Get ready for winter with this FREE series of backcountry education workshops!

Learn the basics for safe backcountry travel by attending one or all of these free avalanche education workshops presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports and Ortovox. The workshops will be held at Alibi Ale Works – Truckee Public House. 

These workshops are for YOU if you like to backcountry ski, splitboard, snowmobile, snowshoe, or just explore snow-covered mountains. There will be 4 workshops held between October and January covering different aspects of avalanche education. Each event is a stand-alone event, meaning you can attend one, or all, but they do not build on each other.

1. The Basics -  Know Before You Go
2. The Beta -  Learn About Where To Go & When To Go There
3. The Rescue - Learn About Tools, Techniques & and Hear Real Life Stories
4. Partner Up- Finding The Right Partners To Safely Enjoy The Backcountry With

Join us to get educated, learn about new gear and technologies, and connect with a community of like-minded backcountry travelers.

The Basics - Know Before You Go

Join us at our first of four events for a true backcountry basics refresher.

We’ll cover everything you need to know to start your season off right, how to plan for a successful day in the mountains, what gear you’ll need, and what it means to be a good partner in the backcountry.

Our speakers will share insights from different perspectives: what goes into avalanche forecasting and how daily conditions are evaluated, the gear and preparation every new skier or rider should know, tips for choosing the right partners, and how to keep your body strong and injury-free through proper preseason prep and efficient skinning technique.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, come early to grab a beer and snacks and settle in. The formal presentation begins at 6:30 PM.

Speakers:

• Ian Anderson, PT Revolution
• Steve Reynaud, Tahoe Mountain School
• Andy Anderson, Sierra Avalanche Center

There will be a HUGE raffle benefitting the Sierra Avalanche Center, Tahoe’s local avalanche forecasting center which provides a wealth of information to backcountry skiers, riders, and sledders. Their mission is to inform and educate the public about backcountry avalanche conditions in the greater Tahoe area. Swag giveaways from our event sponsors: Orotovox, Tahoe Mountain School, Smartwool, Dynafit, Pomoca, PT Revolution, Alpenglow Expeditions, Black Diamond, Flylow, Rab, Blackbird Guides, Julbo, Slablab, Blizzard, Tahoe Donner Cross Country

The Beta -  Where & When To Go

Wednesday, November 19th

Join us for our second event in the series, where we’ll dive into the essentials of reading conditions and making smart choices in the backcountry.

This session will cover the building blocks of decision-making, how to assess zones based on weather and snowpack, what natural warning signs to look for on the skin track, and how to identify and avoid common terrain traps. You’ll also hear about the everyday logistics that matter just as much as avalanche knowledge: where and how to park, skin track etiquette, and ways to be a good steward of the Truckee/Tahoe backcountry community.

Our speakers will share practical insights drawn from their expertise in guiding, writing, and advocacy, giving you a clearer picture of not just where to go, but when to go there, and how to do it responsibly.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your backcountry skills!  Doors open at 6pm. Give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot, and to grab beer and snacks before the formal presentation begins at 6:30pm.

Speakers:

• Richard Bothwell, Author of Light Tours of Tahoe by Beacon Guidebooks
• Alex Mitchko, Guide for Alpenglow Expeditions
• Anthony Cupaiuolo, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance

There will be a HUGE raffle benefiting Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, the voice for the human-powered winter backcountry community in the Lake Tahoe area, advocating for and informing our community about critical issues affecting winter backcountry recreation in Tahoe. Prizes include swag from our event sponsors: Orotovox, Tahoe Mountain School, Smartwool, Dynafit, Pomoca, PT Revolution, Alpenglow Expeditions, Black Diamond, Flylow, Rab, Blackbird Guides, Julbo, Slablab, Tahoe Donner Cross Country, LMNT, Ombraz

The Rescue - Stories, Tools & Techniques

Wednesday, December 17th

What do you do when things go wrong in the backcountry?

Our third event in the Avalanche Education Series focuses on the reality of accidents and what it takes to be prepared for a rescue. We’ll talk about the essential tools of avalanche safety, beacon, shovel, probe, and airbag and how to use each effectively when every second counts.

You’ll also hear firsthand what it’s like to be caught in an avalanche, and insights into how search and rescue operations unfold once the call goes out. We’ll cover what to do if you or your partners are involved in an incident, how rescue teams mobilize, and what steps you can take to increase your chances of survival.

We’ll also highlight the latest tools in communication and navigation technology that can support your safety in the field, along with practical advice from local search and rescue leaders on how to prepare before you head out.

Speakers:

• Rylan Cordova and team to recount Rylan’s avalanche incident in April of 2024
• Logan Talbott TNSAR
• Brandon Moore Garmin

• Sarah Krammen President Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue

Doors open at 6 pm. Give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot and grab beer and snacks before the formal presentation begins at 6:30 pm.

There will be a HUGE raffle benefitting Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. They do great work in the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe area conducting conduct fast, safe rescues and educating the public on winter safety. Raffle prizes include swag from Orotovox, Tahoe Mountain School, Smartwool, Dynafit, Salewa, PT Revolution, Alpenglow Expeditions, Black Diamond, Flylow, Rab, Blackbird Guides, Julbo, Slablab, LMNT, Skratch, Blizzard, Rockie Talkie, Garmin, Patagonia

Partner Up - Find The Right Partners To Safely Enjoy The Backcountry With

Wednesday, January 21st

Finding the right partners can be the difference between a safe, fun day in the backcountry and one that goes sideways.

For our final event in the Avalanche Education Series, we’re tackling the human side of avalanche safety. Decades of research show that people, not just snow conditions, are the primary factor in backcountry incidents and success. That’s why we’re teaming up with SlabLab for an interactive evening designed to help you connect with potential partners in a structured, meaningful way.

This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen lecture. Think of it as “speed dating for the backcountry”—you’ll cycle through short, focused conversations with other attendees to talk about skill levels, experience, and what kind of adventures you’re looking for. Along the way, you’ll pick up language and tools for evaluating partners and forming stronger, safer teams.

Everyone who attends will also receive a temporary membership to SlabLab’s partner-finding network, giving you an easy, private way to reconnect with people you meet without having to share personal contact info.

Doors open at 6pm. Give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot and grab beer and snacks before the formal presentation begins at 6:30pm.

There will be a HUGE raffle benefitting a local non-profit. Raffle prizes include swag from Orotovox, Tahoe Mountain School, Smartwool, Dynafit, Salewa, PT Revolution, Alpenglow Expeditions, Black Diamond, Blackbird Guides, Flylow, Slab Lab, Skratch, LMNT, Skida, Rab, Julbo

Overall Agenda For Individual Events

• 6pm: Doors Open
• 6:30-7:30pm: Presentations 
• 7:30pm: Raffles Begin

Other Information

• Each event is a stand-alone event; meaning you can attend one or all of them. They do not build on each other. 
• Sponsors and brands will be on site to showcase their product and do giveaways. 
• There will be food and beverages available at all events.
• For more information, please contact Tahoe Mountain Sports.

 

Avalanche Series Sponsors

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor ORTOVOX for making this series possible! For over 30 years, ORTOVOX has been the most successful producer of avalanche equipment, backpacks, and merino outerwear for alpine sports throughout the year. Come check out their products at Tahoe Mountain Sports.

Thanks to all of our sponsors:

Major Sponsors:

• Alibi Ale Works
• Flylow
• Tahoe Mountain School
• Rab
• Julbo
• Smartwool
• Black Diamond
• Alpenglow Expeditions
• Dynafit
• Blackbird Mountain Guides
• PT Revolution

Event Sponsors:

• Salewa
• Pomoca
• SlabLab
• LMNT
• Blizzard
• Skratch
• Ombraz
• Garmin
• Patagonia
• Skida
• Rocky Talkie

• Tahoe Donner Cross Country
  

Please support our nonprofit partners: Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Nickolay Dodov Foundation, Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue, and Sierra Avalanche Center.

Ready to take it to the next level? Read about Why you should take an Avalanche Level One Certification (AAIRE Avy 1 Class).