Avy Pass

Build confidence and understanding of avalanche hazard with the Avy Pass. Available in the Starter and Pro Pass versions, the Avy Pass provides a series of courses throughout the season to help you develop the skills you need to understand the risks and make sound decisions in the backcountry.
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

A series of courses focused on efficient progression to quickly build the a foundation of avalanche safety skills over the course of a season

Avy Starter Pass:

  • Intro to Backcountry
  • AIARE 1*
  • AIARE Rescue*
  • Tahoe Tour
* Or Choose AIARE 1 + Rescue if you'd prefer the combined program to an AIARE 1 and separate AIARE Rescue.

Avy Pro Pass:

  • AIARE Avalanche Rescue, Lift Accessed
  • AIARE 2
  • Avalanche Skills Tour

How the Avy Pass Works
Once you buy your pass, you'll receive codes to book whichever dates you'd like for the included programs throughout the season Programs within the pass are subject to availability, so book early to secure the dates you want.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for this program:

  • Advanced Resort Riding skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions

  • Basic Backcountry Touring Skills - Including familiarity with equipment and avalanche gear.

  • Basic Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.

  • Ski/Split Touring & Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Shop Recommended Gear OR Visit our Rentals Page

The AIARE Rescue Course can be taken either before OR after the AIARE 1 Course

Here's what's included with your course:

  • Lift Ticket
  • Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
  • Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Ski/Splitboard Gear
  • Avalanche Gear
  • Guide Gratuities

Ski Touring and Avalanche Programs Gear List (Download Here)

Ski/Split Touring Gear

  • Alpine Touring Ski or Splitboard Setup - No snowshoes
  • Alpine Touring or Splitboard Boots
  • Climbing Skins
  • Touring Backpack - with pockets for avalanche gear
  • Adjustable Touring Poles
Avalanche Safety Gear
  • Avalanche Beacon
  • Avalanche Shovel
  • Avalanche Probe
Clothing & Accessories
  • Technical Outerwear (jacket, bibs/pants)
  • Multiple Midlayer Options
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Beanie
  • Baseball Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
  • Lunch and Snacks

  • Know Before you go

    SKILL LEVELBeginner - Intermediate
    ELEVATION6,000-9,000'
    LocationTahoe

    Price $1,295.00
    Private Programs
    Duration: Multi-Program
    View Full Itinerary
    Private Programs

    Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.

    Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.

    SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

    Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.

    Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.

    PRIVATE PROGRAMS

    Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.

    Contact us
    Full Itinerary

    Avy Starter Pass:

    • Intro to Backcountry
    • AIARE 1*
    • AIARE Rescue*
    • Tahoe Tour
    * Or Choose AIARE 1 + Rescue if you'd prefer the combined program to an AIARE 1 and separate AIARE Rescue.

    Avy Pro Pass:

    • AIARE Avalanche Rescue, Lift Accessed
    • AIARE 2
    • Avalanche Skills Tour

    A series of courses focused on efficient progression to quickly build the a foundation of avalanche safety skills over the course of a season

    Avy Starter Pass:

    • Intro to Backcountry
    • AIARE 1*
    • AIARE Rescue*
    • Tahoe Tour
    * Or Choose AIARE 1 + Rescue if you'd prefer the combined program to an AIARE 1 and separate AIARE Rescue.

    Avy Pro Pass:

    • AIARE Avalanche Rescue, Lift Accessed
    • AIARE 2
    • Avalanche Skills Tour

    How the Avy Pass Works
    Once you buy your pass, you'll receive codes to book whichever dates you'd like for the included programs throughout the season Programs within the pass are subject to availability, so book early to secure the dates you want.

    Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for this program:

    • Advanced Resort Riding skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions

    • Basic Backcountry Touring Skills - Including familiarity with equipment and avalanche gear.

    • Basic Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.

    • Ski/Split Touring & Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
    Shop Recommended Gear OR Visit our Rentals Page

    The AIARE Rescue Course can be taken either before OR after the AIARE 1 Course

    Here's what's included with your course:

    • Lift Ticket
    • Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
    • Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
    • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
    Not Included
    • Ski/Splitboard Gear
    • Avalanche Gear
    • Guide Gratuities

    Ski Touring and Avalanche Programs Gear List (Download Here)

    Ski/Split Touring Gear

    • Alpine Touring Ski or Splitboard Setup - No snowshoes
    • Alpine Touring or Splitboard Boots
    • Climbing Skins
    • Touring Backpack - with pockets for avalanche gear
    • Adjustable Touring Poles
    Avalanche Safety Gear
    • Avalanche Beacon
    • Avalanche Shovel
    • Avalanche Probe
    Clothing & Accessories
  • Technical Outerwear (jacket, bibs/pants)
  • Multiple Midlayer Options
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Beanie
  • Baseball Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
  • Lunch and Snacks
  • Book Now
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    the blackbird difference

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