The Blackbird AIARE Avalanche Rescue course brings avalanche rescue training to the next level. We utilize lifts to get you more practice in realistic scenarios, in real terrain, without wasting time on the approach or in a flat meadow.

Here are some of the unique benefits of our Avalanche Rescue Course:

Practice Avalanche Rescue, Top Down. Our program allows participants to do multiple top-down search scenarios. Each scenario starts at the top of the avalanche path, so you can practice searching with your skis or board in downhill mode. It provides valuable insight into searching the way you would if your ski partner was caught during a descent.
Realistic Terrain. Donner Ski Ranch is an ideal venue for this program. It provides incredible access to well defined "avalanche paths" that are highly realistic and provide a great range of terrain for scenarios. Variety in the terrain lends itself to learning important lessons about how the terrain affects an avalanche rescue.
Top notch AIARE Avalanche Course Leaders. Our team has lived and skied in the Tahoe snowpack for decades and our experience is drawn from seasons of guiding, backcountry skiing, performing avalanche control at Class A ski resorts and instructing avalanche courses. All of our avalanche courses are taught by AIARE trained instructors and course leaders.
Lift Ticket Included. You don’t need to buy a ticket or have a season pass, the lift ticket is included with the cost of the course.
Our program is just plain fun! During our program, you'll actually get a few laps of free skiing in! You’ll take laps while your guide sets up avalanche scenarios and you’ll still get more rescue practice than a skinning-based course.
Private Programs available too! This program is perfect for getting you and your ski partners or small team up to speed on avalanche rescue. Contact us today to pick a private date for your group!

The topics that will be covered are:

What to do if you're caught in an avalanche
What to do if your partner is caught in an avalanche
How to use your beacon, shovel and probe
Rescue equipment technology
Rescue techniques for companion and small team rescue
How terrain affects an avalanche rescue and how to use terrain to your advantage
Visual search, transceiver search and spot probing
Strategies for using your gear effectively

Requisite Experience

You can take the Avalanche Rescue Course before or after the AIARE 1 Avalanche Course.

We do require that you:

Are Proficient at Using Your Touring Gear. We will teach you how to use the Avalanche Rescue Tools, but if you are not proficient with your touring gear, consider taking Introduction to Backcountry Skiing. It is an excellent way to gain a basic understanding of ski touring equipment.
Can ride Advanced Terrain at a ski resort. The course venue offers challenging terrain and snow conditions, and it is important that riders have an advanced riding ability to manage highly variable snow conditions while using their avalanche rescue gear.
Have Appropriate Gear. Alpine touring skis and bindings or splitboards are required since we may choose to skin during the program during our searches. In addition to your AT skis or splitboard, you must have modern and functional avalanche rescue tools, including:

Digital Beacon (newer than 5 years old or recently checked by the manufacturer)
High Quality Aluminum Shovel (plastic blades often break in dense snow and/or avalanche debris)
High Quality Probe (modern, quick-draw style)
You can also rent Avalanche Gear from us for your course

Avalanche Courses