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Women’s Backcountry 1.0 & 2.0

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

Price per person

$495 mid-week, $575 weekends
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About this trip

This women’s introduction to backcountry skiing and riding clinic is a two-day package consisting of our Backcountry 1.0 and 2.0 courses, tailored just for women and led by women. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the tools and techniques that you’ll need to venture into the backcountry 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.

Overview

  • skill level

    Introductory

  • Duration

    2 Days

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Preparation

  • Fitness

    Good physical fitness is required. At a minimum, skiers should be able to ski multiple laps in ungroomed terrain, and hike for up to an hour while carrying a light 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. Here is a good example.

  • Download Trip Details

    • Day 1 — Get out there | 8am

      First day out. Welcome to the backcountry! Increase familiarity and comfort with movements and equipment.

    • Day 2 — Review and Refine | 8am

      Review movement and equipment. Learn more efficiency and continue to refine skills.
      Aprés: Celebrate accomplishments of the past couple days and talk about future trips!

  • Download Equipment List

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • Ski Socks

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

      • 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

      • Accessories

      • 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

      • Hat

        Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim - the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding. Recommended: Alpenglow 5-Panel

        $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

      • 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

      • 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

    • Do I need experience to be a part of this clinic?

      You 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. Here is a good example.

      No prior backcountry experience required.

    • How much hiking will we do?

      Be prepared to spend 6 hours in the winter elements at and above 6200’ while climbing/hiking. We will hike for about 3-4 hours per day, about 1500’ vertical gain.

    • Is previous avalanche education required?

      No avalanche education is required. This clinic is the perfect prerequisite for an AIARE 1 course. The goal of this course is to prepare you to enroll in an avalanche course equipped with confidence in both your gear and skills, so that during the AIARE 1, all of your energy can be focused on learning about avalanche safety.

    • Do I need avalanche gear?

      Yes, you need to have a beacon, probe, shovel and backpack. Avalanche gear is available to rent through Alpenglow Expeditions.

    • Is lunch included?

      Each person is responsible for their own food, snacks and drinks.

    • 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

Tailer Spinney

Tailer Spinney

Tailer is a young aspiring mountain guide, with her focus on becoming one of the first few certified female splitboard guides. Tailer started as an intern with Alpenglow Expeditions during the 2017-18 winter and is on the path of AMGA education. She has “tailed” many groups with the Alpenglow team, and also helped out around various aspects of the business. During spring and early summer, she guides on Mount Shasta, teaching clients mountaineering skills, and she returns to Tahoe for the summer rock season. She loves sharing the outdoors with others through snow sports as well as rock climbing. Nothing charges up her spirit more than showing people how much fun you can have in the mountains; all while maintaining safety and incorporating leave no trace ethics.

Tailer is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Ski Guide.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Single Pitch 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.

Ali Agee

Ali Agee

Growing up just outside Lake Tahoe in Reno, skiing has been keeping Ali motivated her whole life. As she grew older and gained more appreciation for moving through the mountains, whether it be on skis or via long alpine rock routes, the journey toward becoming a ski guide has only been a natural progression.

On this journey, she’s had the opportunity to ski and rock climb in multiple venues including the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Tetons, Japan, Canada, and beyond.

Ali has experienced firsthand the transformative powers that guided trips can have on someone looking to break through comfort zone barriers. She is passionate about sharing similar soul-filling, life-changing experiences with others.

Ali is currently an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, Certified Single Pitch Instructor, AIARE Avalanche Instructor, Pro 2 Avalanche Professional, Wilderness First Responder, mountain biker, and type-two fun seeker living in Truckee, CA.

Amy Olson

Amy Olson

Administrative Assistant

Amy grew up in Kansas, but the mountains have been calling her since she was a kid. This led her to acquire a degree in Geology so that she could study them. While working as a geology intern in Colorado, she discovered her love of climbing and has been expanding her avenues of mountain exploration and searching for a career in the outdoor industry ever since. After a few years traveling around the country as a dirtbag climber, she found her way to Tahoe in 2019. She is always stoked to share her passion for skiing and climbing with clients as she helps them get ready for their backcountry trips. 

Amy is and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and is pursuing an AMGA Rock Guide certification to accompany her official “rock nerd” qualifications.

Sara Sheltz

Sara Sheltz

Local Program Manager

As an avid skier, climber and all around outdoor enthusiast, you can usually find Sara smiling and having fun somewhere in the outdoors. Sara spends most of her free time in the Sierras enjoying mother nature with her friends and family (there’s usually always a dog around too). When she’s not coordinating the logistics of our local Tahoe skiing and climbing programs, she is most likely skiing, climbing, yoga-ing or listening to some really good music.

Sara is on the AMGA track to become a fully certified mountain guide. She is a Wilderness First Responder and  currently guides Alpenglow’s Via Ferrata in Squaw Valley. She also is a certified yoga instructor and loves to teach meditation classes. Sara prides herself in constantly sharing her passion for the outdoors with others and tries to inspire others to get outside as much as possible. Feel free to bring her a beer whenever you stop by the office next. 😉

What others are saying about this trip

  • Women's Backcountry Ski Clinic

    Thank you for an amazing weekend adventure backcountry skiing! We loved it. Orientation was excellent and helpful.  We loved our guides who made the trip. Sydney was a natural leader - patient, competent, and kind. She put us all at ease and read the conditions of the terrain and of our group energy along the way. Her mountain experience and competence and natural leadership skills were real assets to our experience.  She and Tailer worked well together - bookending our group and making sure we were in good shape. They both instructed us, teaching their tips and offering experienced advice and humor.  We all felt so accomplished and happy at the end of our two day clinic. We are excited to book another trip with Alpenglow.
    Thank you!
    Anne

    Anne

  • Our Guide Made All the Difference

    We had a fabulous experience yesterday. It was a great day for the entire family. And especially Chris made all the difference. He was such a nice and knowledgeable guide to make us all appreciate the outdoor day! Thanks to the team and especially Chris for a memorable day!

    Martin Risau

  • Encouraged beyond my limits

    Iris’ infectious attitude and expert knowledge made my time in the backcountry. I had so much fun and never felt insecure as she pushed and encouraged me beyond my limits. Earning turns with her was one of my greatest life experiences, both humbling and full of laughs!

    Kaitlyn Holt

  • 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.

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      Women's Backcountry 1.0 & 2.0

    Women’s Backcountry 1.0 & 2.0

    This women’s introduction to backcountry skiing and riding clinic is a two-day package consisting of our Backcountry 1.0 and 2.0 courses, tailored just for women and led by women. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the tools and techniques that you’ll need to venture into the backcountry 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.

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