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Spring Mountaineering Courses in Tahoe

Climbers walk on snow in front of Snowshed on Donner Summit during an intro to mountaineering course in Tahoe
A close up of a figure eight knot on an intro to mountaineering course in Tahoe.
A guide's harness loaded with gear for an intro to mountaineering course in Tahoe.

Alpenglow Expeditions offers two essential courses for aspiring mountaineers that complement each other perfectly: the Intro to Mountaineering course and the Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue course. These courses, both located in the stunning surroundings of Lake Tahoe, provide vital skills and knowledge for anyone looking to take on more challenging high-altitude expeditions.

Intro to Mountaineering Course

This beginner-friendly course serves as your gateway into the world of mountaineering. We typically run this course on Donner Summit, and it covers all the basics you need to start your climbing journey. Over a single day, you’ll learn about proper gear use, basic rope skills, rappelling, gear basics, self-rescue, walking in crampons, climbing steep snow, and crucial safety techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Course

For those looking to build on foundational mountaineering skills, this course is a natural next step. It delves into more advanced techniques necessary for safe travel on glacier-covered terrain. This includes everything from roped travel and recognizing glacier hazards to conducting crevasse rescues. This intensive one-day session ensures you’re well-prepared for the complexities of glacier navigation.

Why Take Both?

Taking both courses in tandem offers a comprehensive learning experience. The Intro to Mountaineering course lays the groundwork, introducing you to essential climbing skills and preparing you physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. Following up with the Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue course allows you to apply these skills to more specialized scenarios in glaciated environments. Together, these courses not only boost your confidence but also significantly enhance your safety and proficiency in mountaineering. We view the Intro to Mountaineering Course as a way to make sure you know how to get into the mountains, and the Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue course as a way to ensure you get out.

More Courses and Adventures in the Mountains

An early morning photo of mount Shasta covered in snow with a blue sky above.

Mount Shasta Mountaineering School

Introductory Next Available
June 13-17
5 Days Mt. Shasta, CA
Mountaineer peering into a crevasse on Mount Shasta during an Intro To Mountaineering course with Alpenglow Expeditions

Mount Shasta West Face Climb

Intermediate Next Available
May 31, 2024 – Jun 02, 2024
3 Days Mount Shasta, CA
Two ski mountaineers climbing up Mount Shasta during a guided ski trip with Alpenglow Expeditions

Mount Shasta Ski

Intermediate Next Available
June 7-9, 2024
3 Days Mount Shasta, CA
A group of mountaineering students during a Mount Shasta 5-day mountaineering course with Alpenglow Expeditions.

Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Climb

Intermediate Next Available
May 25, 2024 – May 26, 2024
2 days Mount Shasta, CA
guided multi-pitch rock climbing at Lovers Leap in Lake Tahoe with professional mountain guides

Private Half-Day of Rock Climbing

Introductory Next Available
May 01 – Nov 15
Half Day / 4 Hours Donner Summit, CA
guided multi-pitch rock climbing at Lovers Leap in Lake Tahoe with professional mountain guides

Private Full-Day of Rock Climbing

Introductory Next Available
Summer ’24
Full Day / 8 Hours Donner Summit, CA
Rock climbing guide teaching a rock climbing course at Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe.

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Introductory Next Available
Every Saturday June – October. Contact us for private dates!
Full Day / 8 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA

Rock Anchoring & Gear Placement

Introductory Next Available
June 1
1 full day (8 hours) Donner Summit
Kids summer camp in Lake Tahoe

Family Half-Day Rock Climbing

Introductory Next Available
May 1 – November 15
4-hours Lake Tahoe, CA
Tying a figure 8 knot to climbing harness during an intro to rock climbing course in lake tahoe.

Learn to Lead Climb In Tahoe

Introductory Next Available
June 8
Full Day, 8 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA