Students during an AIARE 1 Avalanche course in Lake Tahoe, digging snow pits to inspect the snowpack and layering.

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in Tahoe

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Prices for the 2025/26 winter season will be increasing soon. Book today to lock in the best rate of the season and guarantee your spot before courses fill.

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Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course features two full days in the field and an interactive online course built by Blackbird Mountain Guides. It provides a foundation for assessing and managing avalanche hazard as well as finding the best turns in the backcountry!

Please let us know if you would like to be in the same group as other participants in the notes section when booking! We cannot accommodate last minute group switches.

Location: Unless specified, all courses are in North Lake Tahoe (Truckee area). Some course dates are available in South Lake Tahoe - see course dates list.

Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is essential for anyone venturing into the backcountry. Whether you're a skier, or snowboarder, understanding avalanche risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for your safety.

We'll cover the following detailed topics and skills:

  • Mountain Snowpack
  • Mountain Weather
  • The Avalanche Problems
  • Trip Planning
  • Snow and Weather Observations
  • How to Practice Small Team Avalanche Rescue
  • Terrain Choice
  • Human Factors and Assembling your Team
  • Trailhead Departure Check
  • Route Finding
  • Track Setting
  • Descent Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AIARE 1 and AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche courses?

    AIARE 1 is a 24 hour program, typically with 8 of those hours devoted to classroom study, or in our case, an online curriculum. Of the remaining 16 hours, 8 are typically devoted to planning and executing a ski tour, 4 are for a snow pit, observations, terrain, decision making, etc (full list below), and 4 hours are for avalanche rescue practice.

    Our AIARE 1 + Rescue adds a full day of field work, which not only provides more comprehensive rescue training, but it allows us to cover the rest of critical the AIARE 1 topics in much more depth than a regular AIARE 1 course since none of the 16 hours devoted to AIARE 1 time are used for rescue practice (there is a full day for this built in!).

    While an AIARE 1 is a great start to your Avy Education, with an AIARE 1 + Rescue you'll walk away with vastly superior avalanche rescue skills and more firsthand knowledge of terrain, snowpack and observations. For more benefits of the AIARE 1 + Rescue course check our blog post: What's the difference between AIARE 1 and AIARE 1 + Rescue?

    Explore our AIARE 1 + Rescue Course in Tahoe (includes Lift-accessed Rescue course).

Why choose an AIARE 1 Avalanche course in Tahoe?

    Tahoe is an ideal location for the AIARE 1 course due to its diverse terrain, deep snowpack, and dynamic weather conditions. The area’s steep bowls, couloirs, tree-lined slopes, and open meadows provide real-world scenarios for assessing avalanche risks.

    Tahoe's consistent snowfall creates a layered snowpack, allowing students to practice stability tests and rescue techniques in varied conditions, from fresh powder to wind slabs. Its rapidly changing weather offers hands-on experience in reading avalanche forecasts and adapting to evolving conditions. Accessible from the Bay Area and major cities, including Sacramento and Reno, Tahoe combines convenience with an immersive backcountry learning environment, supported by a strong local avalanche community and top-tier guides.

What is a lift-accessed Avalanche Rescue course and what are the benefits vs. a regular Avalanche Rescue course?

    A lift-accessed avalanche rescue course is designed to maximize practice and learning by using ski resort lifts for quick access to realistic avalanche terrain. This approach allows participants to focus on essential skills such as transceiver searches, team rescue coordination, and descending while searching, without the time-consuming transitions of backcountry courses. The ease of access ensures more rescue scenarios are covered, improving proficiency in life-saving techniques. Additionally, the varied terrain and safe environment of ski resorts enhance the learning experience.

    For more info, check out our blog post on the advantages of a lift-accessed rescue course

    Explore our Lift-accessed Rescue Course in Tahoe

Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 course?:

    Whether it's for our expert, AIARE-certified instructors, flexible online learning options, or practical, lift-accessed rescue training, there are many reason why students choose us. Our courses focus on real-world skills in varied terrain, making learning more efficient and applicable. Additionally, the combination of high-quality instruction and innovative course formats helps our students retain knowledge and stay prepared for real avalanche scenarios. This makes us a trusted choice for anyone serious about avalanche safety education.

    For more info check out our blog post about what makes Blackbird's AIARE courses different.

This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

*Early season courses (Nov-Dec) are snowfall- and conditions-dependent. We will let students know 10-14 days ahead of their course date if there is a chance it will not run. If we are unable to run the course, students can reschedule to a later date at no cost. Keep in mind however, that courses fill up fast and we may not be able to reschedule you until later in the season!

Here's the schedule for your course:

  • 6 Hour Online Course - can be completed any time prior to the pre-field webinar

  • 2 Hour Pre-Field Zoom Webinar - 7:00-9:00pm the Wednesday before the field days

  • Field Day 1 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after the pre-field webinar, based on weather and snow conditions

  • Field Day 2 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after Field Day 1, based on weather and snow conditions

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

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

  • Basic Backcountry Touring Skills - Including familiarity with equipment and avalanche gear. Just getting into backcountry skiing or riding? Join us for an Intro to Backcountry before your AIARE 1 to get familiar with gear and movement in the backcountry!

  • 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.

Here's what's included with your course:

  • Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
  • Tahoe or Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Permit
  • Interactive Online Course with lifetime access
  • AIARE Field Book (a $30 value)
  • AIARE Certification/Student Fees (a $35 value)
  • Group Safety Gear - Snow Science, First Aid Kits
  • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal, in compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Ski/Splitboard Gear
  • Avalanche Gear
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Winter Parking Passes
  • Guide Gratuities

Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Gear List

Know Before you go

SKILL LEVELTouring Experience
ELEVATION6,000’-9,000’
LocationTahoe
Price/Person $645.00
Private Programs
Duration: 2 Days
View Full Itinerary

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!

Contact us
Full Itinerary

Online Coursework (6 hours)

Immediately after signing up for Blackbird AIARE 1, you can begin learning. Take the Online Coursework whenever it makes sense for you.  You’ll need roughly 6 hours to complete this portion of the course.  This education is for your own development and understanding, so study hard and come up with some good questions for your instructor.  The more knowledge you have before you arrive to the field, the more you and your fellow participants will get out of the course.  

Please take notes and write down questions as you progress through the online coursework so that we can review them in the “Pre-Field Webinar.”
 

Pre-Field Webinar (2 hours)

Before the course, you’ll be invited to a “Pre-Field Webinar” where you avalanche instructor will tie the lessons of the online coursework together with some fun and helpful exercises.  After that, there will be time available for questions.

 

Field Day 1: Avalanche Rescue and Field Observations

8:00 am  Meet your guide and review the plan for the day. The guide will discuss the avalanche problem for the day, the proposed route up and options for the ascent and descent.  The guide will conduct a Trailhead Departure Check/Beacon Check.

8:30 am  Tour to a zone where we can make snowpack observations pertinent to the current avalanche problem, including a Snow Pit.

12:30 pm  Tour to a zone that is appropriate for practicing small team avalanche rescue.  

3:30 pm  We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned, a synopsis of the avalanche observations that we made and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field. 

 

Field Day 2: Ski Tour with Avalanche Observations and Decision Making

8:00 am  We’ll meet at the trailhead for our objective and students will lead us through the weather overnight and forecast for the day, the current avalanche advisory, our route plan and options, an emergency action plan and perform the trailhead beacon check.  

Throughout the day we will practice the skills that we’ve learned throughout the program in real time to execute our tour in good style.  We’ll practice gathering observations, prioritizing information and making decisions with our teams.

3:30 pm  We’ll regroup at the trailhead to debrief the tour and discuss the lessons of the day.  Then we will close out the program by providing some guidance on good choices for your next steps in avalanche education and ski touring progression.

 

The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is essential for anyone venturing into the backcountry. Whether you're a skier, or snowboarder, understanding avalanche risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for your safety.

We'll cover the following detailed topics and skills:

  • Mountain Snowpack
  • Mountain Weather
  • The Avalanche Problems
  • Trip Planning
  • Snow and Weather Observations
  • How to Practice Small Team Avalanche Rescue
  • Terrain Choice
  • Human Factors and Assembling your Team
  • Trailhead Departure Check
  • Route Finding
  • Track Setting
  • Descent Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AIARE 1 and AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche courses?

    AIARE 1 is a 24 hour program, typically with 8 of those hours devoted to classroom study, or in our case, an online curriculum. Of the remaining 16 hours, 8 are typically devoted to planning and executing a ski tour, 4 are for a snow pit, observations, terrain, decision making, etc (full list below), and 4 hours are for avalanche rescue practice.

    Our AIARE 1 + Rescue adds a full day of field work, which not only provides more comprehensive rescue training, but it allows us to cover the rest of critical the AIARE 1 topics in much more depth than a regular AIARE 1 course since none of the 16 hours devoted to AIARE 1 time are used for rescue practice (there is a full day for this built in!).

    While an AIARE 1 is a great start to your Avy Education, with an AIARE 1 + Rescue you'll walk away with vastly superior avalanche rescue skills and more firsthand knowledge of terrain, snowpack and observations. For more benefits of the AIARE 1 + Rescue course check our blog post: What's the difference between AIARE 1 and AIARE 1 + Rescue?

    Explore our AIARE 1 + Rescue Course in Tahoe (includes Lift-accessed Rescue course).

Why choose an AIARE 1 Avalanche course in Tahoe?

    Tahoe is an ideal location for the AIARE 1 course due to its diverse terrain, deep snowpack, and dynamic weather conditions. The area’s steep bowls, couloirs, tree-lined slopes, and open meadows provide real-world scenarios for assessing avalanche risks.

    Tahoe's consistent snowfall creates a layered snowpack, allowing students to practice stability tests and rescue techniques in varied conditions, from fresh powder to wind slabs. Its rapidly changing weather offers hands-on experience in reading avalanche forecasts and adapting to evolving conditions. Accessible from the Bay Area and major cities, including Sacramento and Reno, Tahoe combines convenience with an immersive backcountry learning environment, supported by a strong local avalanche community and top-tier guides.

What is a lift-accessed Avalanche Rescue course and what are the benefits vs. a regular Avalanche Rescue course?

    A lift-accessed avalanche rescue course is designed to maximize practice and learning by using ski resort lifts for quick access to realistic avalanche terrain. This approach allows participants to focus on essential skills such as transceiver searches, team rescue coordination, and descending while searching, without the time-consuming transitions of backcountry courses. The ease of access ensures more rescue scenarios are covered, improving proficiency in life-saving techniques. Additionally, the varied terrain and safe environment of ski resorts enhance the learning experience.

    For more info, check out our blog post on the advantages of a lift-accessed rescue course

    Explore our Lift-accessed Rescue Course in Tahoe

Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 course?:

    Whether it's for our expert, AIARE-certified instructors, flexible online learning options, or practical, lift-accessed rescue training, there are many reason why students choose us. Our courses focus on real-world skills in varied terrain, making learning more efficient and applicable. Additionally, the combination of high-quality instruction and innovative course formats helps our students retain knowledge and stay prepared for real avalanche scenarios. This makes us a trusted choice for anyone serious about avalanche safety education.

    For more info check out our blog post about what makes Blackbird's AIARE courses different.

This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

*Early season courses (Nov-Dec) are snowfall- and conditions-dependent. We will let students know 10-14 days ahead of their course date if there is a chance it will not run. If we are unable to run the course, students can reschedule to a later date at no cost. Keep in mind however, that courses fill up fast and we may not be able to reschedule you until later in the season!

Here's the schedule for your course:

  • 6 Hour Online Course - can be completed any time prior to the pre-field webinar

  • 2 Hour Pre-Field Zoom Webinar - 7:00-9:00pm the Wednesday before the field days

  • Field Day 1 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after the pre-field webinar, based on weather and snow conditions

  • Field Day 2 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after Field Day 1, based on weather and snow conditions

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

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

  • Basic Backcountry Touring Skills - Including familiarity with equipment and avalanche gear. Just getting into backcountry skiing or riding? Join us for an Intro to Backcountry before your AIARE 1 to get familiar with gear and movement in the backcountry!

  • 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.

Here's what's included with your course:

  • Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
  • Tahoe or Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Permit
  • Interactive Online Course with lifetime access
  • AIARE Field Book (a $30 value)
  • AIARE Certification/Student Fees (a $35 value)
  • Group Safety Gear - Snow Science, First Aid Kits
  • Wag Bags - for human waste disposal, in compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Ski/Splitboard Gear
  • Avalanche Gear
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Winter Parking Passes
  • Guide Gratuities

Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Gear List

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Blackbird runs more courses and trains more students than any other AIARE Avalanche Education provider in North America.
AIARE 1 Avalanche course students learning to probe for a simulated burial victim.
Snowboarders hiking a ridge during an AIARE 1 avalanche course with Blackbird Guides in North Lake Tahoe
An AIARE 1 avalanche course participant in Truckee Lake Tahoe searches the Avalanche debris from a hard wind slab avalanche.
Students from an AIARE 1 Avalanche course perform snowpack tests in the Truckee, Lake Tahoe area during their avalanche level 1 course.
A large persistent slab avalanche or wind slab avalanche in the Truckee Lake Tahoe area. Our AIARE avalanche course used this observation to note the existence of the persistent layer in the area.
A large wind slab avalanche in the Truckee Lake Tahoe area. Signs of recent avalanche activity are obvious signs of instability to anyone who has taken an AIARE avalanche course.

Epic Reviews From Adventurers

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99 reviews
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Can't imagine a better experience!

    Had a really awesome time doing my AIARE 1 with Jason at Blackbird Mountain Guides. Couldn't have imagined a better experience--learned a ton and got some really great skiing in along the way!

    Trent R.
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  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5 Avy Course!

    5/5 Avy Course!

    Weiqi Z.
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  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Super informative and made me feel a lot safer!

    I did the avy rescue course + AIARE 1 last week. Zeb was the instructor for the first day where we focused on avalanche rescue specifics. It was super informative and made me feel a lot safer about venturing into the backcountry. Zeb was really easy to listen to and learn from. The 2nd day was out in the field with John, who was an amazing instructor. He was super patient with us and extremely knowledgeable. We've gone out and done two expeditions since finishing the course last week, and I could not be more grateful for what we learned and the experience we had with Zeb and John.

    Nick C.
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  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Fantastic instruction and guidance!

    My group did a private AIARE Level One course with Mark and received fantastic instruction and guidance. Mark was attentive to what we wanted to learn while following the AIARE 1 curriculum. He brought a great level of stoke throughout the 2 days and inspired us to build good backcountry habits while having fun. Furthermore, Zeb the business owner worked closely with us to accommodate the group, follow COVID policies and meet our needs. I would highly recommend Blackbird for an AIARE course and will certainly sign on with them for future adventures.

    Eli Y.
    Flag of United States
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