AIARE AVALANCHE LEVEL 1 2025-2026 (TRUCKEE)
AVALANCHE LEVEL 1 WITH THE OLDEST AIARE SCHOOL IN TAHOE
Make your $200 deposit now. We will send you the online link to start your class and course materials today. Balance is not due until 4 weeks prior to your class.
PAYPAL: jenny@skinastc.com / VENMO: @JENNY-FELLOWS-3 / ZELLE: 5303862102
NASTC is proud to be one of the two oldest continuous AIARE school in Tahoe/Truckee, offering avalanche classes since 1996, and AIARE courses since 2007.
All AIARE Level 1 classes take place in Truckee/Donner Summit.
Upon completion, students have their AIARE 1 certification.
PRICE: $575 until Dec 1, then $635
DATES:
Dec 6-7, 2025
Dec 13-14, 2025
Jan 10-11, 2026
Jan 18-19, 2026 (Sun-Mon, MLK weekend)
Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026
Feb 7-8, 2026
Feb 15-16, 2026 (Sun-Mon, Presidents’ Day weekend)
Feb 21-22, 2026
Mar 7-8, 2026
March 14-15, 2026
Day 1 of your avalanche course is comprised of self-paced online coursework plus a 3-hour Zoom class with your instructor(s). When you enroll, we send you the online links. The Zoom is held usually on a Thurs night within 2 weeks of your fieldwork.
Days 2 & 3 of your AIARE 1 are 8-hour fieldwork days in Truckee on Donner Summit with your instructor(s).
Required skier or rider skill level: strong intermediate to expert. This means that at a minimum, you should be able to successfully link parallel turns with a pole plant down un-groomed blue terrain at a ski resort. If you want help reaching that level, sign up for our Jumpstart at Palisades clinic Dec 8-9.
Text or call 530-386-2102 or email jennyNASTC@gmail.com anytime with any questions.
“NASTC’s AIARE 1 was – bar none – the best experience I could imagine. I did my AIARE 1 five years ago with another provider in CO, but my NASTC course leader and instructors were so much more organized, professional, and fun! Didn’t hurt that we skied epic powder for two days! I am going to do an advanced ski clinic at Palisades with NASTC next.” –Beth, San Francisco
Each year more skiers are venturing into the backcountry lured by the opening up of resort boundary lines and the promise of pristine powder fields and underpopulated terrain. However, with more access the risk has never been greater, and the need to know basic safety protocols, rescue techniques, avalanche hazard awareness, and management are essential to survival and having a great time out there.
The AIARE curriculum is a 3-day intensive seminar designed to give you an understanding of avalanche formation, “nature’s billboard” observation skills, the ability to use an avalanche transceiver and probe, and how to dig a snow study pit. This is a minimum amount of know-how if you want to travel, ski, or ride in the backcountry or sidecountry safely. There is time spent daily in the classroom and in the field.
The goals of the course are:
- The student will be taught safe travel methods in avalanche terrain including trip planning and preparation, interpretation of the avalanche bulletin, observational techniques for snowpack, weather, avalanches, terrain analysis, safe travel techniques, and decision-making fundamentals
- The student will be shown how to use various rescue equipment and companion rescue protocols
- The student will be taught how to execute mock rescues in the field
- The student will be introduced to the avalanche triangle, weather, snowpack, terrain and the human factor
- Attain Level 1 certification upon successful completion
In addition to your on-line coursework, you will have a 3-hour Zoom session with your full class and instructor(s) prior to the fieldwork weekend. You will meet from 8AM-4PM for your two days of fieldwork on Donner Summit (Johnson Canyon and Castle Peak/Boreal Snowpark). We’ll also send you an equipment and reading list. For field work/ski touring days be sure to dress in layers. Bring a bag lunch with snacks and plenty of water.
We will send you an updated itinerary as we get closer to the start of the course. This schedule may change slightly based on the group, weather, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the NASTC office.
Avalanche Kit Rental (beacon, shovel, probe): $40/day
“If you want a beginning to end great experience, book anything with NASTC. This is their least expensive course and a very important body of knowledge (24 hours worth) if you go backcountry skiing with friends or even just off-piste at your home ski resort.” –Derek, Sacramento
“I have taken ski improvement clinics with NASTC but this was my introduction to skiing away from the crowds and I LOVED it just as much. My guide was so helpful and fun!” –Lacey,
Dec 16-18, 2025 (Tu-Th)
Jan 24-26, 2026 (Sat–Mon)
Jan 9, 2026 (Fri before L1)
Jan 23, 2026 (Fri before L2)
March 13, 2026 (Fri before L1)
