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South Lake Tahoe Backcountry 1.0

1 Day in South Lake Tahoe / (Skill level: Introductory)

Price per person

$245 mid-week, $295 weekends
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About this trip

Now offering South Lake based winter courses! This is the first part in our three-part intro to backcountry series. Please see Backcountry 2.0 and 3.0 for more information about subsequent courses. In this course you’ll learn the fundamentals of traveling safely and efficiently in the backcountry. Both skiers and splitboarders are welcome in this course. This is a beginner level backcountry skills course, however this course is not for beginner level downhill skiers & riders. Please see the preparation section for more information if you are not sure if you qualify before reserving.

Overview

  • skill level

    Introductory

  • Duration

    1 Day

This one day course will introduce you to the fundamentals of backcountry skiing and snowboarding. After this course, you will be able to plan and execute an efficient yet simple backcountry tour. Come out and learn the techniques and tricks from a professional guide, and get away from the lifts and the crowds of the resort. Our Backcountry 1.0 course is the ideal preparation for an AIARE 1 avalanche course.

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

Backcountry 1.0 is the first part in our three-part intro to backcountry series. We highly recommend reserving a spot on our popular Backcountry 2.0 course after going out touring for 5+ days to continue working on skills and techniques learned on day 1. Once you build a solid foundation, you’ll be ready to join our Backcountry 3.0 course to add a few more tools to your kit.

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 .

What to Expect

Depending on the fitness level of the group, technical ability and daily conditions, skiers and riders can expect multiple laps of fresh tracks while learning various tips and tricks from your guide during both the uphill and downhill portions of the day. Terrain varies from wide open bowls to widely spaced trees.

Each morning starts off with a safety meeting with your guide and a gear check to make sure everyone has what they need for the day. The meeting location for the morning of your course is TBD- we will reach out with more details soon.

Your guide will come prepared with a defined itinerary for the day, but you’ll have the opportunity to stop and ask questions along the way.

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). Here is a good example of intermediate 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.

Learning Outcomes

  • Touring equipment options
  • Clothing layering and techniques
  • Use of Beacon, Probe and Shovel
  • How to interpret an Avalanche Bulletin
  • Uphill travel techniques using climbing skins
  • Avalanche hazard recognition and avoidance
  • Downhill travel techniques and group management

Difficulty: Strong intermediate to advanced skiing/riding level required.

This course prepares you for our Backcountry 2.0 course, as well as our AIARE 1 course.

Rentals

A complete backcountry touring setup is required. Tahoe Sports LTD in South Lake Tahoe has alpine touring and splitboard setups, along with beacons, probes, and shovels for rent.

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

Preparation

  • Fitness

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

  • 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.

    • Download Trip Details

      • 8am - 8:30am — Meet & Greet

        Meet your guide and fellow skiers. Set goals for the day.

      • 8:30am - 12pm — Morning Tour

        After reviewing gear and equipment, head out for the first climb and descent of the day.

      • 12pm - 12:30pm — Lunch

        In between the morning and afternoon sessions we'll take a break for some much needed calories.

      • 12:30 - 3:30pm — Afternoon Tour

        Depending on our observations from the morning we'll spend the afternoon skiing and may work in a mock avalanche rescue.

    • Download Equipment List

        • Ski 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: Blizzard Zero G 105 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: Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro or Zero G Tour Scout

        • 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

        • Avalanche Transceiver

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

        • Probe

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

        • Shovel

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

        • Backcountry Touring Pack

          Internal frame pack that is between 30 and 40 liters and is designed to carry skis or a splitboard. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Recommended: Black Diamond Cirque 35 or 45 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

        • 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

        • 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

        • 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

        • 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

        • 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: Eddie Bauer Guide Midweight Baselayer Pants

        • 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

        • 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

        • 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

        • Ski Helmet

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

        • Blue 5-Panel AEX Hat

          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

        • 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

    • Download Trip Details

      • What is your cancellation policy?

        Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

      • What level skier or snowboarder do I need to be to take this course?

        You need to be an advanced intermediate skier or snowboarder within a ski resort. Here is a good example of an intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. Skiers/riders should be comfortable skiing ungroomed, variable snow.

      • Do I have enough experience for this trip?

        You must be an advanced intermediate skier or rider comfortable skiing off-piste, variable snow to join us in the backcountry. This is comparable to competency on all blue runs and most black diamond runs in a resort (including ungroomed terrain) This is for the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Other than these skills, you do not have to have any other experience in the backcountry. This course is designed to take the resort skier beyond the boundaries, and show them the world of backcountry skiing.

      • How much hiking will we do?

        While every day varies slightly, on average we skin (hike with skis) between 1,500’ and 2,500’ of vertical gain.

      • Is lunch included on this trip?

        Lunch is not included, we recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water. There are also plenty of food options around our office in the village.

      • How many people will be in our group?

        Alpenglow takes pride in our small group sizes, and while they vary in size, the maximum ratio is a 6:1 clients to guide.

      • 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.

Meet your guides

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
Jules Hanna

Jules Hanna

If you are looking for an AMGA Splitboard guide, Jules is your man. He has been guiding for 10 years and spends his winters in Tahoe and summers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Whether it’s a ski day or time to board, Jules enjoys the rewards that the backcountry experience provides. He is an AIARE course leader and has logged many adventures in mountains up and down the west coast learning about the avalanche phenomena. Jules is also an Ambassador Guide for Jones Snowboards.

In addition to guiding, Jules has worked as a climbing ranger at Mt Rainer and a mountaineer for the US Antarctic Program and has many stories to tell from his time on Search and Rescue in those locales.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Ski Guide
Sam Kieckhefer

Sam Kieckhefer

Born and raised in Northern California, Sam began exploring the Sierra and developed a love for the mountains at a young age. He started backcountry skiing in 2010, and found his way up Mt. Shasta on only his second ski tour ever. After years of gaining experience, he started guiding in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. Sam guides full time in the winter around Tahoe as he continues to work towards his AMGA Ski Guide certification. Sam also teaches both recreational and professional avalanche courses with the American Avalanche Institute in the Tetons.

Sam is an AMGA Apprentice Ski and Alpine Guide, and AIARE Avalanche Course Instructor. He lives on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe with his partner Susie.

Guide Certifications
  • AIARE instructor
Sydney Paez Duncan

Sydney Paez Duncan

Skiing is just part of life growing up in Colorado, so naturally, Sydney has been in love with skiing since she was 3-years-old. At 18 she started her guiding career as a raft guide and became enamored with working in the outdoors.  For years she honed her backcountry skiing skills in France, Idaho, Colorado, and Tahoe, and she is so happy to be able to share her love for human-powered turns with others.  Sydney has worked at Squaw Valley on Ski Patrol for 4 seasons and guiding was a natural progression.  Recently, she was accepted to the AMGA’s Ski Guide track and she is on the path to becoming a certified Ski Guide. Once the skiing dries up in the summers, you can find Sydney guiding trips in the Cascades.

Sydney is an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide.

Isaac Laredo

Isaac Laredo

Isaac found his appreciation for the outdoors growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Isaac attended Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe where his appreciation  evolved into a lifelong passion. The scenery, accessibility, and culture of the surrounding mountains captivated Isaac to major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Environmental Science and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Sierra Nevada College. Here he was inspired by his teachers and peers to facilitate the creation of special moments in the outdoors. As one of his mentors say “special moments happen, we just have to show up for them”. These special moments have been responsible for lots of personal growth for himself and those around him. He has experienced the power of the outdoors first hand and looks forward to life long learning in the mountains through climbing and skiing.
Isaac is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Ski and Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor
Dave Nettle

Dave Nettle

Dave’s love for outdoor challenge, adventure and fun began early in his life with Boy Scout backpacking and mountaineering trips in the Pacific Northwest.

In 1972 he started his lifelong pursuit and joy of rock climbing with his first climbs deep in the Sierra Nevada backcountry, which remains his favorite mountain range to share and enjoy.

In 1975, at age 17 he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail solo from Mexico to Canada and the following year hiked the Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico, sealing his passion for grand adventure and determination to accomplish what he sets out to do.

Dave’s underlying philosophy of living life fully and approaching the world of adventure travel and alpinism with “confident uncertainty” has led him to the mountain ranges of the world where his climbing accomplishments are just a part of what he values.  At the heart and soul of it all is the experience of interacting with, and learning from, the people, places and cultures along the way and sharing the challenge and beauty of wilderness with friends.

In addition to five decades of rock and alpine climbing which have included new routes and significant ascents throughout North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, Dave is an accomplished ski mountaineer who hangs up his climbing shoes each winter in favor of backcountry alpine ski touring and hut to hut ski tours in the European Alps.

Dave brings 15 years of technical Rope Access and Rescue Training experience to the team.  He has helped pioneer the use of Rope Access methods to complement traditional mountaineering based techniques to improve the safety and efficiency of ski lift, gondola, high angle and crevasse rescue procedures.  He has been a SPRAT certified Rope Access Level 3 Technician since 2002.

His blend of outdoor skills, professionalism and sense of humor make for memorable trips, not to mention epic slide show presentations which he loves to share with others. Dave is the founder of a free community slideshow series in the Tahoe area that has been ongoing since 1988 and continues to inform, entertain and inspire everyone to seek out and accomplish their dreams and goals. You can learn more about the Alpenglow Winter Film Series here.

Guide Certifications
  • IRATA
Glen Poulsen

Glen Poulsen

A member of Squaw Valley’s pioneering founding family, Glen first ventured into the side and backcountry terrain surrounding Squaw Valley at the age of ten and has never looked back.  His forays into more remote parts of the Sierra Nevada led to numerous first descents and pioneering ski traverses throughout the range. After exploring mountains from Antarctica to the North Pole, Greenland and Spitsbergen,  Africa,  to the Andes, The Alps to Scandinavia,  Russia and China, The Himalaya, Central Asia, and Oceania, Glen always returns with a greater appreciation for his home in the “Range of Light”.  Whether its descents on skis or climbing alpine rock Glen has an intimate knowledge of the entire range. Whether It’s a local side country jaunt, a Sierra East side adventure, a hut tour in the alps or exploring new first descents in Greenland or Antarctica, Africa or the Andes, he can take you there. He has an AIARE Level 3 Avalanche and Wilderness First Responder certifications and has been an active Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team member.

What others are saying about this trip

  • Learning Backcountry Basics in Backcountry 1.0

    I had a great time in my Backcountry 1.0 class. The class gave me a good understanding of the basics for backcountry travel and has provided me with a great starting point for my next adventure. As I am just starting backcountry adventures with all new equipment and new techniques I was suitably challenged but not intimidated by the pace of travel. Sydney was a great instructor and explained backcountry touring techniques sufficiently enough for me to grasp the fundamentals that I can build upon. She was patient and supportive when I was having difficulty coming down the powder runs which challenged my overall endurance. All in all a great experience and we had a suitable debrief at the end of the class.

    Eric S.

  • Incredible Backcountry Experience

    Being new to backcountry skiing in Lake Tahoe, I wanted to learn as quickly as possible by hiring a guide. I settled on Alpenglow Expeditions and never looked back. The office staff were very professional prior to my trip, and my guide Tim Dobbins was one of the most knowledgable skiers I've ever skied with.

    Shannon Beary

  • These guys know their stuff

    These guys know there stuff, are thoroughly professional and friendly. I've worked with three Alpenglow guides. Will, for an intro to backcountry course, Ali for the AIARE 1 course, and Dave for a guided trip to Nat Geo bowl. All three were helpful and informative and didn't hesitate to share their backcountry wisdom. I'm a stronger, more confident and safer backcountry skier thanks to Alpenglow!

    Ian Wolff

    Expedition Inquiry Form

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      South Lake Tahoe Backcountry 1.0

    South Lake Tahoe Backcountry 1.0

    Now offering South Lake based winter courses! This is the first part in our three-part intro to backcountry series. Please see Backcountry 2.0 and 3.0 for more information about subsequent courses. In this course you’ll learn the fundamentals of traveling safely and efficiently in the backcountry. Both skiers and splitboarders are welcome in this course. This is a beginner level backcountry skills course, however this course is not for beginner level downhill skiers & riders. Please see the preparation section for more information if you are not sure if you qualify before reserving.

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