Backcountry Navigation Course in Tahoe
This one-day Backcountry Navigation course in Tahoe equips outdoor enthusiasts with essential navigational skills for safe mountain travel. Led by AMGA-trained guides, you’ll develop practical proficiency in map and compass use—including pacing and bearing—while interpreting topography and hazards in real terrain. You'll also learn route planning with both analog and digital tools, GPS fundamentals, and contingency planning for changing weather or unexpected trail conditions. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll enhance your confidence and self-reliance in unfamiliar environments, reduce reliance on trails, and improve group safety. This course is an ideal companion to backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or multi-day wilderness adventures—ensuring you’re prepared to navigate seamlessly across Tahoe’s high country and beyond.
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- Basic Route Planning
- Map Scales
- Grid System and Grid References
- Map Symbols
- Contour Lines and basic interpretation
- Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
- Walking on general compass bearings
- Identifying large features on a map and then finding them in the surrounding area
- Hand Railing large features
- Macro or large area navigation techniques
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
Here's the schedule for your course:
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
There are no prerequisites for this program!
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Guide Gratuities
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
Know Before you go
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
- Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
- Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
- Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
- Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
- AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
- Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
- Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
- Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
- Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
- Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!
Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.
Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!
Here's the schedule for your course:
Field Day 1
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
This one-day Backcountry Navigation course in Tahoe equips outdoor enthusiasts with essential navigational skills for safe mountain travel. Led by AMGA-trained guides, you’ll develop practical proficiency in map and compass use—including pacing and bearing—while interpreting topography and hazards in real terrain. You'll also learn route planning with both analog and digital tools, GPS fundamentals, and contingency planning for changing weather or unexpected trail conditions. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll enhance your confidence and self-reliance in unfamiliar environments, reduce reliance on trails, and improve group safety. This course is an ideal companion to backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or multi-day wilderness adventures—ensuring you’re prepared to navigate seamlessly across Tahoe’s high country and beyond.
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- Basic Route Planning
- Map Scales
- Grid System and Grid References
- Map Symbols
- Contour Lines and basic interpretation
- Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
- Walking on general compass bearings
- Identifying large features on a map and then finding them in the surrounding area
- Hand Railing large features
- Macro or large area navigation techniques
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
Here's the schedule for your course:
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
There are no prerequisites for this program!
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Guide Gratuities
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
Epic Reviews From Adventurers
- Rated 5 out of 5 starsMount Shasta Summit!
Had a fantastic experience summiting Mount Shasta with my guide, Sean! He was easy to get along with, very knowledgable, and had a calm, encouraging demeanor. The climb itself was a real challenge, but worth it. The whole experience was positive and getting to the top felt like a genuine accomplishment that will give me the confidence to start taking on more overnight camping and hiking alone.
Laura L.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsGreat value
I did the crevasse rescue course and it went great, I learned a lot and feel much more comfortable. I especially appreciated how it was a small group - 3 students and 1 guide. Our guide Jan was great - he was very knowledgeable but also kept things laid back and wanted us to enjoy the day. Highly recommend!
Molly D.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsSet me up with a perfect custom skills program - highly recommend!
I'd been trying to setup a way to learn some snow skills basics for awhile, and most companies were just not very responsive for what I wanted, and I actually couldn't make it happen. Then I emailed Blackbird - and not only was it great to finally get some conversation going by email/phone, they were able to set me up with the type of program I was looking for. I was setup with Jon as my guide and felt like I was in very capable hands the entire time - covering all the topics relevant for my goals. While I'm comfortable enough camping and hiking in the wilderness, I had zero experience with crampons, ice axes, safety aspects etc, along with navigating more challenging and steep terrain. We started off covering some initial information that went well enough to tackle a couple objectives - which were far more challenging than I'd originally thought possible for myself. But he really nailed it, and picked a plan which let me push what I could do while still feeling comfortable. Plus I appreciated his patience, encouragement and positivity as I sorted out my practice of these new skills. Overall highly recommended!
Tobin S. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsIncredibly knowledgeable guides!
Incredibly knowledgeable guides. It was my first time on a serious mountaineering trip, and our guide Jason was a great resource for our attempt at the Shasta summit. Despite insanely cold and snowy weather for May we had a great time!
Thomas M.Verified Buyer
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