I don’t have any avalanche gear - can I still sign up?

Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

What safety standards do you have?

At Alpenglow, we have only the highest standards of safety and guide qualifications. All of our local backcountry tours are led by AMGA trained/certified guides. Our guides assess the snow conditions and avalanche hazards every morning to mitigate risk, and are supervised by fully certified IFMGA guides.

I need to rent gear, what information should I provide in advance?

We have an excellent selection of backcountry ski gear available to rent. We offer top of the line equipment from Black Diamond Skis, Technica Boots, and Jones Snowboards. Many of our guides use the same gear available in our demo fleet. If you have any gear or sizing questions, we would be more than happy to get you situated to ensure you get the most out of your day in the mountains. A/T Skis We can offer touring specific skis from Blizzard, a personal favorite for our mountain guides. We have skis available for both females and males. We have sizes available in 164cm, 171cm, 178cm, and 185cm. Splitboards We have Jones Splitboards available to rent in sizes 145cm, 152cm, 160cm, 161cm, 162cm, and 164cm) Please let us know your stance/binding angle preferences if you are planning to rent a splitboard setup. A/T Ski Boots Alpine touring ski boots from Technica Boots are available to rent. Sizes range from 23.5 to 29.5 in both genders. Avalanche Equipment Avalanche gear is mandatory for all peoples traveling in alpine terrain. If you do not already own gear, we rent an avalanche kit (incl. beacon/shovel/probe) for a small daily fee.

What gear do I need to bring?

In general, your gear for the day will be very similar to a day of skiing in the resort, but here are a few key pieces that are unique to the backcountry and crucial for the day – A hat and pair of sunglasses (These come in handy on the hike up) Sunscreen Water and snacks (Our guides recommend between 1-2L of water depending on your intake) Lighter, more breathable layer options than a typical resort layering system. An additional light pair of gloves is preferred for uphill travel Ski poles with powder baskets, or a pair of collapsable poles for splitboarding. (We have these available at no extra charge if you need them) A backpack, and any avalanche rescue gear you may own. (Our guides recommend packs around 20-30L) **Please give us a call if you have any questions about what to bring, or if your gear will be appropriate for the day.

Is lunch included on this trip?

Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.

Where can I purchase trip insurance?

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your activity purchase against unforeseeable circumstances. We recommend Spot as a provider of trip insurance. Spot is a 3rd party provider and is not affiliated with Alpenglow Expeditions – please refer to the Spot website or contact Spot directly for all terms and conditions.

AIARE 1: 3-Day Avalanche Course In North Lake Tahoe

aiare avalanche education course in lake tahoe taught by professional tahoe avalanche instructors

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1: 3-Day Avalanche Safety Course

$595MON – THU

Per person

$685FRI – SUN

Per person

Introductory 3 days, 8 hours a day Lake Tahoe, California

** Also available in a 2-Day Hybrid Format This is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche course in North Lake Tahoe designed for those with basic ski/snowboard touring experience. This AIARE 1 course will be three days of in-person learning, both in a classroom and the field. There are no other prerequisites, although, if you have less than 5 days of backcountry experience, you need to join our Backcountry 1.0 course first. Please see the preparation section for more information before reserving if you are not sure if you qualify.

December 6-8

Inquire

aiare course in lake tahoe taught by professional mountain guides

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Course Intro

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Overview

Begin your Avalanche Education in North Lake Tahoe, and begin to establish an intricate understanding of the Backcountry.

We are providing an all in-person AIARE again this season! It will be 3 full days of avalanche safety training: 2 days with half of the day in class and half in the field. The third day will have a short classroom meeting in the morning and then spend the majority of the day doing field based learning.

We also provide this course in a 2-Day online/in-person hybrid format!

Who Can Participate In Our North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Course

Skiers and riders joining this course must be advanced intermediate skiers or riders who have taken our Backcountry 1.0 course or have had 5-10 days in the backcountry. Skiers and riders must be competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions. This is comparable to skiing confidently on all blue runs and most black runs in the resort (including ungroomed terrain). This video will give a good example of intermediate to advanced skiers and riders.

Skiers or riders 12-16 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment.

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Course Expectations

Students can expect to develop a good foundation on how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn avalanche rescue techniques.

This is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche safety course designed for those with basic ski/snowboard touring experience. There are no other prerequisites. The price includes the AIARE field book. These items are often not included in the course price, but we don’t like any hidden costs.

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Location

Operating in partnership with the Tahoe National Forest and the Truckee Donner Land Trust, our outdoor classroom contains some of the best terrain in the region to begin your avalanche education. Classroom sessions will take place at our headquarters in the beautiful Olympic Valley, California. For your days out, we have many trailhead options at our disposal and with your input, your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day. Our permitted zones include Tahoe National Forest, Eldorado National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Mt. Rose / Carson Pass, and Humboldt-Toiyabe.

Learning Outcomes of AIARE 1 Course

At the end of the AIARE 1 course the student should be able to:

Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
Effectively use the AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

Instructional Sessions (24 hours including both classroom and field instruction)

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

Types and characteristics of avalanches
Avalanche motion
Size classification
The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

2. Observations and Information Gathering

Field observation techniques
Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test, extended column test
Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
Observation checklist
Avalanche danger scale

3. Trip Planning and Preparation

Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and Human Factors

4. Companion Rescue and Equipment

Want more info? Check out this interview with AIARE instructor Ben Weaver.

We also provide this course in a 2-day online/in-person hybrid format!

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE

As a Tahoe guiding company with countless expeditions to high-altitude peaks around the world over the last 15 years, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our beloved “home mountain”. Our teaching and guiding philosophy has been honed from the flanks of the Himalayan giants to the technical peaks of Peru, and we are beyond excited to be able to bring our program to this fantastic mountain. In addition to our international expedition roots, we are accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), being one of the very few guide services in the region to hold such a high standard. Each of our guides is trained by the AMGA in the terrain in which they operate, and the program is supervised by internationally licensed IFMGA mountain guides. This high standard, along with our many years of experience, translates to a fantastic mountain adventure!

Alpenglow Expeditions operates under special use permit with the Tahoe, Eldorado, Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyable and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Preparation

Prerequisites

Backcountry 1.0 course, or 5-10 days of touring experience.

Technical

Must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions. This is comparable to confidence on all blue and most black diamond runs at the resort (including ungroomed terrain).

Fitness

Excellent physical fitness is required. Skiers must be able to hike for many hours at a time while carrying a pack.

Day 1 & 2: Classroom + In Field
The first two days of your avalanche course will be used to learn in a classroom with your instructors. After lunch each day, you will practice and observe the lessons that were taught in the morning out in the field.
Day 3: In Field
The last day is used to put together all the skills learned and practiced in the first few days of your avalanche course. You will plan and execute your own ski tour with a small team alongside an instructor.

Alpenglow’s Tahoe Guides

Our AIARE 1 Guides & Instructors

Meet who will be teaching your North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Course

FAQ’s

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Course Questions

The answers to our most commonly asked questions about our AIARE 1 course in Lake Tahoe.

: Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: At Alpenglow, we have only the highest standards of safety and guide qualifications. All of our local backcountry tours are led by AMGA trained/certified guides. Our guides assess the snow conditions and avalanche hazards every morning to mitigate risk, and are supervised by fully certified IFMGA guides.
: We have an excellent selection of backcountry ski gear available to rent. We offer top of the line equipment from Black Diamond Skis, Technica Boots, and Jones Snowboards. Many of our guides use the same gear available in our demo fleet. If you have any gear or sizing questions, we would be more than happy to get you situated to ensure you get the most out of your day in the mountains.
A/T Skis
We can offer touring specific skis from Blizzard, a personal favorite for our mountain guides. We have skis available for both females and males. We have sizes available in 164cm, 171cm, 178cm, and 185cm.
Splitboards
We have Jones Splitboards available to rent in sizes 145cm, 152cm, 160cm, 161cm, 162cm, and 164cm) Please let us know your stance/binding angle preferences if you are planning to rent a splitboard setup.
A/T Ski Boots
Alpine touring ski boots from Technica Boots are available to rent. Sizes range from 23.5 to 29.5 in both genders.
Avalanche Equipment
Avalanche gear is mandatory for all peoples traveling in alpine terrain. If you do not already own gear, we rent an avalanche kit (incl. beacon/shovel/probe) for a small daily fee.
: In general, your gear for the day will be very similar to a day of skiing in the resort, but here are a few key pieces that are unique to the backcountry and crucial for the day –
A hat and pair of sunglasses (These come in handy on the hike up)
Sunscreen
Water and snacks (Our guides recommend between 1-2L of water depending on your intake)
Lighter, more breathable layer options than a typical resort layering system. An additional light pair of gloves is preferred for uphill travel
Ski poles with powder baskets, or a pair of collapsable poles for splitboarding. (We have these available at no extra charge if you need them)
A backpack, and any avalanche rescue gear you may own. (Our guides recommend packs around 20-30L)
**Please give us a call if you have any questions about what to bring, or if your gear will be appropriate for the day.
: Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.
: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your activity purchase against unforeseeable circumstances. We recommend Spot as a provider of trip insurance. Spot is a 3rd party provider and is not affiliated with Alpenglow Expeditions – please refer to the Spot website or contact Spot directly for all terms and conditions.

Equipment

AIARE 1 Course Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need for your AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Course in North Lake Tahoe.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Climbing Skins
Many options are available, and are often comparable. Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Skins with a secure tail clip are preferred.
Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Ski Helmet
A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.
Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
Ski Touring Boots
These need to be a touring specific boot with walk mode, and a rubber sole. Typically sized a bit larger than your regular alpine boot, and light weight is a huge plus. Be sure to try many pairs on to find the right fit; it can make or break a day in the mountains!
Recommended: Fischer Transalp Pro or Transalp Tour WS
Ski/Splitboard Poles
Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Note: Splitboarders, be sure to use 3 section poles so they collapse small enough to reasonably attach to your pack while in riding mode.
Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles
Skis w/ Touring Bindings
A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 95mm and 110mm underfoot. Keep in mind that extremely lightweight boards are great on the uphill, but can prove challenging in variable conditions.
Recommended Skis: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis
Recommended Bindings: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Bindings
Ski Crampons
While ski crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry ski programs, they are required on all of our International Ski Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Ski Crampons
Snowboard Boots
The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Be sure they’re comfortable, backcountry touring means long days in your boots!
Recommended: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions.
Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard
Splitboard Crampons
While splitboard crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry splitboard programs, they are required on all of our International Splitboard Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Spark R&D Ibex ST Splitboard Crampons
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vuarnet Ice Rounds
Synthetic Top
A simple, lightweight synthetic jacket. This item is good for layering systems to stay warm in cold, wet conditions.
Recommended: Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoodie
Warm Socks
A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, with a removable fleece liner (so you can take the liner out and dry it at night). These gloves are used at higher altitudes and are needed to keep your hands dry, and warm. Over the cuff style is desired.
Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell
Lightweight Baselayer Top
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Touring Backpack
Internal frame pack that is between 25 and 35 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners to protect from precipitation. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32L
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

AIARE Course Testimonials

One of the most professionally acclaimed avalanche safety courses in the entire area!
“This is probably one of the most professionally acclaimed avalanche safety courses in the entire area! I took my Level 1 course and got to be instructed by some very cool, highly experienced professionals in the field. These guys know what it’s about because they have gone on long overnight tours around the world and have been doing this kind of thing for years. I was thankful that they offered a great discount deal for Palisades’ Employees like myself–I couldn’t have done it without it. My props go out to all the staff, mountain guides, and sponsors who share the same values that make this expedition company really stand out from the rest.
The course included 3 days of indoor/outdoor instruction, a professional field book, and the understanding of how to follow the decision making process to make the best choice for the safest route to avoid accidents in the first place–and much more!”
Hans A.
They provided a wealth of knowledge to make me feel more prepared
“Had a great experience with my AIARE 1 class at Alpenglow. Just the online portion of the class provided a wealth of knowledge to make me feel more prepared. The 2 days of in field work were engaging, really informative, and a great time overall. Our guide, Alex, was awesome and did a great job of making sure that we were learning what we needed, while also enjoying our experience. I feel much more prepared to safely explore the backcountry and continue to build my knowledge.”
Jackson S.
Great experiences, educational, high impact, well-run and put together.
“I’ve taken two courses with Alpenglow at Palisades Tahoe: AIARE 1 and the Avalanche Rescue Course. Both were great experiences–educational, high impact, well-run and put together. I enjoyed the experience, and will take follow-up classes with Alpenglow in the future.”
Chris P.