TAHOE CITY, Calif. – December 11, 2023 – Strap on your gear and mark your calendars as the third annual Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week kicks off from December 11-16, 2023. Hosted by Take Care Tahoe, the week-long event aims to educate both novices and seasoned backcountry enthusiasts on safe winter recreation.
Collaboration and Community Focus: Anthony Cupaiuolo, executive director of the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, highlighted the collaborative efforts leading up to this event, emphasizing the broader goal of promoting safe outdoor experiences on public lands. “The efforts during this week help further everyone’s common goal of getting folks out and enjoying our public lands – and doing so safely,” said Cupaiuolo.
Educating the Backcountry Community: Initiated in 2020 to address the growing number of backcountry adventurers around Lake Tahoe, the Safety Awareness Week serves as a platform for experts and partners to offer educational sessions, panel discussions, film screenings, and hands-on activities. The event supports the mission of organizations like the Sierra Avalanche Center, celebrating its 20th anniversary this winter.
Highlighted Events: The week is packed with exciting events, including a Backcountry-themed trivia night at RMU Truckee, emergency response and shelter building with International Alpine Guides, an introduction to backcountry touring with Alpenglow Expeditions, and a Backcountry Film Festival hosted by the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance.
Key Events:
- Happy Hour and Backcountry Mixer at RMU Truckee – Monday, December 11: Trivia night, happy hour, and a chance to win gear.
- On-Snow Emergency Response and Shelter Building – Tuesday, December 12: Learn emergency preparedness with International Alpine Guides.
- Backcountry Film Festival – Thursday, December 15: Celebrate the human-powered experience with films and special guest Claire Hewitt-Dwyer.
- SheJumps Introduction to the Backcountry – Friday, December 15: A demo and lecture specifically for women.
- Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers December Meet-up – Saturday, December 16: A gathering for all backcountry snowsports users, featuring a beacon park set-up.
- Alpenglow Expeditions Pushing the Boundaries Athlete Panel – Saturday, December 16: Trailblazers discuss exploration, safety, and inspiration.
How to Participate: Most events require pre-registration, so visit Take Care Tahoe for details and sign-up information. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your backcountry knowledge and enjoy the winter wonderland around Lake Tahoe safely.
