AIARE AVALANCHE LEVEL 1 (TAHOE/TRUCKEE)
Truckee/Donner Summit, CA
NASTC is proud to be one of the oldest continuous AIARE school in Tahoe/Truckee, offering avalanche classes since 1996.
All AIARE Level 1 classes take place in Truckee/Donner Summit. Upon completion, students have their AIARE 1 certification.
PRICE: $495 until NOV 15 (offer extended!), $650 after
Send your $200 deposit (refundable until 30 days prior) via VENMO to @jenny-fellows-3 to hold a spot and get started on the online portion of the class!
You’ll receive the online homework links within 24 hours.
Email JennyNASTC@gmail.com which date you prefer.
2024-2025 class dates:
Dec 7-8, 2024
Dec 14-15, 2024
Jan 11-12, 2025
Jan 18-19, 2025 (Sat & Sun of MLK Weekend)
Feb 1-2, 2025
Feb 8-9, 2025
Feb 16-17, 2025 (Sat & Sun of Presidents’ Day Weekend)
Feb 22-23, 2025
Mar 8-9, 2025
March 15-16, 2025
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 2-3.
You can also use this Paypal link if you prefer that over Venmo:
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
Upon enrolling in our course, you will receive the link for your on-line coursework. You will complete that before your first class, a 3-hour Zoom session with your full class and instructor(s). You will meet from 8AM-4PM for your two days of fieldwork on Donner Summit (usually Boreal Snowpark). We’ll also send you an equipment and reading list. We can rent you the beacon, shovel, and probe avy kits or any one piece. 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): $25/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,
Visit our site for the 1-day Rescue Course, AIARE Level 2, and Intro to Backcountry Skiing
Dec 17-19, 2024 (Tu-Th)
Jan 24-26, 2025 (Sat–Mon)
Jan 11, 2025 (Sat of MLK before L1)
Jan 23, 2025 (Th before L2)
March 14, 2025 (Fri before L1)
