I don’t have any avalanche gear - can I still sign up?

Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.

I need to rent gear, what information should I provide in advance?

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.

What sort of experience is required for this trip?

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.

What safety standards do you have?

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.

Where can I purchase trip insurance?

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your activity purchase against unforeseeable circumstances. We recommend Spot as a provider of trip insurance. Spot is a 3rd party provider and is not affiliated with Alpenglow Expeditions – please refer to the Spot website or contact Spot directly for all terms and conditions.

4-Day Frog Lakes Hut Ski Tour

Come ski with our professional ski guides on this epic 4-day, 3-night backcountry winter hut trip based at Frog Lake in Lake Tahoe.

4-Day Frog Lakes Hut Ski Tour

$1,999Per Person

Intermediate 4 Days Frog Lake Huts

Come ski incredible and seldom-accessed terrain with us on this epic 4-day, 3-night backcountry winter hut trip based at Frog Lake. You’ll stay at brand-new ski huts with next-level amenities and awesome views. This hut trip is an open-enrollment group of up to 8 skiers and riders, but private groups are available while hut reservations last! Give us a call to inquire about a private Frog Lake Hut trip. Due to the nature of the terrain surrounding Frog Lake, there are movement and touring experience requirements. Please see the preparation sections below before reserving. We also have a 3-day option.

January 16 – 19, 2025

Inquire

Frog Lake Huts Ski Trip Overview

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Advanced intermediate skiers or riders who have taken our Backcountry 1.0 and have spent 5-10 days out touring since, OR those who have 10+ tours under their belt. Participants must be competent on and off-piste in a variety of terrain and snow conditions. This is comparable to being confident on all blue runs and most black diamond runs in the resort (including ungroomed terrain).

THE SKI TERRAIN

Frog Lake is situated on the east side of Castle Peak and sits in a glacial cirque that has formed a beautiful hanging valley with the 1,000 foot tall Frog Lake Cliffs perched at its head. You can ski all day on anything from the steep Frog Lake chutes to wide open bowls, and beautiful couloirs to epic tree skiing. There are awesome lines on all aspects, and with multiple days to explore and base out of Frog Lake’s new huts, you’re bound to find tons of great turns. Additionally, our guides know where to find the best snow on any given day, and will make sure to put you in the right place at the right time!

THE FROG LAKE HUTS

The brand new backcountry huts that our friends at Truckee Donner Land Trust have just built at Frog Lake are a big step up from most other huts in the west, with great amenities and a warm, homey feel. They have hot and cold running water, flush toilets, propane heat, lights and a commercial grade kitchen, as well as a hutmaster on site. In addition, the nearly 100 year old Eschenbach Stone House has been renovated as a lively gathering spot for guests to meet and socialize.

Breakfasts, dinners, and a few appetizers will be provided and prepared by your guide. You should plan to provide your own lunches that will fuel you to perform while out skiing. You may alternatively bring your own food to prepare in the very nice kitchen on site.

Porters are available for each group for an additional $450 and can carry a max of 44lbs/20kg. Gear must be ready with you on the morning of your trip. We will help organize the splitting of porters for an open enrollment group.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Depending on fitness level, technical ability and daily conditions skiers and riders can expect to get multiple laps of fresh tracks in the backcountry. Terrain varies from wide open bowls and widely spaced trees to steep, technical lines that will challenge even the most seasoned skier.

Each morning starts off with a safety meeting with your Tahoe ski guide and a gear check to make sure everyone has what they need for the day. Depending on the day’s conditions and weather, your guide will make the decision on what terrain you will head toward.

You should expect to hike through beautiful terrain for a couple hours at a time. During downhill portions you’ll be greeted with the conditions of the day and should be prepared to ski or ride in variable snow conditions ranging from cold powder to firm but carvable chalk snow.

BACKCOUNTRY RENTALS

A complete backcountry touring setup is required, and we can rent it all to you for a small cost. We rent beacons, probes, shovels, touring skis, touring boots and splitboards.

Preparation

TECHNICAL

Must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions. This is comparable to confidence on all blue and most black diamond runs at the resort (including ungroomed terrain).

FITNESS

Excellent physical fitness is required. Skiers must be able to hike for many hours at a time while carrying a pack.

PRE-REQUISITES

Skiers or riders who have taken our Backcountry 1.0 PLUS 5-10 days of touring experience, or those with 10+ days of individual touring experience are welcome to join.

Map & Itinerary

4-Day Frog Lakes Hut Ski Tour

Tahoe’s Premier Backcountry Hut System

Day 1: Head into Frog Lakes
Meet your guide at the pre-planned trailhead, and evaluate gear for the few days away from civilization. You’ll then skin into the Frog Lake area and ski some awesome terrain along the way. After a full day of moving, you’ll be happy to retire to the comfort of the Frog Lake huts for your first night away from it all.
Day 2-3: Ski, Ski, Ski
Enjoy a hot breakfast in the comfort of the huts with your backcountry buddies, and prepare for an incredible day in the mountains. You’ll ski epic lines all day right next to your incredible base camp. Be prepared to spend the entire day away from the comfortable huts, and you’ll be rewarded with a comfortable evening of stories and delicious food at the huts.
Day 4: Ski & Exit
Your final day will be bitter sweet – perhaps happy to move towards a more restful state for your legs, but always with a tinge of sadness that you’ll be leaving this world class location. The morning’s skiing will be fast and furious, as you still have the exit back to the trailhead to contend with.

Alpenglow’s Tahoe Ski Guides

Our Backcountry Guides

Meet who you will be backcountry touring with at Frog Lake Huts.

FAQ’s

Frog Lake Huts Backcountry Trip Questions

The answers to our most commonly asked questions about our Frog Lake Huts Trip.

: Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.
: 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.
: 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.
: 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.
: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your activity purchase against unforeseeable circumstances. We recommend Spot as a provider of trip insurance. Spot is a 3rd party provider and is not affiliated with Alpenglow Expeditions – please refer to the Spot website or contact Spot directly for all terms and conditions.

Equipment

Backcountry Hut Trip Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need to backcountry ski or ride at Frog Lake Huts.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
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 Alpine Softshell Gloves
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Ski Helmet
A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.
Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
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: Vuarnet 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
Soft-Shell Ski Touring Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose Schoeller® or a soft-shell equivalent. Breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
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 Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions.
Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard
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
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
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
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
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 Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
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 Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell
Lightweight Baselayer Top
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 Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
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

Testimonials

I highly recommend Alpenglow Expeditions for professionalism, safety and accommodations.
“My 24 year old son and I did the three-day frog lake hut trip. From Sara in the front office to our fantastic guides, Tim and Ally, everything went smoothly and professionally.
The trip was an amazing experience as we learned so much and everyone was so friendly.
They even brought our garbage and extra gear out for us!
I highly recommend Alpenglow Expeditions for professionalism, safety and accommodations.”
Tom H.