Do I need to bring a lunch?

Yes, you should bring a sack lunch and water bottle for this course.

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

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

While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

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 is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

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.

Women’s Backcountry 1.0+

private backcountry ski guiding in lake tahoe with professional mountain guides

Women’s Backcountry 1.0+

$499MON – THU

Per Person

$579FRI – SUN

Per Person

Introductory Two 8-hour days Lake Tahoe

This women’s introduction to backcountry skiing and riding clinic is a two-day package consisting of our Backcountry 1.0 and a day of touring to put your skills into practice, tailored just for women and led by women. In this backcountry touring course, you’ll be introduced to the tools and techniques that you’ll need to start backcountry touring safely and efficiently. Advanced intermediate resort skiers and riders are welcome to join this clinic, but no prior backcountry experience is required. Please see the preparation section before enrolling.

January 4-5, 2025

Inquire

Women’s Backcountry Touring Course in Lake Tahoe

Designed and led by our female staff of AMGA trained ski and splitboard guides.

This 2-day intro to backcountry course is for female skiers and riders who love spending time in the mountains riding fresh snow. No backcountry experience is necessary to join this course.

This course combines our popular Backcountry 1.0 course with a second day of touring. This course will go deeper than our traditional 1.0 by providing back-to-back days of backcountry skills education with AMGA-certified guides. Participants will have the unique chance to work with the same guide, giving the ability to compound skills learned on day 1 and significantly boosting the learning curve in a supportive environment. This course is a fantastic precursor to an AIARE level 1 avalanche course.

You must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions.

LOCATION

This course will take place on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, within the Tahoe National Forest. We have many trailhead options at our disposal and your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day. Alpenglow operates in partnership with the Tahoe National Forest and Palisades Tahoe.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Skiers and riders taking this course should be mentally and physically prepared to spend the whole day outside in winter elements hiking and skiing. We will pace ourselves, but the days are full! We will search for the best conditions but may face variable weather conditions. The skiing and riding experience and positive attitude each individual brings to the course will enhance the weekend.

All participants are required to carry an Avalanche Safety Kit including beacon, shovel, and probe, which can be rented from the Alpenglow office. Backcountry specific packs are highly recommended, and also for rent. Guides will cover how to use these items during the course.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

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

SKILLS COVERED:

Familiarity with backcountry skiing and riding equipment
Transitioning to ski or ride mode from walk mode
Various techniques for efficient uphill travel
How to use avalanche safety equipment: beacon, shovel and probe
What to bring in your pack
How to pack your bag
Managing gear in the elements
Layering clothes
Skills taught are an ideal prerequisite to enrolling in an AIARE 1 course

RENTALS
A complete backcountry touring setup is required. We have a small demo fleet that we rent to our clients at competitive prices. We rent beacons, probes, shovels, touring skis, touring boots and splitboards.

THE ALPENGLOW APPROACH

At Alpenglow, we do things differently.

Alpenglow was founded based on a single vision: to facilitate powerful mountain experiences at the absolute highest standard. We wanted to create a guide service where guests would be treated like partners, where team sizes would remain small and tight-knit, and where we’d never compromise quality in favor of the bottom line.

We’re proud to say we’ve never wavered in that approach. We are committed to innovating and updating our techniques to make mountain travel safer and more efficient with each passing year. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of instruction for every course, trip, and expedition. All our lead guides are AMGA- or IFMGA-certified or aspirant guides, and all of our staff members are highly experienced and carefully vetted. Both at home and abroad, we do our utmost to take care of our people, uplift local mountain communities, and protect the environments we explore.

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

Preparation

Technical Experience

Must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste terrain in a variety of conditions. Should feel comfortable on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort.

Fitness

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

Learn Backcountry Skiing, Splitboarding, and avalanche refresher education in Lake Tahoe with professional ski guides.

Day 1: BC 1.0 Principles
First day out. Welcome to the backcountry! Our main object for the day will be similar to our BC 1.0 outcomes – Increase familiarity and comfort with movements and equipment. The morning kicks off with a meeting between participants and your AMGA guide, in which they will go over required gear, evaluate everyone’s personal gear and providing feedback and recommendations for future gear purchases. The next subject will be to explore the plan for the day, getting an insight into your guides planning system allowing you to learn a bit about how professional guides go about assessing the day before even stepping outside.
Day 1 Outcomes
Familiarity with backcountry skiing and riding equipment
Transitioning to ski or ride mode from walk mode
Various techniques for efficient uphill travel
How to use avalanche safety equipment: beacon, shovel and probe
What to bring in your pack
How to pack your bag
Managing gear in the elements
Layering clothes
Day 2: BC 2.0 Principles
Day 2 will pick up where Day 1 left off, further expanding on basic movement and terrain assessment fundamentals, while pushing into more complex subjects such as leadership, tour planning and rescue scenarious. This day’s itinerary and goals are ultimately up to the team gathered and the guide. Operating in small groups means we can be dynamic if the group wants to spend more time learning a particular subject, while skipping over another.
Day 2 Outcomes
Leadership in the backcountry setting
Tour planning
Avalanche hazard management
Touring movement skills

Alpenglow’s Tahoe Guides

Our Women’s Backcountry Ski Guides

Meet some of the female guides who might be instructing your Intro To Backcountry courses.

FAQ’s

Women’s Intro To Backcountry Courses FAQ’s

The answers to our most commonly asked questions to our women’s Intro to Backcountry courses.

: Yes, you should bring a sack lunch and water bottle for this course.
: Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.
: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: 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.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: 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

Backcountry Touring Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need for a day of backcountry skiing and splitboarding in 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
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 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
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
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
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

Intro To Backcountry Testimonials

The most memorable experiences on skis
“My Backcountry 1.0 ski trip with Alpenglow was the best decision I made before attempting to ski in the backcountry. My guide, instructor Ben W, not only gave me the most memorable experiences on skis but he also educated me on the importance of safety and the fundamentals of skiing in the backcountry. His professional certifications, avalanche training, and personalized instruction assured me that I was learning from a qualified and professional instructor. I learned new skills, hiked on my skis, had some awesome descents and enjoyed the beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. Although trying new skills can feel challenging and overwhelming, Ben was always patient and happy to answer any questions and guide me throughout the day. He always reinforced the importance of having fun and returning back safely to enjoy another day of skiing. I am excited to go to the next level with Alpenglow’s Backcountry 2.0 class and a basic avalanche safety class.
Thank you Ben and the staff of Alpenglow!”
Jenna M.