Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Tour
– Half-Day
Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Tour – Half-Day
Group of 2: $237/person
Group of 3: $183/person
Group of 4: $156/person
Group of 5: $140/person
Please contact the office to book groups of 5 or more
Group of 2: $262/person
Group of 3: $200/person
Group of 4: $169/person
Group of 5: $150/person
Please contact the office to book groups of 5 or more
Palisades / IKON pass required. Don’t have one? We offer our clients discounted day passes to ride the lifts for backcountry access. Please inquire for more information.
- Dates are booked privately 7 days a week!
Ride with Tahoe’s Best Ski Guides
Questions? Inquire Here.
Lift-accessed backcountry skiing, say no more.
Expanding on the success of our partnership with Palisades Tahoe, we are now offering a HALF-DAY backcountry ski guiding experience.
Skiers and riders are still expected to wear an avalanche beacon and carry a probe and shovel. You can rent this equipment from us.
You must be an advanced-intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions, and 1-5 days of previous backcountry touring experience is required. Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.
What To Expect During Your Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Ski Guiding
We start our day of guided backcountry skiing with a ride on either the Funitel or Tram. We proceed to the Broken Arrow zone within Palisades Tahoe, and we exit into the Tram Ridge zone through a gate that only Alpenglow Expeditions guided groups can use. These boundaries are still closed to the public. We’re able to ski in the Tram Ridge zone into Shirley Canyon, floating down slopes of various steepness through playful terrain. Near the bottom, we make a hard right and use the last bit of vertical to get back to the trailhead. From here we pop the skis off and in 10 minutes or less, we’re back in the Village ready for another lap.
Even on the most crowded days at Palisades Tahoe, we’ll have this backcountry zone to ourselves. Similar to ski school participants, Alpenglow ski clients will have lift line privileges with their guide to efficiently move toward the ski area boundary. Once in the Tram Ridge zone, we are immediately in an uncontrolled avalanche area – our guides will be critical in selecting the best lines for us to ski.
Most half-day groups will get a maximum of two laps, depending on fitness levels and ski ability. While the hiking to riding ratio is lower than a traditional day in the backcountry, uphill travel is still required.
** In the event that there is no lift access that day (storms, closures, etc.) guides will pivot to an alternate area for a regular backcountry tour. Regardless of where the day takes you, you can be sure it will be a memorable time in the backcountry!
Who Can Participate in Palisades Tahoe Guided Backcountry Skiing
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).
Skiers or riders 12-15 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment.
Technical
- 9:00am
- Ride the Lifts to the Boundary
After our morning meeting at the Alpenglow office, we leave the base area and begin the day.
- 9:30am
- Depart Ski Area Boundary
After a final safety briefing, we depart from the ski area boundary.
- 12:30pm
- Finish Day
After a lap or two, we’re ready to have some lunch before finishing a day inside the boundaries.
Our Palisades Tahoe Ski Guides
Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Skiing & Riding Questions
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.
Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
We usually start our days in our office at 1985 Squaw Valley Road #23 at 8:00AM. Once logistics are all set for the day, we meet at the Tram or Funitel at 9:00AM.
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.
The amount of hiking during the day varies largely on the size, pace, and motivation of the group. On a light day, you can expect about 1-2 hours of hiking, and on a larger day some groups may surpass 4 hours of hiking throughout the course of the day.
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.
Lunch is not included on this trip. While you can certainly bring a sack lunch, it is not mandatory. Plenty of snacks and water is recommended!
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.
Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Equipment List
Avalanche TransceiverA digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Liner GlovesThese 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 Midweight Wool Liners
Lightweight Baselayer TopA 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
Mid-Weight Warm Layer TopThis 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
ProbeA strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
ShovelA lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Ski HelmetA ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.
Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
Ski/Splitboard PolesAdjustable 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
Snowboard BootsThe 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
Synthetic TopA 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 BackpackInternal 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 SocksSki socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
GogglesThese 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
SunglassesMust 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 Glacier 01
HatBring 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: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap
BalaclavaWe 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
BeanieA 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
Skis w/ Touring BindingsA 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
Lightweight GlovesAll-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
Heavyweight GlovesThese 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 JacketA 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 Recon LT Stretch Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon LT Stretch Shell
Hard Shell Climbing PantYour waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants
SplitboardA splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Preferably a powder-centric board with good float (longer nose, setback stance).
Recommended: Jones Hovercraft, Stratos, or Mind Expander Splitboard
Climbing SkinsMany 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
Ski Touring BootsThese 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
Mid-Weight Puffy JacketA 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
Lightweight TopUltra-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
Lightweight Baselayer BottomsFitted 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
Two 1L Nalgene BottlesTwo 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
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.
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