Designed and led by our female staff of AMGA trained ski and splitboard guides, this 2-day introduction to backcountry course is for skiers and riders who love spending time in the mountains riding fresh snow. No backcountry experience is necessary to join this course.
Modeled after our popular Backcountry 1.0 and 2.0 single day courses, this course will go a bit deeper by providing back to back days of backcountry skills education with AMGA trained 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.
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 Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows.
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.
Who Can Participate
Skiers and riders joining this course should be Intermediate and Advanced skiers or riders who have anywhere between no experience to years worth of days in the backcountry. Skiers and riders must be competent in a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Skiers and riders must be able to link turns on ungroomed runs while maintaining control. This is comparable to skiing ungroomed black diamond terrain confidently.
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.