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.

Is lunch included on this trip?

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

Can I customize a day for my group?

Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

I took an AIARE 1 course a couple years ago. Can I take this course?

In addition to taking an AIARE 1, students must have completed the new 1 day Avalanche Rescue course as well. We will have numerous courses offered throughout the winter.

Where is the AIARE Rescue/AIARE 2 course located?

This course takes place in North Lake Tahoe. 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. 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. This course is also available in South Lake Tahoe. See here for details.

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.

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 2

aiare course in lake tahoe taught by Tahoe avalanche instructors

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 2

$695 MON – THU

Per Person

$745FRI – SUN

Per Person

Intermediate 3 Days / 24 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA

Historically, the AIARE 2 has been the entry-level professional course for ski guides, patrollers, and forecasters. Recently, the course has been redesigned for advanced recreational students who are looking to advance their decision-making skills in more complex avalanche terrain and situations. This is an intermediate-level backcountry course: please see the preparation section before reserving. This course takes place in North Lake Tahoe. It is also available in South Lake Tahoe, see here for details.

December 13-15, 2024

Inquire

AIARE 2 Intro

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 2 Course Overview

This AIARE 2 course, located in North Lake Tahoe, is a three day course that provides skiers and riders an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complex terrain, and touring in an area without an avalanche forecasting center.

Building on the AIARE Framework introduced in Level 1, the AIARE 2 course takes the Framework and teaches you to apply it to complex situations by assessing and evaluating critical hazard factors. Our Tahoe AIARE 2 students will discuss weather, snowpack, and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

Who Should Take This North Lake Tahoe AIARE 2 Course

This course is for those who have taken an AIARE 1 and the Avalanche Rescue and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. It’s imperative to have a strong grasp of the concepts introduced in the AIARE 1 and rescue courses—and experience applying them—before taking this course.

Skiers/riders should be advanced-intermediate in skill level, competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions, and confident on all blue runs and most black diamond runs in the resort (including ungroomed terrain).

AIARE 2 Student Learning Outcomes

Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field.
Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that include facilitating small group discussion, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk-management strategies.
Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with or in the absence of local supporting avalanche information.

AIARE 2 Prerequisites

Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
An AIARE 1 Course or equivalent Level 1 training is required.
A full season of practical experience after the Level 1 course is highly recommended before taking the AIARE 2 course. (BC 1.0 + 5-10 days of touring experience, or 10+ days of individual touring experience required)
AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course.

If you have taken an AIARE 1 course, the 1-day rescue course, feel comfortable with the curriculum, and are hungry to increase your understanding of hazard management in avalanche terrain, this course is for you!

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE

As a Tahoe-based guide 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

Students must have taken an AIARE 1 course as well as the AIARE Rescue course to qualify for this course. BC 1.0 + 5-10 days of touring experience OR 10+ days of individual touring experience is also required.

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 small pack.

Field Day 1: Review & Practice
8:00am: Gear up and meet at the office or the trailhead, hand out AIARE field books
8:00am – 8:30am: Morning hazard assessment meeting / trailhead transceiver function check
8:30am – 11:30am: Companion rescue review and practice (Single and Multiple Burial)
11:30am – 12:00pm: Transition to instructor-led tour to gather snow observations
12:00pm – 3:30pm: Instructor demo; review of seasonal snowpack; craftsmanship, relevancy, and verification of snow observations; snowpack tests in the field.
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Debrief field observations and return to trailhead. Post observations to the local avalanche center.
Field Day 2: Making Quality Observations
8:00am: Meet at trailhead
8:00am – 8:15am: Instructor/student-led morning hazard discussion (avalanches, snowpack, weather)
8:15am – 8:30am: Student-led trailhead transceiver function check
9:00am – 2:00pm: Instructor/student-led tour: track setting, terrain identification, snow profile (site selection; layer ID; hardness scale; grain ID; tests); snowpack structure; interpreting weather data, snow surface conditions, and snow profiles: metamorphism, sintering and bonding, persistent weak layers / facets, nsf, ncf, surface hoar
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Debrief observations in the field
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Return to trailhead
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Summarize conditions and post to the local avalanche center. Tour Planning homework.
Field Day 3: Applying Observations to Field Decisions
8:00am – 8:15am: Student-led morning hazard discussion (avalanches, snowpack, weather).
Review tour plan options from night before
8:15am – 8:30am: Student-led trailhead transceiver function check
9:00am – 2:00pm: Student-led tour: verify stability forecast; group management / terrain selection / travel techniques
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Debrief observations in the field
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Return to trailhead
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Summarize conditions and post to the local avalanche center. Course conclusion, collect rental gear, and next steps.

Alpenglow’s Tahoe Ski Guides

Our Tahoe AIARE 2 Instructors & Guides.

FAQ’s

North Lake Tahoe AIARE 2 Course Questions

The answers to our most commonly asked questions about taking AIARE 2 in North Lake Tahoe.

: 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.
: Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.
: Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: In addition to taking an AIARE 1, students must have completed the new 1 day Avalanche Rescue course as well. We will have numerous courses offered throughout the winter.
: This course takes place in North Lake Tahoe. 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. 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.
This course is also available in South Lake Tahoe. See here for details.
: 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 2 Course Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need for our North Lake Tahoe AIARE 2.

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
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
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Liners
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
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
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
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
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
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
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
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

AIARE 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.

More Adventures

private backcountry ski guiding in lake tahoe with professional mountain guides

Private Ski Guiding In Lake Tahoe

Advanced Next Available
Available Every Day Winter ’24-’25 Full Day / 8 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA

A single skier descending perfect powder snow during a Palisades Backcountry Ski Tour

Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Tours

Advanced Next Available
Booked privately every day December – May Full Day / 8 Hours Palisades Tahoe, CA

Learn Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding in Lake Tahoe with professional ski guides.

Backcountry 2.0: Intermediate Backcountry Skills

Intermediate Next Available
November 30, 2024 8 Hours / Full Day Lake Tahoe, CA

All Stories

Last Chance for Aconcagua ’24/’25
If your sights are set on the Himalaya, Aconcagua is the perfect training ground. Standing at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), it’s the highest peak outside of Asia and an essential climb for those preparing for the world’s tallest mountains. Alpenglow Expeditions’ Rapid Ascent approach offers a highly efficient way to tackle this peak, utilizing advanced acclimatization techniques and a condensed schedule to prepare you for higher altitudes without requiring months away from home.
Read the story
A Game of Patience: Waiting for a Window on Cho Oyu
In 2024, after a five-year hiatus, Alpenglow Expeditions returned to Cho Oyu with a determined team—and despite a season marked by unpredictable weather, we secured a 100% summit success rate. Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world, hasn’t seen us since 2019, but this year we were ready to face whatever the mountain threw at us. And it delivered.
Read the story
The Duffel Shuffle: A Mountain Podcast from Alpenglow Expeditions
Did you know that the Duffel Shuffle Podcast is your go-to source for behind-the-scenes stories from the world of adventure travel and high-altitude expeditions? Hosted by Adrian Ballinger and Sam Kieckhefer, this podcast dives into the unique perspectives of climbers, skiers, and adventurers who push the limits in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
Read the story
Alpenglow Introduces Type 1 Fun to the Menu with the Japan Backcountry Ski
we’ve decided to take a refreshing step into Type 1 fun with our Japan Backcountry Ski Expedition. Unlike the intense experiences of high-mountain summits and technical climbs, this trip offers pure enjoyment in one of the world’s most picturesque winter wonderlands: the deep powder of Hokkaido, Japan.
Read the story
Adrian Ballinger Featured on The Rich Roll Podcast
In the world of high-altitude mountaineering, few names carry as much weight as Adrian Ballinger. As the founder of Alpenglow Expeditions and a professional mountaineer with over two decades of experience, Adrian has carved out a niche at the intersection of extreme adventure, meticulous preparation, and socio-environmental ethics. Recently, he had the opportunity to share his journey and insights with a broader audience by appearing on The Rich Roll Podcast.
Read the story