Truckee Skyline Traverse- Backcountry Skiing

Truckee Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Backcountry Skiing Truckee Truckee Tahoe Ski Tours Truckee Backcountry Access Truckee Tahoe Skiing Trails Truckee Tahoe Snow Adventures Truckee Backcountry Safety Truckee Tahoe Skiing Experiences Truckee Tahoe Skiing Tips Truckee Backcountry Skiing Routes Truckee Tahoe Skiing Guides Truckee Tahoe Skiing Terrain Truckee Backcountry Skiing Courses Truckee Tahoe Snowpack Analysis Truckee Tahoe Skiing Conditions Truckee Backcountry Skiing Permits Truckee Tahoe Backcountry Adventure Truckee Tahoe Private Ski Tours Truckee Tahoe Group Skiing Truckee Tahoe Backcountry Snowboarding

Truckee Skyline Traverse Ski Tour

$575 Midweek

+$100 per additional person

$625Weekends

+$100 per additional person

Advanced Full Day / 8 Hours Sierra Crest, CA

Please call the office to make a reservation (877-873-5376). A must-do tour for any California backcountry skier, this ski day follows the legendary and beautiful sierra crest from Sugar Bowl Ski Resort to Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort. Requires excellent physical fitness and proficient backcountry touring skills and experience.

Winter ’23 – ’24Announced in July

Inquire

Tour Overview

This ski traverse will take you along the iconic sierra crest from Donner Summit to Olympic Valley, passing through some of the best ski terrain that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

At times following the ridge top, at times skiing classic descents off either side of the crest, this tour is not to be missed.

Traditionally skied in two days, we are offering this as an advanced 1 day journey along the crest of the northern Sierra Nevada. With stunning lake views, expansive vistas of remote portions of the Granite Chief wilderness, the Truckee Skyline Traverse is a must do for any California skier. This is a long day, and skiers/riders must be in excellent shape and capable of hiking for many hours at a time. The typical time to complete this traverse ranges from 7-10 hours.

Who Can Participate

Expert level skiers/riders that are competent on all black diamond runs in a ski area, on and off-piste, in all conditions. Skiers/riders must have either our Backcountry 2.0 course plus 5-10 days of touring experience, or 25+ days of touring experience.

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE

With countless expeditions to high-altitude peaks around the world over the last 15 years, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our beloved “home mountain”. Our teaching and guiding philosophy has been honed from the flanks of the Himalayan giants to the technical peaks of Peru, and we are beyond excited to be able to bring our program to this fantastic mountain. In addition to our international expedition roots, we are accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), being one of the very few guide services in the region to hold such a high standard. Each of our guides is trained by the AMGA in the terrain in which they operate, and the program is supervised by internationally licensed IFMGA mountain guides. This high standard, along with our many years of experience, translates to a fantastic mountain adventure!

Alpenglow Expeditions operates under special use permit with the Tahoe, Eldorado, Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyable and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Preparation

Prerequisites

Backcountry 2.0 course PLUS 5-10 days of touring experience, OR 25+ days of touring experience.

Technical

You must be an expert level skier/rider that is competent on all black diamond runs in a ski area, on and off-piste, in all conditions.

Fitness

Excellent physical fitness is required. Participants must be able to hike for many hours at a time while carrying a pack. This is of paramount importance, as it is difficult to abort the tour part way.

Morning: Meet & Greet

Meet at Alpenglow office, gear check and introductions. Ride shuttle to Sugar Bowl Ski Resort.
Mid-Morning through Afternoon: Ski Tour

Once we arrive at Sugar Bowl we ride the Lincoln chairlift where we access the backcountry. From here we follow the Sierra Crest to Olympic Valley. Alternatively, we can get an earlier start by skinning from Donner Pass well before the Sugar Bowl Lifts open.

Our Guides

Meet Your Ski Guides.

FAQ’s

The answer to our most commonly asked questions.

: We have an excellent selection of backcountry ski gear available to rent. We offer top of the line equipment from Black Diamond Skis, Tecnica Boots, and Jones Snowboards. Many of our guides use the same gear available in our demo fleet. If you have any gear or sizing questions, we would be more than happy to get you situated to ensure you get the most out of your day in the mountains.

Splitboards

We have Jones Splitboards available to rent in sizes 145cm, 152cm, 160cm, 161cm, 162cm, and 164cm) Please let us know your stance/binding angle preferences if you are planning to rent a splitboard setup.

A/T Ski Boots

Alpine touring ski boots from Technica Boots are available to rent. Sizes range from 23.5 to 29.5 in both genders.

Avalanche Equipment

Avalanche gear is mandatory for all peoples traveling in alpine terrain. If you do not already own gear, we rent an avalanche kit (incl. beacon/shovel/probe) for a small daily fee.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: At Alpenglow, we have only the highest standards of safety and guide qualifications. All of our local backcountry tours are led by AMGA trained/certified guides. Our guides assess the snow conditions and avalanche hazards every morning to mitigate risk, and are supervised by fully certified IFMGA guides.
: Advanced intermediate skiers/riders that are competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions are welcome. You should be confident skiing all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort (including ungroomed terrain). Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.
: You will receive a welcome email shortly with more information about your day. Please be sure to fill out our waivers, and let us know if you have any rental needs. Verify you have all your personal gear that you’ll need, and give us a call if you have questions about any aspect of your Alpenglow adventure.
: Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.
: Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.
: Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.
: The Truckee Skyline Traverse is a 12-mile trek. It can be expected that much of the day will be spent climbing.
: Try our Backcountry 2.0, or book a private backcountry tour! Perfect for sharpening your backcountry skills!

Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.

Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Climbing Skins
Many options are available, and are often comparable. Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Skins with a secure tail clip are preferred.

Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS

Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Ascension Splitboard STS
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.

Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Wooltech Gloves
Long Sleeve Base Layer
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient Crew

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Crew
Mid-Weight Warm Layer
A polar guard or fleece jacket. This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Quarter Zip

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Quarter Zip
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.

Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.

Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Ski Helmet
A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.

Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
Ski Touring Bindings
Alpine Touring bindings are designed to allow up-hill travel and down-hill descent. We recommend a lightweight binding with heel risers to assist on steeper terrain.

Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Touring Bindings
Ski Touring Boots
These need to be a touring specific boot with walk mode, and a rubber sole. Typically sized a bit larger than your regular alpine boot, and light weight is a huge plus. Be sure to try many pairs on to find the right fit; it can make or break a day in the mountains!

Recommended: Fischer Transalp Pro or Transalp Tour WS
Ski/Splitboard Poles
Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Note: Splitboarders, be sure to use 3 section poles so they collapse small enough to reasonably attach to your pack while in riding mode.

Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles
Skis w/ Touring Bindings
A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 95mm and 110mm underfoot. Keep in mind that extremely lightweight boards are great on the uphill, but can prove challenging in variable conditions.

Recommended Skis: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis

Recommended Bindings: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Bindings
Snowboard Boots
The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Be sure they’re comfortable, backcountry touring means long days in your boots!

Recommended: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions.

Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard
Synthetic Top
A simple, lightweight synthetic jacket. This item is good for layering systems to stay warm in cold, wet conditions.

Recommended: Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoodie
Touring Backpack
Internal frame pack that is between 25 and 35 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners to protect from precipitation. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.

Recommended: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32L
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.

Recommended: Smartwool
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.

Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.

Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).

Recommended: Vaurnet Ice Rounds
Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.

Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.

Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.

Recommended: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, with a removable fleece liner (so you can take the liner out and dry it at night). These gloves are used at higher altitudes and are needed to keep your hands dry, and warm. Over the cuff style is desired.

Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Pant

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Pant
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Jacket

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Jacket
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Base Layer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.

Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

Testimonials

An amazing day of guided backcountry skiing
“Just had an amazing day of guided Palisades backcountry skiing with Dave Nettle of Alpenglow Expeditions. Everything with Alpenglow was top notch from the reservation process and advance-prep right through the last run of the day. Dave was an awesome guide/partner, and incorporated just the right amount of education and knowledge-sharing mixed with a full day of amazing skiing.
If you ever find yourself at Palisades, I would highly recommend spending a day with Dave or any of the guides at Alpenglow!”

Jayson D.