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Shasta Season is here! Check out our climbing & ski programs!

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California Adventures

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

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Rock Climbing Half Day - Private

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Rock Climbing Half Day - Private

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

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!

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) in Tahoe

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

Beginner Intermediate

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) in Tahoe

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

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) in Tahoe

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

Beginner Intermediate

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) in Tahoe

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

Students treating a wound during a wilderness first responder course in Tahoe

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

5 Days + Pre-Course Work

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Wilderness First Responder is an essential course for outdoor professionals and serious recreationalists who spend significant time in environments with limited access to medical care and that have unreliable means of communication.

A WFR assessing an injured person on a wilderness First Responder Course

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

2 Days (16 hours)

Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR Recert)

Wilderness First Responder is an essential course for outdoor professionals and serious recreationalists who spend significant time in environments with limited access to medical care and that have unreliable means of communication.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

Intro to Mountaineering in Tahoe

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

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.

A student practicing during a crevasse rescue course in Tahoe

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.

Fisher Chimneys climbing route on Mt Shuksan in Washington

Intermediate Advanced Expert

Alpine Skills Course - Private

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

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.

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.

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!

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) in Tahoe

Truckee, California (North Lake Tahoe)

Beginner Intermediate

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) in Tahoe

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

Mt Shasta Summit Climb - Private

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Backcountry Skiing Tahoe - Private

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

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

Intro to Backcountry in California - Private

Intro to Backcountry in California - Private

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

Intermediate Advanced

Frog Lake Huts

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

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

South Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and splitboarding

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.

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

A skier arcing a turn above his guide on Mt Shasta

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.

Ski Guides on Mt Shasta in Avalanche Gulch

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 Summit & Ski

Advanced Expert

Mt Shasta + Lassen Summit & Ski

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

Lassen Peak Backcountry Skiing - Private

Intermediate Advanced

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!

A private group having dinner at the Frog Lake Backcountry Ski Huts in Truckee

Intermediate Advanced

Frog Lake Huts - Private Guiding

Book our guides to make your Frog Lake Huts Trip a huge success!

Ski touring in the eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Backcountry Skiing Mammoth - Private

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

Backcountry skier touring in the Eastern Sierra

Advanced Expert

Eastern Sierra 3 Day Ski Mountaineering

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

Mt Shasta Ski Mountaineering Skills Expedition

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Shasta Ski Mountaineering Skills Expedition

Learn fundamental efficiency, safety skills & strategy to climb & ski challenging routes on big mountains.

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.

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.

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course in Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course in Tahoe

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

AIARE 1, Rescue, Extensive Touring

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in Tahoe

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

Lift-Accessed AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Tahoe

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

Intro to Backcountry in California - Private

Intro to Backcountry in California - Private

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

A D3 sized avalanche in the Mt Baker backcountry triggered by an explosive.

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.

A backcountry skier in Avalanche Terrain in the Mt Baker backcountry

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.

Avalanche Rescue Course in Washington

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 Avalanche Course in California - Private

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in California - Private

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

Intro to Backcountry in Washington

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 Avalanche Course in Washington - Private

Touring Experience

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in Washington - Private

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

Students from an AIARE 1 Avalanche course perform snowpack tests in the Truckee, Lake Tahoe area during their avalanche level 1 course.

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.

Avalanche Rescue Course in Mammoth

Mammoth Lakes, California

Touring Experience

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Mammoth

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

Backcountry skiing in Bagley Lakes Area in the Mt Baker backcountry.

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.

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in California - Private

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in California - Private

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

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in Washington - Private

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course in Washington - Private

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