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COURSE DETAILS
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How to read, interpret, and apply daily avalanche forecasts to your tour plan
Identifying avalanche terrain and choosing safer routes through the mountains
Understanding snowpack layers, weather factors, and avalanche triggers
Group decision-making frameworks and low-ego risk management
Transceiver, probe, and shovel mechanics for companion rescue
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We will have a zoom course the week of our course to check in and go over the homework, and set goals and intentions for the course ahead.
Saturday
8 am - Meet @ TH
We’ll spend the day diving into the concepts from our AIARE homework, getting real time observations and feedback from the field. We’ll go over snowpack assessments, terrain ID, learn how to dig a snowpit, read and understand the avalanche forecast, and more! We’ll practice using our avalanche safety gear as well.
4 pm - Debrief @ TH
*Small Homework Assignment
Sunday
8 am - Meet @ TH
You’re taking us on a tour! Based on the avalanche forecast, our observations from the day before, and our group ability and objectives, you’ll put together a tour with the group. We’ll do the tour, and learn as we go in real time if our plan and decision making lined up with all the safety and hazard assessments we made. We will do a bit more avalanche rescue practice.
4 pm - Debrief @ TH
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Skiers and splitboarders who can confidently ride off-piste in variable resort conditions.
Backcountry tourers ready to build formal avalanche safety foundations.
Anyone looking for an inclusive, women-led learning environment with small student-to-guide ratios.
MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE BACKCOUNTRY TOUR UNDER YOUR BELT. Must be comfortable and confident managing your backcountry gear and basic backcountry movement.
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Included:
Official AIARE 1 Certification & student course materials
Access to the AIARE Online Learning Platform
2 full days of field instruction in the Sierra Nevada
Pre-course gear packing list & orientation guidance
Endless supply of skin-track Nerds Clusters & high vibes
Not Included:
Transportation & Lodging
Personal Food/Water
Gear
see Gear List
we have limited rentals available!
Trip Cancellation Insurance/Evac coverage
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After booking through our site, you can expect to receive a confirmation email from us within 24 hours that payment has been successfully received, and your spot is reserved!
We’ll follow up with a welcome email full of information about your trip, with gear lists/rental info, waivers to sign, etc.
A week before the course we’ll follow up with further details, like weather and trailhead specifics. We wait to pick a trailhead so we can capitalize on the best current conditions for touring!
You’ll have 8 hours of homework to complete before the course begins.
We will have a zoom session the week before the course to go over homework and align goals/expectations for the course!
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We recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your purchase from unforeseeable circumstances. If you wish to cancel your trip for any reason, a request must be made in writing via EMAIL.
GENERAL:
Courses are refundable minus a 20% admin fee until 60 Days before departure once paid in full.
Courses are NON REFUNDABLE 60 days or fewer before trip departure.
TRIP INSURANCE can be purchased to help cover the trip fees and other costs incurred under the policy. Regardless of which plan you purchase, make sure you have adequate coverage. Tracks of Her Own is not responsible for poor weather and bad and or closed road conditions. We run trips in inclement weather! Unless specifically canceled, please assume the trip will run and arrive at the program venue on time.
Travelex Select Insurance
World Nomads
In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to reschedule, alter the trip’s itinerary, or cancel the trip. Trip cancellation is the last resort and every effort will be made to run the trip in some facility.
BEGINNER BACKCOUNTRY VS. AIARE 1: WHICH SHOULD I TAKE FIRST? │
Beginner Backcountry Weekend
Focuses on "How to Tour." You’ll master gear management, skinning technique, transitions, packing, and movement mechanics. (Plus, our 3-day option includes your AIARE Rescue certification!).
AIARE 1
Focuses on "How to Evaluate Avalanche Risk." This is a deep dive into snow science, reading avalanche forecasts, terrain hazard assessment, and group decision-making protocols.
PRO TIP: If you've never used touring gear before, start with the Beginner Backcountry Weekend or ensure you're comfortable on your setup so you can focus entirely on snow science during AIARE 1!
