About AIARE at LTCC
Avalanche education is critical for anyone traveling in winter backcountry terrain. In our AIARE courses, students learn how to recognize avalanche hazards, evaluate conditions, and make informed decisions while traveling in snowy mountain environments.
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These courses are part of the WEOL program and combine classroom learning with hands-on field experience in the mountains around Lake Tahoe. Whether you're new to backcountry travel or looking to deepen your avalanche knowledge, these courses will help you build the skills and confidence to travel more safely in winter terrain.
We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
Avalanche: AIARE Companion Rescue – This course focuses on avalanche rescue skills and what to do if someone in your group is caught in an avalanche. You’ll practice using a beacon, probe, and shovel while working through realistic rescue scenarios. It’s designed for anyone who travels in avalanche terrain and wants to be prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.
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Avalanche: AIARE Level 1 – This introductory course teaches the fundamentals of traveling safely in avalanche terrain. Students learn how to recognize avalanche hazards, read forecasts, evaluate terrain, and make informed decisions in the backcountry. The course includes both classroom learning and field days in the snow.​
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Avalanche: AIARE Level 2 – This course builds on the skills from Level 1 and is designed for more experienced backcountry travelers. You’ll take a deeper look at snowpack, decision-making, and group leadership while traveling in more complex avalanche terrain..​
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Course Format & Time Commitment
WEOL avalanche courses combine field-based instruction with hands-on skill development in real backcountry settings. Students build practical systems for wilderness travel through guided experience, reflection, and progressive challenge.
Course length:​
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Avalanche: AIARE Companion Rescue: 1 Day
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Avalanche: AIARE Level 1: 3 Days
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Avalanche: AIARE Level 2: 3 Days
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* Each course includes a required one-hour Zoom session.
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What to Expect
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A mix of classroom learning and field days in winter backcountry terrain
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Progressive skill development through hands-on practice
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Snowpack observations, terrain assessment, and decision-making exercises
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Group travel and communication in avalanche terrain
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Full participation during all scheduled field sessions
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Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are hands-on and field-based. You won’t just talk about skills... you’ll be able to get hands on and practice them.
Depending on your course and experience level, you’ll work on:
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Recognizing avalanche terrain and identifying potential hazards
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Interpreting avalanche forecasts and changing mountain conditions
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Safe travel techniques in winter backcountry environments
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Snowpack observations and basic stability assessments
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Avalanche rescue skills using a beacon, shovel, and probe
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Trip planning and risk management for winter travel
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Group communication, teamwork, and leadership in the field
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Decision-making in dynamic avalanche terrain
What You’ll Learn
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
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Avalanche: AIARE Companion Rescue
CA Residents = $23.25
Non-CA Residents = $230.25

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Avalanche: AIARE Level 1
CA Residents = $69.75

Non-CA Residents = $690.74
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Avalanche: AIARE Level 2
CA Residents = $69.75

Non-CA Residents = $690.74

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Additional Course Fees:
Companion Rescue: TBA
Level 1 & Level 2: TBA
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When you enroll in our AIARE courses, you’re getting more than instruction time.
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Materials You'll Receive:​​​
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WEOL Ski Strap
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WEOL Chapstick
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WEOL Mini Sunscreen
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Mini Hand Sanitizer
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Rite in the Rain Notebook
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Mini Pencil
Transportation & Logistics
To make your backcountry experience smooth and environmentally responsible, WEOL provides transportation for all field sessions. Our vehicles allow us to safely shuttle students and gear directly to trailheads without adding congestion to parking areas or winter access points.
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This allows you to focus on learning and traveling in the backcountry while we handle the logistics. Transportation to field locations is included, helping keep the experience organized, efficient, and environmentally conscious.
Gear & What to Bring
Required Gear:
Alpine touring or splitboard system
Winter backcountry clothing layers & gloves
Food, water, and personal items for full days outside
Waterproof shell jacket and shell pants
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Recommended/Optional items:
Thermos for hot drinks
Ski or snowboard repair kit
Personal navigation tools
**Students will be required to carry an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe for these courses.
WEOL provides these items for student use during the course. Students are also welcome to bring their own equipment if preferred.
Winter Travelers
Who it’s for
Backcountry Skiers & Splitboarders
Outdoor Educators
Aspiring Guides
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructors
Name: Travis Feist
Favorite outdoor activities: Exploring new places
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Things that go “braap”
Favorite outdoor meal: A hot lunch on a cold day
Name: Tasha Thomas
Favorite outdoor activities: Snowmobiling and mountain biking.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Too many to choose just one.
Favorite outdoor meal: Grilled meat
Name & preferred pronouns: Angelique Carl (she/her)
Favorite outdoor activities: Skiing, mountain biking, and dirt naps
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Pocket knife - great for scraping ice out of bindings and for slicing cheese (see: favorite meal)
Favorite outdoor meal: Cheese
Name & preferred pronouns: Tim Mincey (he/him)
Favorite outdoor activities: Backcountry Splitboarding, Multipitch rock climbing
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Jones Solution Ultralight splitboard, Petzl Grigri
Favorite outdoor meal: Fancy Ramen
Name & preferred pronouns: Mike Mourar AKA MowPow (He/him)
Favorite outdoor activities: I love warm sunny backcountry skiing above beautiful Lake Tahoe
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: I always have a thermos with hot sweet tea on cold winter ski days
Favorite outdoor meal: My favorite backcountry meal is the Ramen bomb. Cheesy ramen noodles with instant mashed potatoes.
AIARE Level 1 & AIARE Level 2
Course Advisory
Students should have the equipment and ability to competently travel in a backcountry winter environment using touring skis or splitboards (snowshoes are not appropriate for this class). The WEOL (Wilderness Education & Outdoor Leadership) department can provide a backpack, avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
AIARE Level 2
Prerequisite
WLD144A: Avalanche: AIARE Level 1 or WLD145A: Avalanche: A3 Level 1 or equivalent
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Co-Requisite
WLD144B: Avalanche: AIARE Companion Rescue or WLD145B: Avalanche: A3: Companion Rescue or equivalent
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior backcountry or avalanche experience?
No prior avalanche training is required for introductory courses. More advanced courses build on foundational knowledge and experience in winter backcountry travel.
2. Do I need to be a strong skier or snowboarder?
You should be comfortable moving in winter terrain and able to link turns in resort conditions. Advanced riding ability is not required for entry-level courses.
3. What will I learn in an avalanche course?
You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand snowpack and weather factors, make safer decisions, and practice companion rescue techniques.
4. What equipment do I need?
Students are required to have or rent an avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. Additional winter gear and appropriate clothing are also required. LTCC has student gear to borrow!
5. Will I learn how to use avalanche safety gear?
Absolutely. You’ll get hands-on practice using a beacon, probe, and shovel, including how to perform an efficient companion rescue.
Be Prepared Before You Go
Confidence in the winter backcountry starts with knowledge. Join our Avalanche Education courses to build the skills, awareness, and decision-making needed to travel more safely in snowy mountain environments.
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Sign up today and take the first step toward smarter, more confident backcountry travel.