Intro to Backcountry Skiing Class in Lake Tahoe

While most resorts open late November, backcountry conditions are usually ideal from late December to mid May.

You must be a strong intermediate skier or rider within a ski resort to join us in the backcountry. This is for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

Other than these skills, you do not have to have any other experience in the backcountry. This course is designed to take the resort skier beyond the boundaries, and show them the world of backcountry skiing.

On average we skin (hike with skis) between 1,500’ and 2,500’ of vertical gain.

Good level of physical fitness is required, and you should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear.

• 8:00am – 8:30am: Meet your guide and fellow skiers. go through the gear and set goals for the day.
• 8:30am – 12:00pm: Morning tour.
• 12:00pm – 12:30pm: Lunch.
• 12:30pm – 3:30pm: Afternoon tour.

Group sizes are small (4:1 client to guide ratio), but there is a minimum enrollment of 3 in a group class to make it run.

Mitigating avalanche risk is paramount for any trip in the backcountry — that’s why it’s best to tour with a guide! Rest assured that your guide will set objectives that are attainable for the weather conditions of that particular day, including making the call to reschedule if needed. If you have any other questions, send an inquiry for more information.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is your best bet. You can also fly into San Francisco (SFO) and make the 3.5 hour drive.

• Touring skis or snowboard with skins, boots, poles (can be rented)
• Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel (can be rented)
• Backpack, 20-35 liters (can be rented)
• Food, water, sunscreen, lip balm
• Clothing
• Under layers:
  • lightweight merino wool or synthetic long john top and bottom
  • lightweight merino wool or synthetic t-shirt
  • lightweight merino wool or synthetic briefs/ underwear
  • wool/ synthetic
• Outer layers/ insulation:
  • Soft shell “guide pants”, or hard shell goretex pants, conditions dependent
  • Soft shell jacket
  • Hooded puffy jacket (down or synthetic)
  • Hard shell jacket (waterproof/ breathable)
  • warm beanie
  • lightweight gloves with good dexterity
  • warm, waterproof gloves or mittens
• Misc:
  • sunglasses
  • goggles
  • camera

Avalanche transceiver, probe an shovel are available from adventure provider for $25.