Detailed 3-Day Course Description
Snow Course is Free to Hikers
Registration Required
Day 1
- Snowshoeing
- Set up Base Camp
- 6 mile Hike
- Navigation
- Instructional Activities
Will involve getting used to snowshoeing, hiking the mile or so up to Echo Lake, having lunch there on the docks, and progressing up-valley to Tamarack Lake where we will set up our base camp. We will follow the road to Echo, then navigate by Visual Route Referencing over the lake (if sufficiently solid), cross the isthmus between the lakes, and pick our way through the trees (maybe cross the stream) on up to the Tamarack outflow ridge. The elevation gain from Echo to Tamarack may not seem like much, but is difficult because of the stream, trees, and potentially icy traverse. Mileage is around six miles.
As we hike along, there will be numerous stops to discuss or point out educational aspects of snow travel and safety. During each day, you will take care of all your personal needs like food, hydration, sanitation, clothing changes, setting up your base camp, and preparing for various daily clinics and instructional activities.
This day you will also be exposed to the details of over-snow movement and under-snow hazards: control on ice, tree wells, hidden trees and rocks, creek and lake crossing, the importance of balance and how to keep it, idiot-makers, sun and wind exposure, hyper/hypothermia and sweat regulation, fuel management. and climbing techniques. In camp, you will be taught snow camping relevant things like how to select and pick a tent site (actually a big deal), stake your tent out using what you have or can find as "deadman" anchors, safely find and acquire water, safely melt snow on your stove in your tent (should it be storming), keep water and clothes from freezing at night, and camp sanitation.
From the Tamarack Lake base camp, we will conduct the Avalanche Awareness, snow-cave, and Self-arrest Clinics. The Visual Route Referencing (VRR) training day hike will be from there to Aloha and back, no matter the weather.
Day 2
-
Visual Route Referencing (VRR) Navigation Instruction
- Avalanche Awareness and Evaluation
- Route Selection Criteria
- Snow Cave Instruction
Will be the Visual Route Referencing day hike to Aloha and back. This day you will learn how to navigate on snow and still follow the trail, climb and descend safely on various pitches and ice, visually triangulate/orientate with map and compass, be alert to topographic/environmental awareness in spontaneous route selection, and spot avalanche and cornice dangers. We will also cover slope safety evaluation via the digging of snow pits and how its information regarding the layering of the snow pack can help you select safe routes in the backcountry. In the afternoon, when we come back to base, will be the snow-cave instruction clinic, where after, those interested can spend a warm night inside!
Day 3
-
Self-arrest Instruction
-
Lunch
- Depart & Group Dinner
Will begin with the often hilarious self-arrest clinic where we will learn how to fall and self-arrest with our packs on. This is a wet moment, so you will need durable shells, gaiters, and hoods. After lunch we will hike out to the cars and head home. Often, for those heading to South Lake Tahoe, we enjoy a group dinner together to laugh over stories of the trip at a local diner, pub, or brewery before going our separate ways.
Further Questions:
Stay in touch as your Course date approaches. Please feel free to contact your guide/instructor or Ned by e-mail at
ned@pacificcrestcustombuilders.com if you have any questions.
Ned & Julie Tibbits
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, CA
