Lake Tahoe Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Riding
Learn to backcountry ski or splitboard with our professional guides. The Intro to Backcountry course is a 1-day introduction to the basic skills and knowledge needed to ski or ride in the backcountry. You will learn how to use your backcountry equipment, what to carry in your pack, tour planning, basic understanding of avalanche awareness, backcountry etiquette and backcountry skiing techniques.
We recommend taking this course before an Avalanche Level 1 course if it’s your first time skiing in the backcountry.
Are you ready to take your skiing and riding into the wilderness? Join our Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Course, this comprehensive program is designed for adventurers of all levels, from novice skiers eager to explore beyond the resort boundaries to seasoned professionals seeking to refine their skills in untouched powder. Led by the most experienced guides in the industry, you'll learn essential techniques for navigating diverse terrain, assessing avalanche risk, the ins and outs of all your gear, efficient transitions, and much much more!
Whether you're drawn to the solitude of pristine landscapes or the thrill of carving fresh tracks, our course provides the knowledge and confidence to take you one step closer to being a confident and comfortable partner in the backcountry.
Book Intro to Backcountry Ski & Ride Course
(North Lake Tahoe)
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking. By completing your booking, you are agreeing to these policies.
December 26, 2025
January 2, 2026
January 9, 2026
January 16, 2026
January 23, 2026
January 30, 2026
February 6, 2026
February 13, 2026
February 20, 2026
February 27, 2026
March 6, 2026
March 13, 2026
March 20, 2026
March 27, 2026
April 3, 2026
April 10, 2026
April 17, 2026
Course Objectives
Avalanche Awareness
Gear familiarity and what to carry in the backcountry
Safety equipment and protocols
Efficient transitions
Uphill skinning and efficient track setting
Kickturns
Proper downhill skiing in the backcountry
Tour Planning and Navigation
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet your Instructor at the proposed location. Go over the Itinerary for the day. Spend the day out working through Avalanche Awareness, Gear familiarity, what to carry in the backcountry, Safety equipment, Efficient transitions , Uphill skinning, efficient track setting, kickturns, Proper downhill skiing technique in the backcountry, tour Planning, and navigation
Prerequisites
Must be able to ski black diamonds at the resort.
Required Equipment
Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Riding Gear List
Avalanche Safety Gear & Packs
Avalanche safety equipment—including a transceiver, shovel, probe, and a ski day pack—is available to borrow for this course at no additional cost. If you plan to borrow any of these items, please indicate your needs in the pre-trip questionnaire linked in your booking confirmation.
Skis, Splitboards, & Boots
We do not rent skis, splitboards, boots, or skins. If you need to rent touring equipment for your course, we recommend renting from our partners at Tahoe Mountain Sports in Truckee. You will be provided a discount code in your booking confirmation email after booking.
Group Size
6 Guests to 1 Guide
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking. By completing your booking, you are agreeing to these policies.