Tahoe athletes to offer backcountry safety tips during free live panel session

Featuring some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding, the inaugural Tahoe Backcountry Awareness Week will culminate with the Athlete Summit on Thursday, December 17. The free virtual event, designed to encourage those planning to venture into the backcountry to educate themselves before doing so, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a live Q&A period with Michelle Parker, Jeremy Jones, Elyse Saugstad, Cody Townsend and Amie Engerbretson.

The week-long educational series introduced attendees to topics including avalanche safety equipment, backcountry etiquette, what training is needed, where to get trained, and motorized backcountry tips and safety. Local guides and outfitters will also have special offers available to attendees, such as coupon codes for AIARE course sign-ups and free airbag testing. Videos have been released each morning at 7:00 a.m. on takecaretahoe.org and will remain available for the duration of the winter.

WHAT: Tahoe Backcountry Awareness Week Athlete Summit

WHO: Professional athletes: Michelle Parker, Jeremy Jones, Elyse Saugstad, Cody Townsend and Amie Engerbretson

WHEN: Thursday, December 17, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: To register for this free event, visit takecaretahoe.org/backcountry/ and complete the sign-up section.

COST: Free

Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week Partnership: Sierra Avalanche Center, USDA Forest Service Region 5, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Alpenglow Expeditions, Blackbird Mountain Guides, Tahoe Mountain Sports, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Lake Tahoe Community College, Sierra Nevada University, Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers, Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, Tahoe Fund, Outdoor Alliance, Tahoe Sports Hub, NASTC, International Alpine Guides, Backcountry Babes, Golden State Guiding, Sierra Mountain Guides, Incline Village General Improvement District, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, Town of Truckee, Nevada Department of Outdoor Recreation, and Sports Basement.

Learn more at www.takecaretahoe.org/backcountry.