Lake Tahoe AIARE Avalanche Courses
Valhalla Mountain Guides offers avalanche courses in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area through AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education), the leader in avalanche education and research in the United States.
If you’re new to the backcountry, we would recommend starting out with an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Course. The Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day course that can be a standalone course but also great paired with a Level 1, covering companion rescue more in depth. The AIARE Level 2 is a three-day course covering more ground with snow science and to help you step into larger terrain more confidently.
Why Take an AIARE Avalanche Education Course
No matter your experience level skiing or snowboarding, venturing into the Tahoe backcountry comes with a range of risks that are absent or minimal in resort terrain. The most obvious of these are avalanches, but other factors like overhead hazards, mountain weather, and the simple challenges of navigation also come into play.
Anyone who wants to go skiing or riding out of bounds in the Lake Tahoe region should know how to assess the snowpack and safely navigate risk, for the sake of your own safety and for those around you. Because you are almost always far from help when out of bounds, your own knowledge is your first and maybe only safeguard against an accident.
AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) provides a structured curriculum designed to equip backcountry travelers with essential knowledge and decision-making skills to navigate avalanche terrain safely. By participating in AIARE courses, you will learn to assess snowpack stability, understand weather influences, recognize avalanche hazards, and execute effective rescue techniques. This education is vital for making informed decisions that can prevent accidents and save lives.
North Lake Tahoe / Truckee
3 Days
December-April
North Lake Tahoe / Truckee
1 Day
December-April
North Lake Tahoe / Truckee
3 Days
December-April
North Lake Tahoe / Truckee
3 Days
December-April
North Lake Tahoe / Truckee
3 Days
December-April
Levels of AIARE Avalanche Education
Valhalla Mountain Guides offers the standard progression of courses designed by AIARE to equip backcountry travelers with essential skills for safe navigation in avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Level 1: A 2-day course in the field with an online counterpart. Participants learn to prepare for and execute backcountry trips, understand basic decision-making in the field, and practice rescue techniques essential for locating and excavating a buried individual.
Avalanche Level 2: A 3-day/24-hour course that builds on the foundational skills from Level 1. Participants can advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations and complex terrain.
Avalanche Rescue: A 1-day standalone course for both new and experienced backcountry travelers. Focused on keeping up to date with current rescue techniques and gear, it is meant to be retaken regularly to keep rescue skills sharp.
Why Go with Valhalla Mountain Guides
Our company is dedicated to delivering personalized and high-quality mountain experiences. We specialize in custom and private trips, teaming up with our clients to achieve individual mountain goals. Our crew of experienced, certified guides offer a range of courses and adventures, including rock climbing, alpine climbing, mountaineering, skiing, and avalanche education. With a focus on safety, education, and enjoyment, Valhalla Mountain Guides are here to inspire confidence and competence in the backcountry.
Where We Ski and Ride During Our Avalanche Courses
We conduct our classes among the world-famous backcountry terrain of North Lake Tahoe. The goal is to explore not only the snowpack and typical terrain features, but also to have a great day exploring the amazing skiing and riding that Lake Tahoe has to offer.
The exact location will depend on conditions at the time of your course, but some possibilities are Donner Pass, Johnson’s Canyon, and Castle Peak. Each of these zones hold a variety of terrain suitable for different skill levels. From open bowls to gladed trees, the region provides an excellent classroom for learning and practicing avalanche safety skills amidst stunning Sierra Nevada scenery.