Lake Tahoe Avalanche Level 1 Course
Our Avalanche Level 1 Course is a 2 day course in the field with an online course counterpart. A Level 1 course builds the foundation of your avalanche awareness knowledge. In this course, you will learn to assess avalanche terrain and manage avalanche hazard. We recommend taking this course before you venture out on your own in the backcountry.
AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course in North Lake Tahoe Dates:
December 27-28, 2024
January 4-5, 2025
January 19-20, 2025
February 8-9, 2025
February 16-17, 2025
March 1-2, 2025
March 8-9, 2025
March 21-22, 2025
Join us for our AIARE Avalanche Level 1 course, designed for snow sports enthusiasts looking to learn essential skills for navigating the backcountry safely. This comprehensive course covers topics such as snowpack analysis, route finding, hazard assessment, companion rescue, and much much more. Led by the most experienced guides and instructors in the industry. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions in the backcountry. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry traveler or just starting out, this course will equip you with essential knowledge to mitigate risks and enjoy the mountains responsibly. It’s time to leave the lift lines behind and take your skiing and riding into the wilderness.
This is a Hybrid style course. There is a 6 hour online learning that you must complete prior to the course start date. The evening before your course you will have a mandatory 2 hour zoom call. In this zoom call we will discuss our objectives for the course, answer any questions, give a lesson in tour planning, and examine the local weather and avalanche forecasts. Days 2 and 3 are in the field where we will be putting our knowledge to the test and learning to recreate safely in avalanche terrain.
Course Overview
Route Planning
Using technology to avoid avalanche hazards
Companion Rescue and equipment
Avalanche problems and characteristics
Classification of avalanches
Avalanche Danger Scale
Understanding the Avalanche Bulletin
Snowpack Layering and Analysis
Snowpack Stability Tests
Identification of Avalanche Terrain
Proper decision making and working as a team in the backcountry
Course Objectives
Group Size
6 Guests to 1 Guide
Pricing
$550
Must have previous experience touring with your backcountry equipment. If you do not check out our Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Riding. A special discount is offered when booking both Level 1 courses for $750.
We travel about 1000-1500 vertical feet per day in this course.
Skill Level
Required Equipment
We Provide Beacon, Shovel, Probe, and Ski Specific Backpack
Day 1: Evening Instructional Zoom meeting. During this meeting we will cover tour planning, using technology to avoid avalanches, and reviewing the avalanche bulletin. We will also be going over logistics for the following 2 days. This is a great time for any questions regarding the online learning.
Day 2: Today we begin with a gear check and companion rescue. We will go over in depth 1 to 1 companion rescue through the morning. In the afternoon we will go on a short tour, make observations, talk about human factors and much more. We finish the day planning a tour for the following day.
Day 3: Today we execute the tour we planned taking into account the avalanche problems of the day. Throughout the day we will make observations identify avalanche terrain and talk through our decisions making processes. Today we will dig snowpits/ identity layers and perform stability tests. All while seeking the best snow on our tour.
Itinerary
Cancellation Policy
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.