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Skier or Rider Skill Level: strong intermediate to expert. 

Price: $545 for the 2-day and $625 for the 3-day (includes the $40 materials and online fee)

(deposit of $200 required to hold spot) VENMO @JENNY-FELLOWS-3

OR TEXT 530-386-2102 or EMAIL jennyNASTC.COM AND OUR OFFICE WILL ENROLL YOU. OR USE THE PAYPAL TAB  (EMAIL US WHICH DATES YOU WANT):

We offer both the 2-day hybrid and the full 3-day AIARE 1 Avalanche Course options. The hybrid is 2 days of field work preceded by an online course and 2-hour Zoom. The 3-day is a bit more expensive and features 3 full days of “facetime” – day 1 is a Zoom either spread out over two nights or done during one full day. In both course options with us, you’re out in the field for 2 full days with your AIARE course leader and instructors.  

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.

NASTC was one of the first AIARE schools in Tahoe. 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 be will 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

This year due to Covid restrictions the course will run as follows: day one will be via Zoom from 8am-4pm, and days two and three will be 100% in the field (skis on). We will meet at 7:30-8:00am on days two and three and finish by 3pm. You will receive links for precourse work, and for the day one Zoom Class.  When you register with us, we’ll also send you an equipment and reading list.  We rent skis, boots, skins, beacon, shovel and probe. For our field work/ski touring days be sure to dress in layers.  We suggest 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

Visit our site for the 1-day Rescue Course, the AIARE Level 2 and Backcountry Guiding.