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.

Can I customize a day for my group?

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.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

When and where do we meet?

At 10:30am on Saturday or Sunday, you’ll meet your guide at the Alpenglow Expeditions offices. Here you’ll go over the plan for the tour and receive your snowshoe gear. Our office is located in The Village at Squaw Valley, located in the breezeway between Starbucks and Fireside, facing the parking lot. Please arrive right at your scheduled time, you do not need to arrive early. The address for the office is 1985 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, and we are unit #23.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a professional guide for 4-hours, a snowshoe rental, a hot drink (coffee, tea or hot chocolate). The price does not include lunch or gratuity for your guide.

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.

Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Tour Shirley Canyon

Professional guided North Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Tour

Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Tour – Shirley Canyon

$75/PERSON

MON – THU

1-4 people: $300 total
Each additional person +$75
Call the office for groups larger than 8

$99/PERSON

FRI – SUN
1-4 people: $395 total
Each additional person +$99
Call the office for groups larger than 8

Introductory 4 hours Shirley Canyon in Olympic Valley, CA

Join our Tahoe guides for a beautiful Shirley Canyon snowshoe tour! In this 4-hour tour, a professional Alpenglow guide will lead you up the gorgeous canyon terrain. Snowshoeing tours are suitable for anyone over 10 years old, and all levels of experience. Also see Private Tahoe Snowshoe Tours.

Check back in late Summer 2024 for winter 2024/25 dates!

Inquire

North Lake Tahoe snowshoe tour in beautiful Shirley Canyon

Trip Overview

Known as a summer hiking trail, snowshoers can now explore this magical winter wonderland. Traveling past a rushing creek and icy waterfalls, Shirley Canyon is an incredible snowshoe hike not to be missed.

This beautiful canyon forms the head of Squaw Valley and the views it provides are stunning. Four-hour guided Tahoe tours will leave The Village at Olympic Valley as early as 8:00am or as late as 1:00pm depending on the time of year. The route leads up 2 miles to the Tram Ridge viewpoint, a comfortable plateau that makes for a fantastic lunch venue. Your group will stop for a 20-30 minute break at this highpoint, to enjoy a hot drink and whatever snacks you bring. Packed sack lunches are available from Wildflour Bakery for $20/person. If you would like Alpenglow to arrange a sack lunch for you or your group, please contact the office with your request (and any dietary concerns) by the Friday before your tour at 10am. After a quick break, you’ll make your way down the canyon and back to the office.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

– Group snowshoe tours are the same cost for 1 person as for 4 people.
– Each guide can take 8 snowshoers, for groups larger than 8, you will be assigned an additional guide.
– Your tour includes snowshoes and poles, in addition to guide service.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Start with a small backpack so you can carry all the necessities plus extra layers: sunscreen, lip balm, snacks and a 1-Liter water bottle.

We recommend wearing layers so you can easily add or subtract clothing to manage your temperature whether you’re hiking uphill or taking a break. We recommend a non-cotton base layer, a breathable insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell jacket. For pants, plan to wear waterproof snow pants and consider adding a non-cotton base layer, depending on the temps. Wear warm waterproof winter boots; the snowshoes are adjustable and will fit with any standard boot. Eye protection is a must, but depending on the weather, you can choose to wear sunglasses or goggles. (Sunglasses are better for not fogging, but goggles can be better if it’s snowing). A good winter hat or ball-cap, and a neck buff complete the look.

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

Technical

There are no prerequisites to join one of our Lake Tahoe snowshoe tours.

10:30am: Meet & Greet + Gear Up
In the morning you’ll meet your guide at the Alpenglow Expeditions offices. Here you’ll go over the plan for the tour and get fitted with gear. Once in the field, you’ll be treated with phenomenal views and the serene beauty of snow covered trails.

Our Tahoe Guides

Meet Your Tahoe Guides.

FAQ’s

The answers to our Tahoe tours most commonly asked questions.

: 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.
: 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.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: At 10:30am on Saturday or Sunday, you’ll meet your guide at the Alpenglow Expeditions offices. Here you’ll go over the plan for the tour and receive your snowshoe gear.
Our office is located in The Village at Squaw Valley, located in the breezeway between Starbucks and Fireside, facing the parking lot.
Please arrive right at your scheduled time, you do not need to arrive early. The address for the office is 1985 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, and we are unit #23.
: Alpenglow will provide complementary hot chocolate or coffee. Packed sack lunches are available from Wildflour Bakery for $20/person. If you would like Alpenglow to arrange a sack lunch for you or your group, please contact the office with your request (and any dietary concerns) by the Friday before your tour at 10am. (For example, if your tour is on February 15 or 16th, your lunch order is due before Friday the 14th at 10am.
If you have dietary restrictions, please communicate them to us! We will do our best to accommodate with our restaurant partner.
: The price includes a professional guide for 4-hours, a snowshoe rental, a hot drink (coffee, tea or hot chocolate). The price does not include lunch or gratuity for your guide.
: Each guide can take 8 snowshoers, for groups larger than 8, you will be assigned an additional guide.
: 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

Here’s what you’ll need for a Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Tour.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

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
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
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
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
Day Pack
Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters).
Recommended: Black Diamond Bullet 16 Pack
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
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
Hiking Pant
Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Hiking Socks
Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock
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
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
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
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
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
Hiking Boots
Light to mid- weight boots for everyday use. The ideal boot is comfortable enough to wear for days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined boot often stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.
Recommended: La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX
Base Camp Boots
These snow boots are good for wearing around camp and should be comfortable when you slip into them after spending significant time in your mountain boots.
Recommended Men’s: Sorel Caribou Boot
Recommended Women’s: Sorel Caribou Boot
Mountaineering Boots (6,000m – 7,000m)
Should be double boots that have a stiff sole and accept a step-in crampon. The boots should be comfortable, have adequate wiggle room for your toes, and your heel should not lift more than 1/8th of an inch when walking.
Recommended: La Sportiva G2 Evo
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
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
Warm Socks
A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock
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 Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
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
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
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Small Backpack
Recommended: Black Diamond Speed 30 Pack

Testimonials

Alpenglow is the best
“I’ve been climbing with Alpenglow for over ten years. After my first expedition, I knew I’d found the best team. I feel like I’m a member of the Alpenglow family, and have come to know and love many of their guides, office staff, and programs. Alpenglow is truly the best!”
Evan M

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