About us
AVY BITES is a leading online provider of backcountry avalanche education. Our team is a group of experienced ski guides dedicated to helping skiers and riders to develop the skills and knowledge they need to safely explore the backcountry. Our philosophy has been shaped by delivering hundreds of avalanche courses over the last 10 years.
At AVY BITES, we believe that education is the key to safe and enjoyable backcountry skiing. Nothing is a substitue for in-field learning, but our courses are designed to bridge the gap between formal avalanche education and experienced-based learning. Think of this as investigating your weak layers in your avalanche education journey. Our courses compliment, not replace your current training. With modern tools, video, and images, we help you examine terrain in a different way!
Online Learning Center
Intro to Avalanches
Get prepped for your very first avalanche course with a quick (and FREE!) tutorial. This orientation of avalanche awareness and common terminology is intended to help you get the most out of your AST 1.
Backcountry Navigation
A complete course from beginner to professional. Learn the skills and theory behind mountain navigation, focused on the winter skier or split-board traveler. From traditional map, compass techniques, to modern apps and 3D desktop route planning.
Created by ACMG Ski Guide Dave Cote.
Practical Avalanche Training
Check out our recommended avalanche Training providers!
Terrain Exercise Course
Improve your route finding, hazard identification, and overall terrain travel skills. Whether you're new to the backcountry or a seasoned traveler, this course offers valuable exercises to refresh and level up your knowledgebase.
Instructors
Kurt Withers
Kurt is ACMG Apprentice Ski guide and avalanche educator based in the Sea 2 Sky region of British Columbia. He is a member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) and the Association of Canadian Mountain guides (ACMG).
He is an innovator in using social media to deliver avalanche awareness and education. His platform AVY BITES (@avybites) is leading the charge in helping people make better decisions in the backcountry with real world learning and analysis.
Dave Cote
A lifelong passion for skiing led Dave through the competitive park and halfpipe scene, to being a ski bum, to eventually becoming an ACMG ski guide. Based in Squamish BC, Dave splits his winters between heli-skiing in the big mountains of Bella Coola and ski touring through out the BC coastal range. A self proclaimed map nerd, Dave loves sharing his passion and knowledge of the mountains with others.
Get in touch with us
Have a question or want to learn more about our backcountry ski education? Fill out the contact form below and let's start the conversation.