Lift-Accessed AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course in Tahoe

Book Early & Save!

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.

---

Our unique Lift-Accessed Avalanche Rescue Course allows you to practice multiple scenarios searching from the top down to build awareness of terrain & learn how to effectively save a companion buried in an avalanche. Using lifts, you'll get more practice in more realistic terrain, with no time wasted on the approach.

Course price includes a $50 Discounted Lift Ticket

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.

Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • What to do if you're caught in an avalanche
  • What to do if your partner is caught in an avalanche
  • How to use your beacon, shovel and probe
  • Rescue equipment technology
  • Rescue techniques for companion and small team rescue
  • How terrain affects an avalanche rescue and how to use terrain to your advantage
  • Visual search, transceiver search and spot probing
  • Strategies for using your gear effectively

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Why choose an AIARE Rescue Avalanche course in Tahoe?

    Tahoe is an excellent location for an Avalanche Rescue course due to its reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and dynamic weather. The deep snowpack and diverse landscape—ranging from tree-filled slopes to open alpine bowls—provide realistic settings for practicing essential rescue skills, including beacon searches and digging techniques. Tahoe’s changing weather also allows students to experience different snow conditions, helping them learn how to adapt their rescue techniques.

    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.

Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE Avalanche Rescue course?:

    Choosing Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE Avalanche Rescue course means learning from some of the most experienced and dedicated avalanche professionals in the industry. Blackbird’s instructors are seasoned backcountry guides with extensive hands-on experience in diverse avalanche terrain. We prioritize small group sizes, which allows for personalized instruction and in-depth practice of critical rescue skills, including beacon searches, probing, and efficient shoveling techniques.

    We are also the #1 AIARE course provider in the U.S., committed to the highest standards of safety and education. With Blackbird, you gain practical knowledge, confidence, and skills to handle avalanche rescue situations, supported by a team that’s dedicated to your growth and safety in the backcountry.

    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.

Here's the schedule for your course:

  • 8:30 am - Meet your guide at the ski area (either Donner Ski Ranch or Tahoe Donner)

  • 9:00 am - Load the ski lifts and cover fundamental avalanche rescue skills

  • 10:30am -3:00pm - Instructor rescue demo and participant led scenarios with the opportunity to ski laps in between

  • 3:00-3:30 - Course ends

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.

  • 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:

  • Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
  • Tahoe or Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Permit
  • Lift Ticket (a $50 value)
  • AIARE Certification/Student Fees (a $20 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 $345.00
Private Programs
Duration: 1 Day
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

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course Itinerary

8:30 am Meet your guide at Donner Ski Ranch

9:00 am Load the ski lifts and cover fundamental skills

10:30am -3:00pm Instructor rescue demo and participant led scenarios

3:00-3:30 Course close

We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • What to do if you're caught in an avalanche
  • What to do if your partner is caught in an avalanche
  • How to use your beacon, shovel and probe
  • Rescue equipment technology
  • Rescue techniques for companion and small team rescue
  • How terrain affects an avalanche rescue and how to use terrain to your advantage
  • Visual search, transceiver search and spot probing
  • Strategies for using your gear effectively

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Why choose an AIARE Rescue Avalanche course in Tahoe?

    Tahoe is an excellent location for an Avalanche Rescue course due to its reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and dynamic weather. The deep snowpack and diverse landscape—ranging from tree-filled slopes to open alpine bowls—provide realistic settings for practicing essential rescue skills, including beacon searches and digging techniques. Tahoe’s changing weather also allows students to experience different snow conditions, helping them learn how to adapt their rescue techniques.

    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.

Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE Avalanche Rescue course?:

    Choosing Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE Avalanche Rescue course means learning from some of the most experienced and dedicated avalanche professionals in the industry. Blackbird’s instructors are seasoned backcountry guides with extensive hands-on experience in diverse avalanche terrain. We prioritize small group sizes, which allows for personalized instruction and in-depth practice of critical rescue skills, including beacon searches, probing, and efficient shoveling techniques.

    We are also the #1 AIARE course provider in the U.S., committed to the highest standards of safety and education. With Blackbird, you gain practical knowledge, confidence, and skills to handle avalanche rescue situations, supported by a team that’s dedicated to your growth and safety in the backcountry.

    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.

Here's the schedule for your course:

  • 8:30 am - Meet your guide at the ski area (either Donner Ski Ranch or Tahoe Donner)

  • 9:00 am - Load the ski lifts and cover fundamental avalanche rescue skills

  • 10:30am -3:00pm - Instructor rescue demo and participant led scenarios with the opportunity to ski laps in between

  • 3:00-3:30 - Course ends

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.

  • 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:

  • Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
  • Tahoe or Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Permit
  • Lift Ticket (a $50 value)
  • AIARE Certification/Student Fees (a $20 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

the blackbird difference

Innovative courses

Professional Guides

Positive Progression

Community Focused

ongoing support

Got Questions?

We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!