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

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

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, Tecnica 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. 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 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.

Is lunch included on this trip?

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

I always ski with experienced friends. Should I still take this course?

We believe that each individual makes up the team, not its strongest members. With that in mind, it is imperative that every member of a touring party has basic avalanche training. The level 1 course is very broad in scope- from avalanche rescue training to fundamentals of avalanche problems, it covers a lot of very useful material.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

What sort of experience is required for this trip?

Advanced intermediate skiers/riders that are competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions are welcome. You should be confident skiing all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort (including ungroomed terrain). Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.

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.

Introductory

Teen AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

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

Teen AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

$695

Must be booked in groups of 6

Conditions Dependent

2 full days (8 hours each)

This is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche course designed for teenagers (ages 13-18) with basic ski/snowboard touring experience in North Lake Tahoe. There are no other prerequisites, although if your child has less than 5 days of backcountry experience, they need to join our Backcountry 1.0 course first.

Booked privately at any time

Inquire

aiare course in lake tahoe taught by professional mountain guides

AIARE 1 Introduction

Teen AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Overview

Due to the success of our Hybrid AIARE 1, we decided to use it for our Teen AIARE 1 to accommodate the challenge of freeing up three full days in kids’ busy schedules.

The online version of the standard avalanche course curriculum has been carefully crafted by AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) with the intention of maintaining the same learning outcomes while completely eliminating the need to spend extended periods of time in a classroom. We’re excited to maintain this new itinerary as we lead the way in innovative mountain guiding techniques.

Teen AIARE 1 Course Expectations

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

This is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche course designed for teenagers 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.

Lake Tahoe Locations

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 child’s avalanche education. Classroom sessions that once took place at our headquarters in the beautiful Olympic Valley, California will now 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)

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.

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE

As a Tahoe 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

Technical

Skiers must be competent resort skiers able to link turns in a variety of terrain and snow conditions.

Fitness

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

Digital Learning: Online Classroom
The digital component of the AIARE 1 course includes self-paced online learning and a final exam that must be completed before the in-person course. The online classwork usually takes between 5-8 hours to complete.
Field Day 1: Skills and Technique
A meet and greet with your group of 6 students and single instructor will be completed outdoors, likely at a trailhead. The day will consist of an easy tour with stops through the day to work on terrain recognition and rescue skills.
Field Day 2: Skills and Technique
The final day of the course builds on the prior day, culminating in a full planning session and execution of a backcountry tour.

Alpenglow’s Tahoe Ski Guides

Our AIARE Instructors & Guides.

FAQ’s

Teen Avalanche Education Questions

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

: Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.
: We have an excellent selection of backcountry ski gear available to rent. We offer top of the line equipment from Black Diamond Skis, Tecnica 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.

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.
: 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.
: Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.
: We believe that each individual makes up the team, not its strongest members. With that in mind, it is imperative that every member of a touring party has basic avalanche training. The level 1 course is very broad in scope- from avalanche rescue training to fundamentals of avalanche problems, it covers a lot of very useful material.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: Advanced intermediate skiers/riders that are competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions are welcome. You should be confident skiing all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort (including ungroomed terrain). Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.
: 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.

Equipment

Teen Avalanche Course Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need to take our Teen AIARE 1 course

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 Midweight Wool 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 Lightwire Long Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Lightwire Long Sleeve
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 Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient 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 or Expedition 3 Poles
Skis w/ Touring Bindings
A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 108mm-115mm 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 108 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 Men’s: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots
Recommended Women’s: Burton Snowboard Boots
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Preferably a powder-centric board with good float (longer nose, setback stance).
Recommended: Jones Hovercraft, Stratos, or Mind Expander 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
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
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
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
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 Recon LT Stretch Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon LT Stretch Shell
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: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap
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 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
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 Deploy Down 1.0 Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Deploy Down 1.0 Hoody
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). A Category 4 lens is recommended.
Recommended: Julbo Shield
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
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
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 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 Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants
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 Coefficient LT Baselayer
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

Lake Tahoe Avalanche Education 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.