Intro to Backcountry Skiing in Lake Tahoe
SeasonMid-December through May |
Nearest cityReno, NV, is an hour drive |
Duration1 day |
Skill levelBeginner |
Learn the basics of backcountry skiing in the scenic Lake Tahoe
This one-day course in Tahoe is ideal for anyone new to backcountry skiing or splitboarding. Explore laid-back powder stashes and learn the fundamentals of traveling safely and efficiently in the backcountry. This course is the first step toward epic adventures off-piste, introducing you to safety and avalanche precautions. Ditch the resort crowds and let a professional ski guide teach you how to plan and execute your own simple backcountry tour!
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Itinerary
Depending on the fitness level of the group, technical ability and daily conditions, skiers and riders can expect multiple laps of fresh tracks while learning various tips and tricks from your guide during both the uphill and downhill portions of the day. Terrain varies from wide open bowls to widely spaced trees.
Here is what you will learn about:
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- Touring equipment options
- Clothing layering and techniques
- Use of beacon, probe and shovel
- How to interpret an avalanche bulletin
- Uphill travel techniques using climbing skins
- Avalanche hazard recognition and avoidance
- Downhill travel techniques and group management
Depending on your objectives, full days may start earlier and end later, but in general, your day will look like this:
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- 8:00 am: Meet your guide and fellow skiers and set goals for the day
- 8:30 am – After reviewing gear and equipment, you’ll head out for the first climb and descent of the day
- 12:00 – 12:30 pm: In between the morning and afternoon sessions, you will have a break for some much needed calories
- 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Depending on your observations from the morning, you’ll spend the afternoon skiing and may take part in a staged avalanche rescue
Each morning starts off with a safety meeting with your guide and a gear check to make sure everyone has what they need for the day. Depending on the zone, you’ll either tour right out of the guide’s offices, or take a short drive to a trailhead.
Your guide will come prepared with a defined itinerary for the day, but you’ll have the opportunity to stop and ask questions along the way.