Expertly Guided Mountain Adventures.

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Where will adventure take you?

We offer expertly guided backcountry skiing, alpine, and rock climbing adventures in California, Washington, and Internationally. Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced backcountry adventurer, come join us in the most stunning mountains around the world.
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Mt Shasta & Lassen Peak

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North Cascades

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Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan

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Tahoe

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Snoqualmie Pass

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Eastern Sierra

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Mt Rainier

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International

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Featured Courses & Adventures

Alpine Climbing
Rock Climbing
Ski & Splitboard
Avalanche Courses
Skier hiking on the summit of Mt Shasta during a Blackbird Guides Summit Climb 2 Day trip
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
2-3 Days

Mt Shasta Summit Climb

Climb one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining mountaineering skills.
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Three climbers on Coleman Glacier, Mt Baker
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
2-3 Days

Mt Baker Summit Climb

A mountaineering expedition to summit one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48.
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Lake with Mt Shuksan in the background during the summer
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Mt Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

Complex glacier travel, moderate and exposed rock climbing and often a bit of easy ice climbing later in the season.
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Climbers high on the Emmons Glacier route on Mount Rainier
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
5 Days

Mt Rainier Summit & Skills Expedition 5 Day

5 days of big mountain skills & a summit attempt of 14,411' Mt Rainier.
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Climbers on the Boston Glacier Traverse in the North Cascades during a Blackbird Guides Mountaineering Basics course
Location
Skill level
Beginner
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Mountaineering Course in Tahoe

Make the leap from hiker to climber with this introduction to mountaineering course!
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Climbers on the Sahale Summit Ridge in the North Cascades, Washington
Location
Snoqualmie Pass
Mt Baker
Skill level
Beginner
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Mountaineering Course in Washington

Make the leap from hiker to climber with this introduction to mountaineering skills!
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Skier camping at Helen Lake on Mt Shasta in California
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
5 Days

Mt Shasta Summit Climb & Skills Seminar 5 Day

Learn mountaineering skills needed for any big mountain climb, from Denali to Mt Everest, on California's most massive volcano!
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Climber on the North Face of Mt Shuksan above a lake
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
4 Days

Mt Shuksan North Face

Exciting exposure and panoramic views of Mt Baker set the stage for this adventurous big mountain climb.
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Crevasses in front of Mt Baker in Washington during a Blackbird Guides 4 day mountaineering skills seminar
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
4 Days

Mt Baker Summit & Skills Seminar 4 Day

Massive relief, expansive glaciers, and moderate to steep slopes make for an excellent training ground and incredible climbing.
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A climber being guided during an alpine climb of Mount Baker’s North Ridge
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Mt Baker North Ridge Summit Climb

Massive relief, expansive glaciers, pitched ice climbing and incredible exposure make this climb simply exhilarating.
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Tent on a ridge overlooking Mt Baker during Blackbird Guides True North - Baker & Shuksan Alpinism Week
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
7 Days

True North - Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan Alpinism

The True North Alpine Climbing week pairs the best climbing route on Mt Baker with one of Mt Shuksan's classic routes.
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Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag

Crystal Crag is the perfect intro to Alpine Climbing for climbers with sport and trad experience.
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Hikers on the Boston Glacier Traverse in the North Cascades, Washington
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
4 Days

Forbidden Peak North Ridge

The North Ridge of Forbidden Peak is wild alpine climb in Boston Basin.
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Near the summit of Forbidden Peak in the North Cascades
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Forbidden Peak West Ridge

The West Ridge of Forbidden Peak is an outstanding alpine route and one of the 50 Classic Climbs of North America
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Forbidden Peak North Ridge Camp in the North Cascades, Washington
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
4 Days

The Torment Forbidden Traverse

Navigate glaciers and knife-edge rock ridges with over a mile of traversing before summiting Forbidden Peak via the West Ridge.
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A Climber rescuing a climber during a crevasse rescue course on Mt Baker
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
1-2 Day

Crevasse Rescue Course in Washington

Expand your rope skills and develop the advanced ski mountaineering skills needed to push into bigger terrain and rescue a partner.
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A student practicing during a crevasse rescue course in Tahoe
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Crevasse Rescue Course in Tahoe

Expand your rope skills and develop the advanced ski mountaineering skills needed to push into bigger terrain and rescue a partner.
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Temple Crag Climbing
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Temple Crag Climbing

Climb the famed Celestial Aretes that make up one of our favorite rock-climbing areas in the Eastern Sierra- Temple Crag!
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Exposure while rock climbing bear creek spire above little lakes valley in the eastern sierra of california
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Bear Creek Spire Climbing

Bear Creek Spire is a gem of the High Sierra, with steep faces of white granite that the Sierra is renowned for
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High on Mont Blanc with a guide on the Trois Monts Route
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Mont Blanc Summit Climb

The Trois Monts route is an excellent option for climbing Mont Blanc. It avoids the hazards of the Grand Couloir and puts the team in an amazing position on the highest peak in Western Europe!
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Mont Blanc Guides working on a Gran Paradiso Acclimitization climb
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
2 Days

Gran Paradiso Summit Climb

Climb the highest peak in Italy with us! 4,061m Gran Paradiso is an excellent glaciated alpine climb for intermediate to advanced climbers.
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The Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn above the town of Zermatt
Location
Skill level
Advanced-Expert
Duration
3 Days

Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Climb

Continuous exposure and engaging climbing are the hallmarks of the Hornli Ridge Route on the Matterhorn.
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Sunset on Cordillera Blanca in Peru
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
20 Days

Peru Cordillera Blanca Alpine Climbing - Private

Build the perfect itinerary to suit your desires and abilities in the Cordillera Blanca.
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Climber on Pumice Ridge, Mt Baker
Location
Skill level
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Duration
1-3 Days

Mt Baker Summit Climb - Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!
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North Cascades Alpine Climbing - Private
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-7 Days

North Cascades Alpine Climbing - Private

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best climbing zones around Washington with our expert guides
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Climber climbing with crampons on Mt Shasta in California
Location
Skill level
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Duration
1-3 Days

Mt Shasta Summit Climb - Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!
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Climber in Mount Emerson Gully in California
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-7 Days

Eastern Sierra Climbing - Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group in the Range of Light based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!
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Fisher Chimneys climbing route on Mt Shuksan in Washington
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-7 Days

Alpine Skills Course - Private

Build the skills you need to accomplish your mountain objectives, from Mt Baker to Mt Everest, or anything in between.
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Alps Climbing Private
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
1-12 Days

Alps Climbing Private

The Alps are the origin of alpinism and are the perfect place to build alpine climbing skills and tackle breathtaking climbs with our IFMGA Mountain Guides. Our private Alps Climbs are for small teams of climbers with similar skills sets and goals.
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Blackbird Mountain Guides on Urus Este in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1-7 Days

Custom Alpine Climbing in Washington

This is a private alpine climbing program for you and your team. We tailor the program for your team to help you accomplish your specific goals.
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Backcountry Navigation Course in Tahoe
Location
Skill level
All Levels
Duration
1 Day

Backcountry Navigation Course in Tahoe

If you are an aspiring mountaineer, backcountry skier or just love to recreate outdoors, knowing how to use a map and compass is an essential skill.
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Palisades Traverse | Thunderbolt to Sill - Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
4 days

Palisades Traverse | Thunderbolt to Sill - Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing

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climbing on Donner summit with an AMGA Rock climbing guide
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
Full Day / Half Day

Rock Climbing in Tahoe - Private

The perfect day climbing, from fun single pitch or multi-pitch rock climbing or geared toward learning and improving skills.
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Climber in Mount Emerson Gully in California
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-7 Days

Eastern Sierra Climbing - Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group in the Range of Light based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!
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Lover's Leap Rock Climbing
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Lover's Leap Rock Climbing

The perfect day rock climbing on Sierra granite - we'll tackle fun single-pitch or multi-pitch rock climbing or can focus on improving trad and multi-pitch climbing skills.
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Rock climbing guides in Index Washington
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Rock Climbing at Index - Private

The perfect day climbing, from fun single pitch or multi-pitch rock climbing or geared toward learning and improving skills.
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A climber on the cliffs with a rock guide at Mt Erie in Washington
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Rock Climbing at Mt Erie - Private

The perfect day climbing, from fun single pitch or multi-pitch rock climbing or geared toward learning and improving skills.
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Temple Crag Climbing
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Temple Crag Climbing

Climb the famed Celestial Aretes that make up one of our favorite rock-climbing areas in the Eastern Sierra- Temple Crag!
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Exposure while rock climbing bear creek spire above little lakes valley in the eastern sierra of california
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Bear Creek Spire Climbing

Bear Creek Spire is a gem of the High Sierra, with steep faces of white granite that the Sierra is renowned for
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Calaveras Dome Rock Climbing
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Calaveras Dome Rock Climbing

The perfect day rock climbing on Sierra granite - we'll tackle fun multi-pitch rock climbing or can focus on improving multi-pitch efficiency and climbing skills.
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North Cascades Alpine Climbing - Private
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-7 Days

North Cascades Alpine Climbing - Private

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best climbing zones around Washington with our expert guides
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Near the summit of Forbidden Peak in the North Cascades
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Forbidden Peak West Ridge

The West Ridge of Forbidden Peak is an outstanding alpine route and one of the 50 Classic Climbs of North America
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Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag

Crystal Crag is the perfect intro to Alpine Climbing for climbers with sport and trad experience.
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A Rock Guide in Tahoe working on a group rock climbing program at Donner Summit
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
2-8 Hours

Group Rock Climbing in Tahoe

Group and Family Rock climbing on Donner Summit. This program is a fun single pitch rock climbing session or skills development course for your group.
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Custom Rock Climbing in California
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1-7 Days

Custom Rock Climbing in California

This is a private rock climbing program for you and your team. We tailor the program for your team to help you accomplish your specific goals.
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Custom Rock Climbing in Washington
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1-7 Days

Custom Rock Climbing in Washington

This is a private rock climbing program for you and your team. We tailor the program for your team to help you accomplish your specific goals.
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Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing in Tahoe
Location
Skill level
Beginner
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing in Tahoe

Learn the foundational skills you'll need to climb the famous granite rock of Donner Summit and beyond!
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Intro to Trad Climbing Techniques in Tahoe
Location
Skill level
Beginner
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Trad Climbing Techniques in Tahoe

Learn how to properly place gear (cams, nuts), how to clean gear, how to trust your gear, and how to build trad anchors.
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Anchor building while rock climbing
Location
Skill level
Beginner
Duration
1 Day

Rock Climbing Anchor Building Course in Tahoe

Learn to build a variety of different rock climbing anchors that will allow you to climb safely and efficiently outdoors.
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Palisades Traverse | Thunderbolt to Sill - Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing
Location
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
4 days

Palisades Traverse | Thunderbolt to Sill - Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing

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A skier arcing a turn above his guide on Mt Shasta
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
2-3 Days

Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent

Climb and ski one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.
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riding powder with a ski guide on the Thunder Glacier of Mt Baker
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
2-3 Days

Mt Baker Summit & Ski Descent

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.
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Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering

Join us for a day of ski mountaineering in one of the most magical ranges in the United States.
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North Cascades Ski Mountaineering - Private
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
1-7 Days

North Cascades Ski Mountaineering - Private

Join us for a day of ski touring in the North Cascades, which are also known as the American Alps!
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Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
3 - 4 Days

Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski

Climb and ski one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.
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Chile Andes Backcountry Skiing Adventure
Location
Chile (Central Cordillera)
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
7 Days

Chile Andes Backcountry Skiing Adventure

Cat skiing & lift-accessed touring in Chile’s Central Andes. Big lines, wild terrain & Aconcagua views for experienced skiers.
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Ski Mountaineering on Mt Baker
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-3 Days

Mt Baker Summit & Ski - Private

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.
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Skier making a turn on Mt Shasta in California during a Blackbird Guides Summit & Ski 3 Day trip
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
1-3 Days

Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent - Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!
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Mt Shasta Ski Mountaineering 5 Day Skills Expedition
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
5 Days

Mt Shasta Ski Mountaineering 5 Day Skills Expedition

Learn fundamental efficiency, safety skills & strategy to climb & ski challenging routes on big mountains.
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Mt Baker Ski Mountaineering Camp 5 Day
Location
Skill level
Intermediate-Advanced
Duration
5 Days

Mt Baker Ski Mountaineering Camp 5 Day

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.
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Eastern Sierra 4 Day Ski Mountaineering Basecamp
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
4 Days

Eastern Sierra 4 Day Ski Mountaineering Basecamp

Set camp and explore for 4 days & 3 nights of ski mountaineering, deep in one of the most magical ranges in the United States, the Eastern Sierra!
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Backcountry Skiing Tahoe - Private
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Backcountry Skiing Tahoe - Private

We'll select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones Tahoe with our expert guides
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South Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and splitboarding
Location
North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Tahoe Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones in Lake Tahoe with our expert guides
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Backcountry Skiers near Snow Lake Divide at Snoqualmie Pass
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Backcountry Skiing Snoqualmie Pass - Private

From Pineapple Pass to the Slot Couloir & Kendall Trees, we'll work with you to pick an objective based on your desires & experience. Our expert guides will manage the snowpack & terrain and help you get an incredible day in the backcountry.
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Snoqualmie Pass Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Snoqualmie Pass Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones around with our expert guides
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Skier on a ridge above Lake Tahoe during a Blackbird Guides Sugarbowl to Squaw Ski Tour
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Sugar Bowl to Palisades Ski Tour

A 13 mile traverse along the Pacific Crest Trail with plenty of climbing and skiing between two of Tahoe's great ski resorts.
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Hilda Hut Backcountry Lodge BC 2026
Location
Skill level
Expert
Duration
7 Days, 7 Nights

Hilda Hut Backcountry Lodge BC 2026

Expert terrain awaits with a plush backcountry lodge.
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The LQ Outpost guided backcountry ski lodge in British Columbia is one of the most comfortable lodges in BC
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Expert
Duration
7 Days, 7 Nights

LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge BC 2027

Experience a ski touring dreamscape on all aspects of Mt. Lequereux
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Skiing deep powder in Japan with a guide
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
7 Days

Japan Hokkaido Backcountry Skiing Adventure

Seven days of guided skiing in the most consistent powder skiing destination on the planet - Hokkaido, Japan! Coupled with an incredible cultural experience, days are spent chasing powder and nights we chase the renowned Japanese cuisine.
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Mt Rose Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Mt Rose Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Mt Rose offers large amounts of dry snow and an incredible retreat from storms with high snowlines
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Argentina Patagonia Backcountry Skiing Adventure
Location
Patagonia, Chile & Argentina, South America
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
7 Days

Argentina Patagonia Backcountry Skiing Adventure

Ski big lines in Patagonia with lift-accessed touring at Cerro Catedral and ski mountaineering from Refugio Frey.
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Chile Volcanoes Backcountry Skiing Adventure
Location
Patagonia, Chile & Argentina, South America
Skill level
Advanced
Duration
7 Days

Chile Volcanoes Backcountry Skiing Adventure

Summit and ski Chile’s iconic volcanoes — Villarrica, Quetrupillán, Casablanca, Puyehue, and Osorno — in Patagonia’s Andes.
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A backcountry skier enjoying the view from the deck of the Morgan Hut, one of the new huts at the Frog Lake Backcountry Hut system. The amenities make these huts the best huts in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee area.
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
3-4 Days

Frog Lake Huts

Explore Incredible terrain and enjoy plush accommodations with the finest hut-based skiing experience outside of BC.
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Backcountry Skiing Washington - Private
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Backcountry Skiing Washington - Private

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones around Washington with our expert guides
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Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering 3 Day
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
3 Days

Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering 3 Day

Join us for three days of ski mountaineering in one of the most magical ranges in the United States.
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Frog Lake Huts - Private Guiding
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3-4 Days

Frog Lake Huts - Private Guiding

Book our guides to make your Frog Lake Huts Trip a huge success!
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Ski touring in the eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Backcountry Skiing Mammoth & Eastern Sierra - Private

We'll select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones in the Eastern Sierra with our expert guides
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Skinning up Mt Herman in the Mt Baker Heather Meadows Backcountry
Location
Skill level
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Backcountry Skiing Mt Baker - Private

From Heather Meadows to Table Mountain, Mazama Dome and Barometer Peak, if there's great snow in the zone, we'll find great runs for you to ride!
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Backcountry skiing in Bagley Lakes Area in the Mt Baker backcountry.
Location
Washington
Skill level
Beginner
Duration
1 Day

Intro to Backcountry in Washington - Private

A fun, fast way to learn all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.
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Lassen Peak Backcountry Skiing - Private
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Lassen Peak Backcountry Skiing - Private

The Southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, this peak is an ideal place to hone your ski mountaineering skills, or to just ski incredible snow!
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Women's Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent 3 Day
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
3 Days

Women's Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent 3 Day

Climb and ski one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills with our women-led team.
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The Haute Route Ski Traverse
Location
Skill level
Advanced - Expert
Duration
8 Days

The Haute Route Ski Traverse

Ski the famous European Haute Route from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland with American / IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais. This epic ski tour traverses the heart of the alps and covers some of the planet's most mind-blowing terrain!
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Chamonix Backcountry Ski Week
Location
Skill level
Advanced - Expert
Duration
7 Days

Chamonix Backcountry Ski Week

Ski the French Alps with IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais and change your perspective of what it means to be a ski mountaineer.
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Italy Backcountry Skiing Week
Location
Skill level
Advanced Expert
Duration
7 Days

Italy Backcountry Skiing Week

Ski the Italian Alps or the Dolomites with our IFMGA Mountain Guides.
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A starry night at the Sentry Lodge backcountry ski lodge in British Columbia. Ski Lodge photo by Evan Peters
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced Expert
Duration
7-8 Days, 6-7 Nights

Sentry Lodge Backcountry Ski Lodge 2026

Great tree skiing right below the hut and short walks to epic pillow zones made famous in numerous ski movies.
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A ski mountaineer on Mont Blanc with a guide
Location
Skill level
Advanced - Expert
Duration
1-12 Days

Alps Skiing Private

The Alps are the origin of ski alpinism and are the perfect place to build backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering skills and tackle breathtaking descents with our IFMGA Mountain Guides. Our private Alps Ski Programs are for small teams of skiers with similar skill sets and goals.
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Skier ripping a powder turn at Icefall Lodge in British Columbia
Location
Skill level
Intermediate - Expert
Duration
7 Days, 6 Nights

Icefall Lodge BC

50,000 acres of spectacular terrain that incorporated the best features of classic ranges across the world.
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Backcountry skiers returning to Valkyr Lodge at the end of a great day of skiing Naumalten Mountain
Location
Skill level
Intermediate Expert
Duration
7 Days, 6 Nights

Valkyr Lodge BC

The Valkyr Lodge is perched at 2,210 meters on the north end of the range on Naumulten Mountain. From here there are 7 unique ski zones on 3 mountains – Naumulten, Mount Rollins and the north face of Mt. McBride
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Tahoe Backcountry Pass
Location
Lake Tahoe, California
Skill level
Intermediate Advanced
Duration
1 Day

Tahoe Backcountry Pass

The Tahoe Backcountry Pass is a great way to meet new touring partners and enjoy new zones in the Tahoe area!
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The Snowfall Lodge is an incredible backcountry ski lodge located in the Battle Range of the Selkirk Mountains in British Colmbia. It is an incredible lodge for backcountry skiing!
Location
Snowfall Lodge, Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia
Skill level
Intermediate Expert
Duration
7 Days, 7 Nights

Snowfall Lodge BC

The mix of alpine terrain, old growth tree skiing, and massive snowfalls, makes the Snowfall Lodge an incredible destination.
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Blackbird instructor demonstrating snow pit shear test during an AIARE 1 Avalanche course
Location
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
1-3 Days

AIARE Avalanche Courses in California - Private

A private AIARE course just for your and your friends & backcountry partners.
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Students learning to perform snow pit shear test during an AIARE 1 Avalanche course.
Location
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
1-3 Days

AIARE Avalanche Courses in Washington - Private

A private AIARE course just for your and your friends & backcountry partners.
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A skier rips a turn on deep day in the Tahoe backcountry.
Location
Lake Tahoe, California
Skill level
Beginner - Intermediate
Duration
Multi-Program

Avy Pass - Tahoe

A series of courses throughout the season to develop skills to understand risks and make smart decisions in the backcountry.
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Avy Pass - Washington
Location
Mt Baker or Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Skill level
Beginner - Intermediate
Duration
Multi-Program

Avy Pass - Washington

A series of courses throughout the season to develop skills to understand risks and make smart decisions in the backcountry.
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AIARE 1 participants above Source Lake in Snoqualmie Pass
Location
Mt Baker & Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
2 Days

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course - Washington

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.
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Skiers skinning through the backcountry in the Eastern Sierra
Location
Mammoth
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
2 Days

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course - Mammoth

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.
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Students during an AIARE 1 Avalanche course in Lake Tahoe, digging snow pits to inspect the snowpack and layering.
Location
Tahoe
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
2 Days

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course - Tahoe

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.
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Participants in an AIARE 1 Avalanche course digging snow pits to inspect the snowpack and learn about layering processes.
Location
Mt Baker or Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
3 Days

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course - Washington

Maximize your time and gain all of the fundamental avalanche awareness and rescue skills in our innovative three days course.
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Students from an AIARE 1 Avalanche course perform snowpack tests in the Truckee, Lake Tahoe area during their avalanche level 1 course.
Location
Mammoth
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
3 Days

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course - Mammoth

Maximize your time and gain all of the fundamental avalanche awareness and rescue skills in our innovative three days course.
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Students practicing rescue drills during an AIARE 1 +Rescue Avalanche course. A beacon is buried to simulate a burial victim.
Location
North Lake Tahoe
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
3 Days

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course - Tahoe

Maximize your time and gain all of the fundamental avalanche awareness and rescue skills in our innovative three days course.
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Avalanche Rescue Course in Washington
Location
Mt Baker or Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
1 Day

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course - Washington

Our innovative course gives you more practice in more realistic avalanche terrain, making you a better backcountry partner.
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Avalanche Rescue Course in Mammoth
Location
Mammoth Lakes, California
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
1 Day

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Mammoth

Our innovative course gives you more practice in more realistic avalanche terrain, making you a better backcountry partner.
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Lift Accessed Avalanche Rescue Course Participants performing a mock avalanche rescue at donner ski ranch
Location
North Lake Tahoe, California
Skill level
Touring Experience
Duration
1 Day

Lift-Accessed AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course - Tahoe

Our innovative lift-accessed course gives you more practice in more realistic avalanche terrain, making you a better backcountry partner.
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Students during an AIARE 2 Avalanche course, examining snow pits to identify snow pack layers.
Location
Skill level
AIARE 1, Rescue, Extensive Touring
Duration
2.5 Days

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in Washington

Dive deeper into weather, snow, route planning, human dynamics, and avalanche terrain with the Blackbird AIARE 2
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Skier touring toward Pyramid Peak in South Lake Tahoe
Location
North Lake Tahoe, California
Skill level
AIARE 1, Rescue, Extensive Touring
Duration
2.5 Days

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in Tahoe

Dive deeper into weather, snow, route planning, human dynamics, and avalanche terrain with the Blackbird AIARE 2
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the blackbird difference

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Positive Progression

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Reviews from Blackbird Adventurers

5.0 Average
208 Google Reviews

I took an AIARE 1 with Blackbird and couldn't recommend it more. The knowledge gained was well-worth every penny, and then some.

Andrew

Seattle, WA

Just took the "lift-accessed" Avalanche Rescue course, and it was a fantastic opportunity to act out more realistic rescue scenarios. Highly recommended!

Chris

Truckee, CA

Seriously experienced guides who do a phenomenal job of teaching methods for the backcountry. The course was thorough, impressive, and comprehensive. I only wished we had more time to spend with the guides!

Julie

Everett, WA

I took an AIARE 1 with Blackbird and couldn't recommend it more. The knowledge gained was well-worth every penny, and then some.

Andrew

Seattle, WA

Completed AIARE 1 w/ Blackbird. Instructors were very knowledgeable, experienced, patient, attentive, and down-to-earth in relating to clients across a wide spectrum of ability. Great group of people!

Andis

San Francisco, CA