Women’s

Intro to Mountaineering

2025 Dates

$285

Mountaineering programs start in late February and run through April/May, conditions dependent.

We’ll be offering both 1 day + online learning programs or 2 day on-field programs in 2025.

Also, see our Shasta page for Shasta related mountaineering trips.

Trip Length

1 Day

Group Size

3-10

Destinations

Carson Pass, (Near Kirkwood) South Lake Tahoe

Don’t see the dates you are looking for?

Semi-private dates available.

Intro to Mountaineering

Are you new to mountaineering? You’re in the right place!

Ever dreamt of climbing a snowy peak but have no idea where to start?

Having a tough time deciding on the right mountain axe to use or what sort of crampons are right for your boots?

These questions and more will be answered in this one-day field session, Intro to Mountaineering, offered by Alpinistas Guide Service.

This is a very popular first-timer class for women who are curious about kicking their hiking skills up a notch to learn the skills necessary to travel on steep, snowy terrain. And of course will all this learning, we will have a blast and you may just meet a new hiking or climbing friend!

  • Learn the basics of mountaineering.

    Join a small group of other beginner women, led by expert female guides.

    We’ll cover everything from basic gear needs and physical preparation to mental health in intimidating situations.

    We’ll also provide tips and tricks that we’ve learned over decades of climbing to keep you feeling great on the mountain.

    You’ll get to be a part of Alpinistas, like-minded women who are learning outdoor skills - expect to come out of this with lifelong friends!

    Program designed exclusively for women. Training around menstrual cycles, how to pee in a harness, mental health check-ins, and so much more!

    This is not just a men’s program for women, it’s a women’s program for women!

  • 8:00am - Meet your guide in the field at the designated trailhead & check-in. Get fitted with gear.

    8:30am - Review terrain and avalanche hazard rating, gear check, trailhead departure check

    8:45am - Set off and begin the course with lessons and teachable moments along the way

    11:30 AM - Break for Lunch

    3:30 PM - Get back to the trailhead. Debrief of the day and discuss strengths, areas for improvement, goals, and next steps for progressing your outdoor skills.

  • Mountaineering: Hiking uphill in snow

    This trip is rated Beginner. Although this is a novice mountaineering day, the participants should have ample hiking experience and good fitness. We will be practicing techniques in the snow all day but with plenty of rest breaks.

    Our pace will be a slow, mountaineering style and we estimate about 3-4 miles of travel over the course of the day.

    We recommend that you stay well hydrated and fed prior to departure to assist in mitigating altitude sickness if you are coming from sea level.

  • Included in your booking:

    • Professional AMGA/AIARE Guide

    • 5:1 client to guide ratio with a max group size of 10 clients, 2 guides

    • Pre-trip handout that includes an overview on the course and equipment.

    • Snowshoes, crampons, helmet, axe, harness

    • Group safety gear & first aid kit

    • Permit fees

    • Special discount to shop at the Alpinistas store

    Not included:

    • Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point

    • Trip insurance

    • Food & beverages

    • Guide gratuities

    • Other required gear, see in below section (available for rent when checking out)

    • Personal items

  • Pre-Trip Preparation Packet

    • Overview on mountaineering

    • Get to know the gear like crampons & ice axes

    • Logistics for the in-person session

    On Field Session

    • Terrain & hazard awareness and decision-making

    • Crampon usage and techniques and practice

    • Techniques for walking on various types of terrain

    • Ice axe techniques

    • Ascent and descent, including glissading

    • Self-arrest & practice

    • Conditions permitting - optional small exploration at the end of the day combining all your new skills!

Other Mountaineering Options with Alpinistas Adventures

Are you looking for the next step up from the basics? Head over to our Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue course that takes place on Mount Shasta.

Already got the training down and want a guided summit up Mt. Shasta? Join our women’s guided expedition up Avalanche Gulch.

Gear List

Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.

If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).

Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our shop at Alpinistas and the Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.

Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.

  • Mountaineering Boots (Preferred) or Waterproof/Winter Snow Boots

    (Fashion winter boots without a durable sole made for active use are prohibited.)

    Day Hiking Backpack

    Technical jacket, pants or bibs that are water resistant

    Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)

    Midlayer options

    Waterproof/Water Resistant Gloves

    Beanie

    Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)

    Sunblock, sunglasses and lip balm with SPF

    Water (1.5-2.5 liters) or Hydration System

    Electrolytes, snacks, lunch for the day

    Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner - Pack it all out.

  • This will be nice for you to have:

    Fleece/Wool or Lightweight Gloves

    Gaiters

    Hat, Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection

    Hot beverage in thermos

    Extra socks

Have questions about the gear list?

Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.

Helpful for booking

What to expect after you book your reservation

After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Over the following weeks as you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming packing lists, itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as video course, start time and driving directions. The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.

Your event does require a certain minimum number of participants to run. Don’t worry though, our group size is naturally quite small to keep it special and relaxing experience so the minimum booking requirement is also lower than other guide services.

Where does this course take place?

For our North Lake Tahoe trips, we will be in the Donner or Castle Peak area. For our South Lake trips, we will be in the Carson Pass area. Specific trailhead/meeting points will be determined closer to the event start date as we need to factor in snowpack and terrain criteria for safe travel. The winter weather and snow conditions vary from day to day and we strive to operate in extremely safe terrain.

Is there affordable lodging nearby?

For our North Lake Tahoe trips, we recommend staying at Clair Tappen Lodge. This is a rustic lodge that offers dorm room style options and meal upgrades.

What is the closest airport?

Sacramento, California

Reno, Nevada

Booking airfare?

If you are flying in for this trip, please contact us before booking airfare to make sure that your trip is confirmed. We require a minimum number of participants to operate.

General weather expectations

Mountaineering trips take place in the snow. Tahoe daytime temperatures can range vastly during the winter and spring season. You may encounter freezing temperatures in the early morning or very warm temperatures during the day. We highly recommend wearing layers to accommodate changing temperatures.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances, road conditions or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

“Dear women adventurers of all skill levels, you need to take a trip with Alpinistas! I just returned from the Cold Weather Skills workshop in Yosemite and I've learned more in three days than I have in all my years of hiking and camping. It's so rare to find guiding experiences that are fun, connect you with likeminded folks, AND equip you with a ton of new skills.”

— Ashley

“I had the absolute best experience on a rock climbing trip with Joanne! Every part of the weekend was fantastic - the camping experience was wonderful, the guides were knowledgeable and kept everyone safe, and the climbing was so much fun! I'm looking forward to future trips with Alpinistas, and love the work they are doing in making outdoor education more accessible to women!”

- Rebecca

What People Are Saying about Alpinistas

“The women I met that weekend were so amazing for their love of the outdoors, their curiosity, and their tenacious spirits. I learned so much from our skilled guides who made us feel safe to ask any and all questions regardless of how silly they might be. Thank you Alpinistas for a truly amazing weekend! I can’t wait for the next adventure 🏕️”

— Katarina

“I joined a Cold Weather course and winter camping weekend with them in Yosemite and absolutely love it! The guides are passionate about what they are teaching us, they are so supportive, and the event was organized so well.”

- Ashley-Marie