FAQ
Questions, answered.
Everything we've been asked about Altitude Academy programs, with honest answers. If you don't see your question here, just reach out.
About Altitude Academy
- What is Altitude Academy?
- An outdoor mentorship practice based in North Lake Tahoe, California, led by Al Travaglini. We run small-cohort programs, both in-person and online, that combine real adventure and structured reflection to build self-awareness, leadership, and emotional resilience.
- Who is this for?
- Summit to Self is designed for teens and young adults; participants under 18 are enrolled by a parent or guardian. In-person Ascents are open to families, teens, and youth groups who want to grow through real challenge with a guide. No prior outdoor experience is required for any program.
- How is this different from therapy?
- This is mentorship, not therapy. We focus on growth, leadership, and skills-building rather than clinical mental health work. If what you need is therapy, Al will happily refer you to someone who does that.
- How is this different from a retreat?
- Retreats are typically one-off experiences. Altitude Academy programs are designed for sustained work over weeks or an entire session, with structured curriculum, accountability, and real outcomes.
Summit to Self
- Who is Summit to Self for?
- Teens and young adults. Participants under 18 are enrolled by a parent or guardian. All backgrounds are welcome; no prior outdoor or coaching experience needed.
- How long is the program?
- 12 weeks, fully online. The cohort meets weekly as a group and each teen has a weekly 1:1 with Al.
- How many people are in a cohort?
- Maximum 5 participants per cohort, always. Small enough that nobody disappears, big enough to learn from peers.
- What's the time commitment each week?
- About 3 hours per week: a 75-minute group session, a 45-minute 1:1 with Al, and roughly 60 minutes of reflection and curriculum work on the teen's own schedule. They get out what they put in.
- What if my teen can't make a live session?
- All group sessions are recorded. We expect teens to show up live whenever possible, but life happens, but no one is penalized for missing one.
- Do parents join the sessions?
- No. Summit to Self is the participant's space. For teens, parents complete the enrollment and receive a welcome orientation about structure, expectations, and what to watch for over the 12 weeks. Al is available for parent check-ins if anything comes up during the cohort.
- Is this the same as therapy or counseling?
- No. Summit to Self is mentorship and skill-building, not clinical mental-health care. If your teen is working with a therapist, the two can complement each other well. If what your family needs is therapy, Al is happy to refer you to a qualified professional.
- Is there an in-person component?
- Summit to Self itself is fully online; there is no in-person event bundled with the cohort. If you want in-person experience in Tahoe, that's what our Ascents are for. Themes teens work on in Summit to Self will often become recurring themes practiced on the mountain.
- What's the cancellation and refund policy?
- Full refund if you cancel more than 20 days before the cohort start date. 50% refund if you cancel between 10 and 20 days before the start date. No refund within 10 days of the start date. The same policy is shown on the Stripe checkout page before you pay.
- When does the next cohort start?
- The next Summit to Self cohort begins Starting soon. Spots are limited to 5 participants. Apply early to secure one.
Ascents (In-Person)
- Where are sessions held?
- Throughout North Lake Tahoe, California. Specific venues vary per session depending on conditions and activity focus.
- Do I need outdoor experience?
- No. We design sessions to meet people where they are. First-time riders and seasoned adventurers both have room to grow.
- What's included in the session price?
- Mentorship, all guided activities, equipment for most activities, daily yoga and reflection sessions, and meals for multi-day sessions. Travel to/from Lake Tahoe is not included.
- What happens if weather cancels an activity?
- Sessions adapt to conditions. If one activity becomes unavailable because of weather, we replace it with another that's readily available, and the session itself keeps going.
- Are sessions appropriate for families?
- Yes, you can book a private family session, or pair up with another family. Reach out to Al directly with questions about curating the experience you're looking for.
Pricing & Logistics
- How much does everything cost?
- Summit to Self: $4,500 per cohort. Ascents start at $1,000/day and vary by length and group size; get in touch to discuss.
- Are there payment plans?
- Yes. You can pay half up front to hold your spot and the remaining half one week before the scheduled event.
- How do I pay?
- All payments run through Stripe checkout: secure, PCI-compliant, and supports cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Is there a waitlist if a cohort is full?
- Yes. Get in touch and we'll add you to the waitlist for the next cohort.
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