Embark on a unique backcountry adventure into the Donner Summit wilderness. Ski out from Sugar Bowl Ski Resort to Lost Trail Lodge located six miles northwest of Squaw Valley in Coldstream Canyon. This beautiful rustic lodge is nestled deep in the woods and is only accessible by skis or snowshoes. On our journey to Coldstream Canyon we will ski some amazing lines and terrain. You will get feedback on your skiing and learn advanced backcountry skiing techniques.

• Open to skiers levels 7-9
• Includes: lift ticket, 1 night at Lost Trail Lodge, 2 days of guided skiing & instruction and 1 dinner

Sample Training Day:

• 8:30am: Meet at Sugarbowl, short orientation & safety discussion
• 9:00am: Head up the chairlift and begin your backcountry excursion
• 12:30pm: Break for lunch at a picturesque spot in the Donner Summit Wildnerness
• 1:00pm Resume skiing
• 3:30pm Arrive at Lost Trail Lodge
• 4:00pm Relax in front of the fire
• 6:30pm Dinner

Avalanche I Course, Truckee, CA. February, 7-9

This is an AIARE certified avalanche training course. The avalanche level I certification focuses on the knowledge, methods and decision-making skills necessary to travel in avalanche terrain. You will receive an introduction to avalanche hazard management, learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and develop a framework for decision making and risk management. The course also covers search and rescue techniques and a practical application of the material covered in the course.

• Open to skiers levels 6-9
• $358
• Includes: 3 days of avalanche safety education & certificate of completion

Avalanche II Course, Truckee, CA. February, 20-23

This is an advanced avalanche safety course that builds off of the level I course and adds to evaluation factors critical to slope stability analysis. This course will therefore go more in depth on the contributing factors to slope stability, such as snow layers, type of snow, metamorphis of the snowpack. You will also achieve an understanding of avalanche release triggers and be introduced to a forecasting framework. This course also includes an on-snow practicum portion.

• Open to skiers levels 6-9
• $478
• Includes: 4 days of avalanche safety education & certificate of completion

Sample Training Day:

• 9:00am – 12:00pm: Indoor session – lecture/presentation of theory & tactics
• 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch Break and travel to ski area
• 1:30pm - 4:00pm: On-skis practical application of material presented in morning

Intro Backcountry Skiing, Donner Summit, CA. May, 3, 2009

Departing from Sugar Bowl to access the Donner Summit backcountry, this course will take you through some of the most picturesque areas of the Tahoe-Truckee backcountry. You will be introduced to the use of touring skins and bindings, practice using an avalanche beacon and probe. We will also touch on basic route finding and how to read “nature’s billboards.” This course is also a great opportunity to ski some really sweet lines and hopefully some fresh powder too!

• Open to skiers levels 6-9
• Includes: lift ticket, all-day guided skiing & instruction

Sample Training Day:

• 8:30am: Orientation & safety discussion
• 9:00am Head up the chairlift and begin your backcountry excursion
• 12:30pm Break for lunch at a picturesque spot in the Sierra backcountry
• 1:00pm: Resume skiing and end the day with the “Lake Run” if conditions permit
• 4:00pm: Back at the Sugar Bowl Resort