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Spots open at Snowfall Lodge, BC Jan 20-27, 2024

info@blackbirdguides.com

Expertly Guided Mountain Adventures.

Pictured: British Columbia Lodges, Spots Available Jan 20-27, 2024!

Courses Adventures

Snowboarders hiking a ridge during an AIARE 1 avalanche course with Blackbird Guides in North Lake Tahoe

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in Tahoe

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.

Women's AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course

North Lake Tahoe, California

Touring Experience

Women's AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course

Maximize your time and gain all of the fundamental avalanche awareness and rescue skills in our innovative three days course.

A skier rips a turn on deep day in the Tahoe backcountry.

North Lake Tahoe, California South Lake Tahoe, California

Beginner - Intermediate

Avy Pass

A series of courses throughout the season to develop skills to understand risks and make smart decisions in the backcountry.

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course

North Lake Tahoe

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course

Maximize your time and gain all of the fundamental avalanche awareness and rescue skills in our innovative three days course.

Skiers setting a skin track in the Italian Alps

North Lake Tahoe, California

Touring Experience

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course

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

Lift Accessed Avalanche Rescue Course Participants performing a mock avalanche rescue at donner ski ranch

North Lake Tahoe, California

Touring Experience

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

Our innovative lift-accessed course gives you more practice in more realistic avalanche terrain, making you a better backcountry partner.

Intro to Backcountry Private

Intro to Backcountry Private

A fun, fast way to learn all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.

Snowboarders hiking a ridge during an AIARE 1 avalanche course with Blackbird Guides

Mt Baker & Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in Washington

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.

AIARE 2 Private Avalanche Course

AIARE 2 Private Avalanche Course

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

AIARE 1 Students practicing digging for an avalanche victim with shovels

Mt Baker & Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Touring Experience

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.

Lift Accessed Avalanche Rescue Course Participants performing a mock avalanche rescue at donner ski ranch

Mt Baker & Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Touring Experience

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Washington

Our innovative course gives you more practice in more realistic avalanche terrain, making you a better backcountry partner.

AIARE 1 Private Avalanche Course in California

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Private Avalanche Course in California

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.

Skiers touring through the trees during a snowstorm on Mt Baker, WA

Snoqualmie Pass / Mt Baker

Intro to Backcountry in Washington

A fun, fast way to learn all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.

Women's Intro to Backcountry

Women's Intro to Backcountry

A fun, fast way to master all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.

Skiing Powder and slashing turns in British Columbia’s Monashee Range on a BC Lodge Ski touring Week at Sol Mountain Lodge

Intermediate Advanced

Avalanche Skills Tour

Refresh and sharpen your skills while learning from the decisions your guide is making at every turn

AIARE 1 Private Avalanche Course in Washington

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Private Avalanche Course in Washington

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.

Snowboarders hiking a ridge during an AIARE 1 avalanche course with Blackbird Guides in North Lake Tahoe

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in Mammoth

Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides.

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!

Snowfall Lodge, Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia

Intermediate Expert

7 Days, 7 Nights

Snowfall Lodge BC 2024

The mix of alpine terrain, old growth tree skiing, and massive snowfalls, makes the Snowfall Lodge an incredible destination.

Private Backcountry Skiing Tahoe

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Private Backcountry Skiing Tahoe

We'll select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones Tahoe with our expert guides

Skier making a pow turn on a sunny slope on Mt Baker in Washington

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Private Backcountry Skiing Washington

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones around Washington with our expert guides

Intermediate Advanced

Frog Lake Huts

Explore Incredible terrain and enjoy plush accommodations with the finest hut-based skiing experience outside of BC.

Skier touring up a mountain in the Eastern Sierra, California with Blackbird Guides

Intermediate Advanced Expert

Eastern Sierra Backcountry Skiing

Join us for a day of ski touring in one of the most magical ranges in the United States

Eastern Sierra 4 Day Ski Mountaineering Basecamp

Advanced Expert

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!

Patagonia Ski Mountaineering

Patagonia, Chile & Argentina, South America

Patagonia Ski Mountaineering

A 7-day adventure in Patagonia to summit and ski amazing peaks in the Andes, learn fundamental ski mountaineering skills, and progress your big mountain skiing. Our program supports a range of skills and abilities & will be a ton of fun!

Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering 3 Days

Advanced Expert

Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering 3 Days

Join us for three days of ski mountaineering in one of the most magical ranges in the United States.

Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering

Intermediate Advanced

Eastern Sierra Ski Mountaineering

Join us for a day of ski mountaineering in one of the most magical ranges in the United States.

Extreme terrain is one of the major attractions at the Frog Lake Huts in Truckee. Here, a skier points out backcountry ski lines and snow conditions on some exposed and heavily corniced terrain.

Intermediate Advanced

3 Days / 4 Days

Women's Frog Lake Hut Weekend

Explore Incredible terrain and enjoy plush accommodations with the finest hut-based skiing experience outside of BC.

North Cascades - Private Ski Mountaineering

Advanced Expert

North Cascades - Private Ski Mountaineering

Join us for a day of ski touring in the North Cascades, which are also known as the American Alps!

Ski Mt Shasta with Daron Rahlves

Intermediate - Advanced

Ski Mt Shasta with Daron Rahlves

Join Olympic ski racer and World Cup Champion Daron Rahlves and IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais for the ski mountaineering adventure of a lifetime on Mt Shasta.

Skier hiking on Mt Shasta during a Blackbird Guides Summit & Ski 2 Day trip

Intermediate Advanced Expert

Mt Shasta Private Ski Mountaineering

From fast and light pushes to multiday skills seminars, we can build the perfect program to fit the needs of your team.

Snoqualmie Pass Backcountry Skiing

Intermediate Advanced

Snoqualmie Pass Backcountry Skiing

Select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones around with our expert guides

A starry night at the Sentry Lodge backcountry ski lodge in British Columbia. Ski Lodge photo by Evan Peters

Intermediate Advanced Expert

7 Days, 6 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.

LQ Outpost Backcountry Lodge BC 2025

Intermediate Expert

7 Days, 6 Nights

LQ Outpost Backcountry Lodge BC 2025

Experience a ski touring dreamscape on all aspects of Mt. Lequereux.

Valkyr Lodge BC 2024

Intermediate Expert

7 Days, 6 Nights

Valkyr Lodge BC 2024

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

Italian Alps Ski Week

Advanced Expert

Italian Alps Ski Week

Ski the Italian Alps with IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais and change your perspective of what it means to be a ski mountaineer.

Chamonix Ski Mountaineering Week

Advanced - Expert

Chamonix Ski Mountaineering Week

Ski the French Alps with IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais and change your perspective of what it means to be a ski mountaineer.

A skier rips a turn on deep day in the Tahoe backcountry.

North Lake Tahoe, California South Lake Tahoe, California

Intermediate Advanced

Tahoe Backcountry Pass

The Tahoe Backcountry Pass is a great way to meet new touring partners and enjoy new zones in the Tahoe area!

Daron Rahlves partnering with Blackbird Mountain Guides to provide unforgettable ski mountaineering experiences in California.

Advanced Expert

Ski the Eastern Sierra with Daron Rahlves

Join Olympic ski racer and World Cup Champion Daron Rahlves and IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais for the ski mountaineering adventure of a lifetime in California's Eastern Sierra.

Intro to Backcountry Private

Intro to Backcountry Private

A fun, fast way to learn all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.

Tahoe Tour - North Lake

Intermediate Advanced

Tahoe Tour - North Lake

Select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones in North Lake Tahoe with our expert guides

Tahoe Tour - South Lake

Intermediate Advanced

Tahoe Tour - South Lake

Select an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones in South Lake Tahoe with our expert guides

Mt Rose Backcountry Ski Tour

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Rose Backcountry Ski Tour

Mt Rose offers large amounts of dry snow and an incredible retreat from storms with high snowlines

Women's Intro to Backcountry

Women's Intro to Backcountry

A fun, fast way to master all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.

Women ski touring through a valley looking up at big mountains

Women's Intermediate Backcountry

Take your backcountry skiing and splitboarding to the next level with our Women's Intermediate Backcountry Course!

Skier making a powder turn near the summit of Mt Baker in Washington

Advanced Expert

Mt Baker Summit & Ski 1 Day

A single push ski mountaineering trip covering 7,000' to the top of the Mt Baker in the Cascade Range!

Sunrise on Mt Baker in Washington

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit & Ski 2 Day

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Skier touring on Mt Baker in Washington at dawn

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit & Ski 3 Day

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Skier hiking on Mt Shasta during a Blackbird Guides Summit & Ski 2 Day trip

Advanced Expert

Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent 1 Day

A single push ski mountaineering trip to the top of the largest volcano in the Cascade Range

Skier hiking on Mt Shasta during a Blackbird Guides Summit & Ski 2 Day trip

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent 2 Day

Climb and ski one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Skier making a turn on Mt Shasta in California during a Blackbird Guides Summit & Ski 3 Day trip

Intermediate Advanced

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.

Skier on a ridge above Lake Tahoe during a Blackbird Guides Sugarbowl to Squaw Ski Tour

Intermediate Advanced

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.

Women's Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent 3 Day

Intermediate Advanced

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.

Mt Shasta + Lassen Peak Summit & Ski 4 Day

Advanced Expert

Mt Shasta + Lassen Peak Summit & Ski 4 Day

Climb and ski one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Skier making a turn on Mt Shasta in California during a Blackbird Guides Summit & Ski 3 Day trip

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Shasta Summit & Ski Descent Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!

Skiing Powder and slashing turns in British Columbia’s Monashee Range on a BC Lodge Ski touring Week at Sol Mountain Lodge

Intermediate Advanced

Avalanche Skills Tour

Refresh and sharpen your skills while learning from the decisions your guide is making at every turn

Skier making a turn on Mt Shasta in California

Mt Shasta Skills & Ski Weekend

Learn to climb efficiently, use an ice axe and crampons, and manage the hazards of big mountains like Mt Shasta.

Ski Mountaineering Pass

North Lake Tahoe, California South Lake Tahoe, California

Intermediate - Advanced

Ski Mountaineering Pass

Sharpen your backcountry skills with our expert guides this season as you prepare for an iconic ski mountaineering mission.

Mt Baker Ski Mountaineering Camp 5 Day

Intermediate-Advanced

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.

Lassen Peak Private Backcountry Skiing

Intermediate Advanced

Lassen Peak Private Backcountry Skiing

The Southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, this peak is an ideal place to hone in your ski mountaineering skills, or to just ski incredible snow!

Chile Volcanoes Ski Mountaineering

Patagonia, Chile & Argentina, South America

Chile Volcanoes Ski Mountaineering

A 7-day adventure in Patagonia to summit and ski amazing peaks in the Andes, learn fundamental ski mountaineering skills, and progress your big mountain skiing. Our program supports a range of skills and abilities & will be a ton of fun!

Skier ripping a powder turn at Icefall Lodge in British Columbia

Intermediate - Expert

7 Days, 6 Nights

Icefall Lodge BC

50,000 acres of spectacular terrain that incorporated the best features of classic ranges across the world.

Sunset on Mt Shasta in California

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Shasta Summit Climb 3 Day

Climb one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining mountaineering skills.

Peru Cordillera Blanca Alpine Climbing

Advanced Expert

Peru Cordillera Blanca Alpine Climbing

One of the world’s magnificent mountain ranges, renowned for steep, glaciated peaks with excellent snow, rock and ice climbing

Tent on a ridge overlooking Mt Baker during Blackbird Guides True North - Baker & Shuksan Alpinism Week

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.

Climbers high on the Emmons Glacier route on Mount Rainier

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Rainier Summit & Skills Expedition 5 Day

5 days of big mountain skills & a summit attempt of 14,411' Mt Rainier.

Exposure while rock climbing bear creek spire above little lakes valley in the eastern sierra of california

Intermediate Advanced

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

A climber being guided during an alpine climb of Mount Baker’s North Ridge

Mt Baker North Ridge

Massive relief, expansive glaciers, pitched ice climbing and incredible exposure make this climb simply exhilarating.

Climber climbing with crampons on Mt Shasta during a Summit Climb Single Push trip

Advanced Expert

Mt Shasta Summit Climb 1 Day

Challenge yourself with an alpine start and 12-16 hour day 7,000' single push to the top of Mt Shasta.

Climber in Mount Emerson Gully in California

Intermediate Advanced Expert

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!

Temple Crag Climbing

Intermediate Advanced

Temple Crag Climbing

Climb the famed Celestial Aretes that make up one of our favorite rock-climbing areas in the Eastern Sierra- Temple Crag!

Skier hiking on the summit of Mt Shasta during a Blackbird Guides Summit Climb 2 Day trip

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Shasta Summit Climb 2 Day

Climb one of California’s biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining mountaineering skills.

Lake with Mt Shuksan in the background during the summer

Mt Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

Complex glacier travel, moderate and exposed rock climbing and often a bit of easy ice climbing later in the season.

Climbers on the Boston Glacier Traverse in the North Cascades during a Blackbird Guides Mountaineering Basics course

Intro to Mountaineering

Make the leap from hiker to climber with this introduction to mountaineering skills!

Climber on Pumice Ridge, Mt Baker

Mt Baker Summit Climb 3 Day

A three day, two night mountaineering expedition to summit one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48.

Coleman Deming Glacier with Mt Baker in the Background

Advanced Expert

Mt Baker Summit Climb 1 Day

A massive undertaking where you’ll climb and descend 7,000 vertical feet without taking breaks longer than 15 minutes.

Sunset on Cordillera Blanca in Peru

Advanced Expert

Cordillera Blanca Private Alpine Climbing

Build the perfect itinerary to suit your desires and abilities in the Cordillera Blanca.

Forbidden Peak North Ridge Camp in the North Cascades, Washington

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.

Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag

Beginner Intermediate

Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag

Crystal Crag is the perfect intro to Alpine Climbing for climbers with sport and trad experience.

Mt Shuksan North Face in early winter

Mt Shuksan North Face

Exciting exposure and panoramic views of Mt Baker set the stage for this adventurous big mountain climb.

Private Alpine Climbing Washington

Intermediate Advanced Expert

Private Alpine Climbing Washington

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best climbing zones around Washington with our expert guides

Three climbers on Coleman Glacier, Mt Baker

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit Climb 2 Day

An overnight mountaineering expedition to summit one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48.

Mountaineers climbing with ropes on a glacier in the North Cascades in Washington

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.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

Beginner Intermediate

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Learn the fundamental first aid skills that every backcountry adventurer should have to be a great partner.

Sunset on Mt Shasta in California

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Private Mt Shasta Summit Climb

Build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!

Mont Blanc Summit Climb

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!

Gran Paradiso Summit Climb

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.

Fisher Chimneys climbing route on Mt Shuksan in Washington

Intermediate Advanced Expert

Private Alpine Skills Course

Build the skills you need to accomplish your mountain objectives, from Mt Baker to Mt Everest, or anything in between.

Ice Axe Rental

Crampons, Ice Axe, & Harness Rental

Crampons, Ice Axe, & Harness Rental

Climbing Helmet Rental

Climbing Helmet Rental

Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Climb

Advanced-Expert

Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Climb

Continuous exposure and engaging climbing are the hallmarks of the Hornli Ridge Route on the Matterhorn.

Hikers on the Boston Glacier Traverse in the North Cascades, Washington

Intermediate Advanced

Forbidden Peak North Ridge

The North Ridge of Forbidden Peak is wild alpine climb in Boston Basin.

Mountaineers hiking to Boston Basin in the North Cascades, Washington with Blackbird Guides

Intermediate Advanced

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

Mountaineers climbing on a glacier on Mt Rainier in Washington

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.

learning how to climb mount shasta and other mountains using ice axes and crampons

Intro to Mountaineering on Mt Shasta

You’ll learn to climb efficiently, use an ice axe and crampons, and manage the hazards of big mountains like Mount Shasta.

Crevasses in front of Mt Baker in Washington during a Blackbird Guides 4 day mountaineering skills seminar

Intermediate Advanced

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.

Skier camping at Helen Lake on Mt Shasta in California

Intermediate Advanced

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!

Backcountry Navigation 1

Backcountry Navigation 1

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.

Rock climber on a face in North Lake Tahoe during a Blackbird Guides Rock Climbing Private course

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Rock Climbing Private in Tahoe

The perfect day climbing, from fun single pitch or multi-pitch rock climbing or geared toward learning and improving skills.

Anchor building while rock climbing

Rock Climbing Anchor Building Course

Learn to build a variety of different rock climbing anchors that will allow you to climb safely and efficiently outdoors.

Private Alpine Climbing Washington

Intermediate Advanced Expert

Private Alpine Climbing Washington

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best climbing zones around Washington with our expert guides

Exposure while rock climbing bear creek spire above little lakes valley in the eastern sierra of california

Intermediate Advanced

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

Temple Crag Climbing

Intermediate Advanced

Temple Crag Climbing

Climb the famed Celestial Aretes that make up one of our favorite rock-climbing areas in the Eastern Sierra- Temple Crag!

Rock Climbing Private Half Day

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Rock Climbing Private Half Day

The perfect half day climbing, from single pitch or multi-pitch rock climbing or geared toward learning and improving skills.

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Learn the foundational skills you'll need to climb the famous granite rock of Donner Summit and beyond!

Intro to Trad Climbing Techniques

Intro to Trad Climbing Techniques

Learn how to properly place gear (cams, nuts), how to clean gear, how to trust your gear, and how to build trad anchors.

Climber in Mount Emerson Gully in California

Intermediate Advanced Expert

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!

Sunset on Cordillera Blanca in Peru

Advanced Expert

Cordillera Blanca Private Alpine Climbing

Build the perfect itinerary to suit your desires and abilities in the Cordillera Blanca.

Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag

Beginner Intermediate

Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag

Crystal Crag is the perfect intro to Alpine Climbing for climbers with sport and trad experience.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

Beginner Intermediate

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Learn the fundamental first aid skills that every backcountry adventurer should have to be a great partner.

Climbing Harness Rental

Climbing Harness Rental

Rock Climbing Harness Rental

Rock Climbing Harness Rental

Climbing Shoe Rental

Climbing Shoe Rental

Climbing Helmet Rental

Climbing Helmet Rental

Mountaineers hiking to Boston Basin in the North Cascades, Washington with Blackbird Guides

Intermediate Advanced

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

Extreme terrain is one of the major attractions at the Frog Lake Huts in Truckee. Here, a skier points out backcountry ski lines and snow conditions on some exposed and heavily corniced terrain.

Intermediate Advanced

3 Days / 4 Days

Women's Frog Lake Hut Weekend

Explore Incredible terrain and enjoy plush accommodations with the finest hut-based skiing experience outside of BC.

Women's AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course

North Lake Tahoe, California

Touring Experience

Women's AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course

Maximize your time and gain all of the fundamental avalanche awareness and rescue skills in our innovative three days course.

Women's Ski Mountaineering Skills

Women's Ski Mountaineering Skills

All the skills you need to tackle any ski mountaineering objective in style

Women ski touring through a valley looking up at big mountains

Women's Intermediate Backcountry

Take your backcountry skiing and splitboarding to the next level with our Women's Intermediate Backcountry Course!

Women's Intro to Backcountry

Women's Intro to Backcountry

A fun, fast way to master all of the skills and techniques you need to start exploring in the backcountry.

the blackbird difference

Innovative courses

Expert Guides

Positive Progression

Community Focused

Ongoing Support

Reviews From Blackbird Adventurers

view AIARE 1 Tahoe

Awesome AIARE Course!

Steve, Mill Valley/CA

“Taking this course with Zeb was the best decision! He was extremely friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable and answered all our questions with great patience.

View AIARE 1 Washington

An Exceptional Course

Andrew, Seattle/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."

view Lift-Accessed Avy Rescue

Too Good For Words

Sarah, San Francisco/CA

Just took the "lift-accessed" Avalanche Rescue course, and it was a fantastic opportunity to act out more realistic rescue scenarios. It was a great refresher and learning experience. Our instructor Evan was knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

View Private Backcountry Skiing

Seriously experienced guides!

Julie, Everett/WA

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!

view this adventure

An Incredible Weekend!

Jenna, Tahoe City/CA

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. Highly recommended. Great group of people!

Mt Shasta & Lassen Peak

Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan

International

North Cascades

Tahoe

Snoqualmie Pass

Eastern Sierra

Mt Rainier