Skiing Pow with Dave Nettle
An interview with Dave Nettle: Where to ski in Tahoe
We caught up with legendary ski/rock guide Dave Nettle in between a climbing trip in the Bugaboos and hosting a gondola evacuation training at the Oakland Zoo.
Q: Hey Dave, what’s one of your favorite places in Lake Tahoe to ski guide?
Dave: For me the Silver Peak – Pole Creek area is definitely a personal favorite.
Q: What’s the terrain like?
Dave: The terrain has many exposures, slope angles and forested or open bowl choices to pick from… I can pretty much guarantee finding “the goods” all season: fine touring and amazing descents in corn and powder snow….often both on the same day!
Depending on the choice of touring route it can also include a midday stop at the Bradley Hut where you can step inside and stomp off the powder for a few minutes or duck in out of the sun depending on what mother nature is dishing out… This area is renowned for having abundant terrain for beginner skiers looking to improve their backcountry technique to expert skiers that want to drop into interesting and challenging shots far from the crowds.
Q: How’s the scenery?
Dave: The view from the summit from Silver Peak is spectacular. You have a sweeping panorama from Granite Chief Wilderness and the upper Pole Creek drainage across to Squaw Valley Resort and beyond to winter-blue Lake Tahoe, Martis Valley and the distant high crest of peaks around Mount Rose.
Besides the summit, I have a favorite spot on the Pole Creek approach along the dramatic East Ridge of Silver Peak that’s always a hit with groups and provides a well-earned rest stop for lunch and the first views of Lake Tahoe.
Q: What do you like to do after a big day?
Dave: After a great day ski touring Silver Peak, head back to the Alpenglow Expeditions office (you can almost ski right to the door on a big snow year down the south side!) and swap stories with other folks who are glowing from their day’s adventures as well. You’re right in the heart of the Village at Squaw so it’s just a short hop to many good choices for a cold beer, a glass of wine and a big plate of nachos…the perfect ending to a fantastic day.
Interested in skiing with one of our pros? Check out a day of Private Ski Guiding here. For any questions call our office at 877-873-5376 or send us an email info@alpenglowexpeditions.