Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Tours
Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Tours
Group of 2: $375/person
Group of 3: $300/person
Group of 4: $263/person
Group of 5: $240/person
Please contact the office to book groups of 5 or more
Group of 2: $423/person
Group of 3: $320/person
Group of 4: $278/person
Group of 5: $252/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.
- Booked privately every day December – May
Ski & ride with Tahoe’s best guides
ContactLift-accessed backcountry is as good as it gets.
By utilizing the extensive lift system of Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, we can quickly access incredible terrain and get more skiing and riding in.
In this program, we ski guide in three distinct zones: Tram Ridge, National Geographic Bowl, and Munchkins. For the first time, Palisades Tahoe out-of-bounds terrain can now be ridden with an Alpenglow guide, opening up lift-accessed riding for skiers and snowboarders and requiring no more uphill travel than a normal day of backcountry ski touring.
Each group is private with their own Tahoe ski guide. This allows for an individually tailored day based on your groups skill and pace.
Palisades Tahoe Ski Guiding
Want to rip as many laps as you can? We can utilize the lifts and minimize hiking.
Want to find the rarely skied nooks and crannies with the best cold pow? Our local ski guides know the Tahoe area better than anyone, and Alpenglow’s exclusive Palisades Tahoe lift access to certain backcountry zones give us the best conditions out there.
Want to build your backcountry skills? Our guides love to teach, and can focus your day on uphill touring skills, avalanche safety skills and more, all while skiing and riding in the backcountry.
Want to take full advantage of the spring skiing capital of the US? Our Tahoe guides will take you to our favorite spots!
THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE
As a Tahoe-based guide company 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 in Tahoe, California. 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.
Palisades Tahoe Ski Guiding Locations:
At Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley), we ski and ride in two prominent zones: National Geographic Bowl (Nat Geo) and the Tram Ridge zone.
Nat Geo – Located outside the boundary lines of Granite Chief at Palisades Tahoe, the Nat Geo bowl and adjacent peaks have been long admired for their beauty, remoteness, and quality of terrain. Crossing the boundary at Palisades Tahoe with your guide, you step into a true backcountry skiing and riding experience with quiet solitude and playful terrain. There are many options for ski descents, and once you reach the bottom you’ll transition to uphill mode and gain the ridge that connects Palisades Tahoe to the Tahoe National Forest boundary. Some private ski guiding groups do multiple laps in Nat Geo, and some continue on to Tram Ridge.
Tram Ridge – This is the awesome north facing terrain that can be seen from the parking lot of Palisades Tahoe. Accessed from Broken Arrow, this zone is made up of glades, gullies and ridge lines. We can ski multiple laps in this zone, returning to the ski area to bump up the lifts, or utilizing our AT skis or split boards to skin uphill. Skiing out of the Palisades Tahoe boundary line on Tram Ridge has long been a dream of many a long-time Palisades Tahoe skier, and now it is a reality, exclusively with Alpenglow Expeditions!
Munchkins – At Alpine Meadows, we access the popular backcountry zone known as “Munchkins” off Scott Peak. Munchkins is a huge zone, with everything from mellow open bowls to perfectly spaced trees to steep technical lines. The zone’s diversity makes Munchkins the perfect place for the new backcountry skier or rider looking to build skills, and ideal for many laps for the experienced off-piste rider.
** We don’t decide which zone we will ski until the morning of the tour, to allow our guides to pick the best ski tour based on current conditions and the group’s ability level. 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!
What To Expect With Private Ski Guiding at Palisades Tahoe
Depending on fitness level, technical ability and daily conditions, skiers and riders can expect to get multiple laps of fresh tracks outside of the Palisades Tahoe ski area boundary. 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 ski guide and a gear check to make sure everyone has what they need for the day. Depending on the zone, we’ll ride the lifts at Palisades Tahoe or Alpine Meadows before heading out of bounds. Lift access to these zones cuts out a significant portion of approach time, and can be used throughout the day to reduce the ratio of hiking to riding traditionally associated with backcountry skiing.
Who Can Participate in Private Ski Guiding at Palisades Tahoe
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).
5-10 days of touring experience or our Backcountry 1.0 course is required as a prerequisite for this trip. While the hiking to riding ratio is lower than a traditional day in the backcountry, uphill travel is still required.
Skiers or riders 12-15 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment.
Technical
- 8:30am
- Meet & Greet
To fit in a full day of skiing, we start our day early!
- 9:00am
- Board the Lifts
After our morning meeting at the Alpenglow office, located in the Village at Palisades, we leave the base area and begin the day.
- 9:30am
- Depart Ski Area Boundary
Depart from ski area boundary.
- 12:00pm
- Lunch
Although we snack and take breaks throughout the day, we take a longer lunch break midday when the group is ready.
- 3:30pm
- Catch Chairlift Home or Ski to Base Area
Begin return to ski area base.
- 4:00pm
- Return to Trailhead
After a day of skiing, we find ourselves back at the base of ski area around 4 PM.
Our Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Ski Guides
Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Questions
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.
Yes, you should bring a sack lunch and water bottle for this course.
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.
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.
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 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 Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins
- 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 Screentap Liners
- 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
- 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: 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
- 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
- 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 Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch 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 Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
- 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
- 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
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.
Private Ski Guiding In Lake Tahoe
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