Meeting is in the Upper Village at the Fireside Café; the facility address is 2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC V0A 1T0, Canada.
Playwest Mountain Experiences is a guided outdoor company based in Invermere, British Columbia, offering a range of day hikes, multi-day trips, skills courses, and seasonal experiences across the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay National Park. Guided programming includes recreational hikes like Glacier View and The Lookout, seasonal highlights such as Chasing Golden Larch and Mountain Sunsets & Savoury Fondue, and skill-focused offerings including Avalanche Skills Training - 1 (AST-1) in partnership with Avalanche Canada and the Companion Rescue Refresher. Trips are designed for small groups and emphasize safety, trip planning, and practical skills. Backpacking for Beginners - Ladies Edition provides a pre-trip information session and hands-on instruction covering gear, navigation, trip planning, and Leave No Trace principles. The 2 Nighter features on-trail meals and guided exploration of glaciers, alpine lakes, and backcountry terrain. Short family-friendly options, such as Wild Wetlands Adventure, focus on local ecosystems and wildlife viewing along the Columbia River bluffs. Playwest Mountain Experiences lists courses and guided hikes with clear trip summaries and logistical planning to help participants prepare for each outing. The company’s programming spans introductory movement skills and moderate full-day treks, aiming to combine outdoor education with exploratory experiences in the Columbia Valley. All descriptions and course formats reflect the trip information and partnerships provided for each offering.
Book with Playwest Mountain Experiences