During the 2020/2021 season, it only made sense to alter our avalanche education program to help mitigate the risks of spreading COVID-19 in an effort to better protect our guests, our staff and our community while continuing to provide what we love; an unparalleled learning experience in the mountains. The hybrid online + field days itinerary worked well, and we have decided to keep it as an option for our AIARE 1 courses moving forward.
By removing the 8+ hours of in-person classroom learning and replacing it with online learning, we’re able to provide an itinerary that works well for a busy person, or those that have concerns about being in a small space with a group of people. We also offer a 3-day in-person course for those looking to spend more time learning alongside an instructor.
We’ve invested in creating our very own AIARE online format with videos, quizzes, and interactive classwork with the intention of maintaining the same learning outcomes while completely eliminating the need to spend extended periods of time in a confined classroom. Not only does our new hybrid AIARE course offer customized coursework with better, more in-depth content but you’ll still get two full days in the field with your instructors. We’re excited to unveil this new format as we lead the way in innovative mountain guiding techniques designed to step into the 21st century while spending as much time outside as possible.
You must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider for this course and be comfortable on both on and off-piste terrain in a variety of conditions.
THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE
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.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Skiers and riders joining this course must be advanced intermediate skiers/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 both on and off-piste terrain 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).
Skiers or riders 12-16 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years old and over are able to join without accompaniment.
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 course designed for those with basic ski/snowboard touring experience. There are no other prerequisites. The price includes the AIARE field book.
LOCATION
This course will take place in the area surrounding South Lake Tahoe, within the Carson Ranger District of the Humbodlt-Toiyabe National Forest. Your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day. Alpenglow operates in partnership with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Classroom sessions will be held completely online.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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 DIGITAL AND FIELD INSTRUCTION)
Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
Types and characteristics of avalanches
Avalanche motion
Size classification
The mountain snowpack: An introduction to metamorphism and layering
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
Trip Planning and Preparation
Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and human factors
Companion rescue and equipment