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South Lake Tahoe AIARE 1: 2-Day Avalanche Course

2 Days in South Lake Tahoe, California / (Skill level: Introductory)

Price per person

$595 Mid-Week, $685 Weekend
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About this trip

This course will include online classroom learning and two full days in the field! Please read the overview and itinerary for details. This is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche course designed for those with basic ski/snowboard touring experience. There are no other prerequisites, although, if you have less than 5 days of backcountry experience, you need to join our Backcountry 1.0 course first. Please see the preparation section before reserving for more information if you are not sure if you qualify. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe, see here for details.

Overview

  • skill level

    Introductory

  • Duration

    2 Days

This Course

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. Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.

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). This video will give a good example of intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. 

Skiers or riders 12-16 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years 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. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe, see here for details.

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.

Alpenglow Expeditions operates under a special use permit from the Tahoe, Inyo and Eldorado National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Preparation

  • Prerequisites

    Backcountry 1.0 course, or 5-10 days of touring experience.

  • Technical Experience

    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).
    Here is an example.

  • Fitness

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

  • Download Trip Details

    • Digital Learning — Self Paced & Live Meeting

      The digital component of the new AIARE 1 course will comprise both a self paced version and a live online meeting with your instructor and other students in your class

    • Field Day 1 — Skills & 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 comprise of an easy tour with stops through the day to work on terrain recognition and rescue skills.

    • Field Day 2 — Skills & Technique

      The final day of the course builds on the prior day, culminating in a full planning session and execution of a backcountry tour.

  • Download Equipment List

      • Ski/Splitboard Equipment

      • 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: Fischer Hannibal 106 Skis Recommended Bindings: Dynafit Speed Radical

      • 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

      • Splitboard

        A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard

      • Splitboard Bindings

        Splitboard bindings are required for uphill travel. Be sure to adjust the straps to your boots before using. Recommended: Spark R&D Arc Bindings

      • Ski/Splitboard Poles

        Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles

      • 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 Ascension Nylon STS Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Ascension Splitboard STS

      • 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

      • Avalanche Transceiver

        A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using. Recommended: Black Diamond Recon BT Avalanche Beacon

      • Shovel

        A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended. Recommended: Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel

      • Probe

        A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm. Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Tour Probe 280

      • Backpack 25-35L

        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 25L Pack or Black Diamond Mission 35L Pack

      • Apparel

      • 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: Eddie Bauer BC Freshline Jacket

      • Synthetic Top

        A simple, lightweight synthetic jacket. This item is good for layering systems and the Primaloft keeps you warm when wet. Recommended: Eddie Bauer IgniteLite Stretch Reversible

      • 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. The new wool blends are also an option. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Resolution Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

      • Long Sleeve Base Layer

        A poly-pro mid-layer that you will never take off. Fitted, light- weight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck-in and we recommend zipper collars for more ventilation. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Midweight FreeDry® Merino Hybrid Baselayer 1/4-Zip

      • Warm Layer

        A polarguard or fleece jacket. This is your mid layer that will be worn over your baselayer most of the trip. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Cloud Layer Pro 1/4 Zip or Patagonia R1 Jacket

      • Hard Shell Pants

        Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets. Recommended:Eddie Bauer BC Duraweave Alpine Pants

      • Base Layer Bottoms

        Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. Recommended: SmartwoolMen's Intraknit™ Merino 250 Thermal Bottom

      • 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 altitude and are need to keep your hands dry, and warm. Over the cuff style is desired. Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Glove

      • 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: Eddie Bauer Mountain Glove

      • Ski Socks

        Your everyday ski sock, good for ski tours and day hikes. NO COTTON. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Merino Wool Ski Socks

      • Accessories

      • 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: Julbo Shield

      • Blue AEX 5-Panel

        The perfect hat for warm days on the move. This hat is a lightweight construction and provides ample ventilation to keep your head cool and your face shaded. Leather patch on the front with our classic Alpenglow Expeditions logo. Simple and stylish. Our summer guide's favorite piece of headwear!

        $25.00

      • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

        Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles. Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

      • 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: Smith I/O MAG

      • Beanie

        A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet. Recommended: Eddie Bauer First Slouch Beanie

      • Ski Helmet

        A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old. Recommended: Scott Couloir Mountain Helmet 

  • Download Trip Details

    • What is your cancellation policy?

      Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

    • Would you consider organizing a custom AIARE 1 Avalanche course for me and my group?

      Absolutely. We love putting together custom courses. Call or email us to begin planning your custom AIARE 1 Avalanche course today.

    • Do I have enough experience for this course?

      The AIARE 1 is a stand alone, introductory avalanche course, however we strongly recommend that you take our Backcountry 1.0 course prior to taking the avalanche course if you do not have 5-10 days of prior touring experience. You must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is comfortable on off-piste terrain in variable conditions.  This is for the safety and enjoyment of everyone, and will allow students to focus on the material and techniques being presented, and not on their own skiing/riding or how to use their touring equipment.

      Here is a good example of intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. You should be able to ski confidently on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at the resort (including ungroomed).

    • 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.

    • Is lunch included on the trip?

      Lunch is not included on the trip. We recommend packing a sack lunch and plenty of water.

    • What gear should I bring?

      In general, your gear for the day will be very similar to a day of skiing in the resort, but here are a few key pieces that are unique to the backcountry and crucial for the day –

      A hat and pair of sunglasses (These come in handy on the hike up)

      Sunscreen

      Water and snacks (Our guides recommend between 1-2L of water depending on your intake)

      Lighter, more breathable layer options than a typical resort layering system. An additional light pair of gloves is preferred for uphill travel

      Ski poles with powder baskets, or a pair of collapsable poles for splitboarding. (We have these available at no extra charge if you need them)

      A backpack, and any avalanche rescue gear you may own. (Our guides recommend packs around 20-30L)

      **Please give us a call if you have any questions about what to bring, or if your gear will be appropriate for the day.

    • Is it safe?

      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.

    • Where is this course located?

      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. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe, see here for details.

Meet your guides

Logan Talbott

Logan Talbott

co-owner / chief guide

Logan has been guiding professionally for over a decade in the disciplines of Rock, Alpine and Ski Mountaineering. When not out guiding, Logan spends time in the office helping the team with the day-to-day operations of the business. From one day ascents of El Capitan to big Alpine climbs in the Himalaya, from ski descents on Denali to backyard ski tours in Lake Tahoe, he can’t help but smile when out running around the hills. Logan is an AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, an Avalanche course leader with AIARE, as well as a wilderness EMT. In addition to guiding, Logan has extensive experience in mountain rescue, having worked for rescue teams in both Yosemite and Denali National Parks, and volunteering locally for Tahoe Nordic SAR. When not out in the hills, he lives in Truckee, CA with his lovely wife Lynette and daughter Maggie.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Ben Mitchell

Ben Mitchell

Ben has been in love with the mountains from a young age. He began hiking and skiing with his family and quickly decided he never wanted to stop. After finishing university in Portland, OR Ben moved back to Washington State and began guiding on Mt. Rainier and around the Cascades. For the next many years he followed the seasons, skiing, climbing and pursuing the art of human flight through out the world. He has made expeditions into both polar circles, skied first descents in Afghanistan and climbed throughout the Americas and Europe. When not looking forward to the next adventure he thoroughly enjoys roasting coffee, reading and taking his dog out for walks.

Ben is an IFMGA/AMGA mountain guide, Certified Level III Avalanche Professional, and Wilderness First Responder.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Tim Dobbins

Tim Dobbins

With notable first descents in the Alps, Tim Dobbins represents Alpenglow’s cutting edge guiding philosophy providing only the best guides for every trip and expedition.

Growing up in Oregon, Tim started out skiing at the young age of 4 years old. Tim grew up ski racing for 9 years before he moved on to backcountry skiing in Aspen, Colorado. He spent 4 years working as ski patrol at Snowmass Ski Resort.

Tim moved to Chamonix in the mid-’90s where he spent 6 seasons skiing and climbing while studying French. Tim says that Chamonix is where he really started learning how to ski tour, rock climb, ice climb and eventually began skiing the steepest lines he could find.

Examples of those steep lines were the North-East face of Les Courtes, Couloir Barbey from Aiguille D’Argentiere, Couloir Couturier from L’Aiguille Verte, Couloir du Diable on Mont Blanc du Tacul, East face of the Matterhorn and many, many others.

Tim has spent the last 10 years guiding and instructing in rock, ice, alpine, and skiing. He is an AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, and lives on Donner Lake in Truckee with his wife Gisele, sweet daughter Manue and son Matisse.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide
Tim Mincey

Tim Mincey

A native of Chicago, Tim grew up barely knowing that mountains existed, much less that you could climb or ski them for fun. But as an engineering student at Stanford, he managed to fall in love with snowboarding, and after college he made the move to Tahoe to ride full-time as a snowboard instructor. Once in Tahoe, Tim couldn’t wait to dive into backcountry splitboarding and rock climbing, and he is perpetually trying to make up for his late start in the mountains by climbing and snowboarding as much as possible. Tim has guided throughout California since 2011, and has a hard time imagining that he’ll ever tire of showing off the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

He is an AMGA Certified Rock and Splitboard Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, and Single Pitch Instructor, as well as an AIARE Course Leader and AASI Level 3 Snowboard Instructor. He lives in South Lake Tahoe with his wife, Beth, their daughter, Cora, and their Mini Australian Shepherd, Pika.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide
  • AMGA Certified Ski Guide
Rich Meyer

Rich Meyer

Rich has been guiding professionally for over twenty years.  His work has varied from single day backcountry ski tours in Tahoe, to ski expeditions from Alaska to Antarctica.  Rich has been lucky enough to guide, travel, ski, and summit peaks in places such as:  Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Alaska, and Antarctica.  As well as scores of Mt. Shasta & Sierra Nevada summits. Promoting the human powered outdoor experience is a big part of Rich’s passion and work, both locally and nationally.  He feels strongly that protecting our natural environment and educating skiers and climbers about our winter wild places has to be a priority.

Rich is an AMGA Certified Ski Guide.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Ski Guide

What others are saying about this trip

  • We learned a lot and were able to quickly develop a base of skills.

    I recently took the AIARE level 1 course through Alpenglow Expeditions. I was thoroughly impressed with the overall quality of the experience. Our guide/teacher Logan Talbott was extremely knowledgeable, eager to share, and a great presenter of the material. We learned a lot and were able to quickly develop a base of skills to continue to practice and build upon into the future. We were able to spend time in the field each day which really helped in reinforcing and practicing the course material (and involved skiing too!) We are looking forward to future adventures with Alpenglow!

    Michael Stender

  • A very professional, comprehensive, educational, and enjoyable experience.

    I took Alpenglow Expedition's AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Safety course in December 2015 from Logan Talbott. It was a very professional, comprehensive, educational, and enjoyable experience. Logan is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the course. What sets him apart as an instructor is the clarity of his instruction and the manner in which he delivers it. Avy 1 is an extremely broad course, but Logan made sure to break each module down into digestible parts, and teach them in both theoretical and real-world applications. While some of the subject matter is dry, Logan made sure to keep things enjoyable through group participation, exercises (both planned and surprise), and hands-on experience (such as everyone getting to dig their own pit for snow analysis). The three days flew by and never felt like I was sitting in a lecture hall. I would and will actively seek further instruction and guiding from Logan and from the crew at Alpenglow Expeditions.

    Andrew Davidson

  • Professional and detail oriented

    Great experience! JC was our guide and was very professional & detail oriented. He made sure to answer any questions we had. I left the course with a lot of confidence and feel very comfortable now. Highly recommend Alpenglow!

    Kaleigh Morneau

  • Soak up pro tips from great minds..

    Stellar resource to compliment your pursuit of backcountry knowledge and mentorship. I Highly recommend this professional outfit for AIARE training, touring expertise, gear and the opportunity to soak up pro tips from great minds like Tim Dobbins and the entire crew at Alpenglow, First Class.

    Ryan Lederman

    Expedition Inquiry Form

    • Have questions about this trip?

      South Lake Tahoe AIARE 1: 2-Day Avalanche Course

    South Lake Tahoe AIARE 1: 2-Day Avalanche Course

    This course will include online classroom learning and two full days in the field! Please read the overview and itinerary for details. This is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche course designed for those with basic ski/snowboard touring experience. There are no other prerequisites, although, if you have less than 5 days of backcountry experience, you need to join our Backcountry 1.0 course first. Please see the preparation section before reserving for more information if you are not sure if you qualify. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe, see here for details.

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