Private Frog Lake Hut Ski Trip

Private Frog Lake Hut Ski Trip
- INQUIRE FOR DATES
The Alpenglow Experience Is Different
Our ApproachPrivately guided days consist of just you, your hand picked group, and your guide.
With this arrangement, you’re able to call the shots helping to shape your trip with your guide as you see fit. We can mold the trip to accomplish your goals:
Want to rip as many laps as you can? We can put the learning aside and get right to it.
Want to find the rarely skied nooks and crannies with the best cold pow? Our guides know the area better than anyone
Want to build your backcountry skills? Our guides love to teach, and can focus your day on uphill skills, avalanche safety skills and more, all while skiing and riding in the backcountry.
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 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 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 hut master 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 included for each group 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. Snowmobile portering may be possible for $300 per load into the huts. Snowmobiles must be arranged long in advance, and are not always available. This option allows a much larger capacity (100+lbs), and gear must be ready the afternoon before departure.
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 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.
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.
At Alpenglow, we do things differently.
Alpenglow was founded based on a single vision: to facilitate powerful mountain experiences at the absolute highest standard. We wanted to create a guide service where guests would be treated like partners, where team sizes would remain small and tight-knit, and where we’d never compromise quality in favor of the bottom line.
We’re proud to say we’ve never wavered in that approach. We are committed to innovating and updating our techniques to make mountain travel safer and more efficient with each passing year. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of instruction for every course, trip, and expedition. All our lead guides are AMGA- or IFMGA-certified or aspirant guides, and all of our staff members are highly experienced and carefully vetted. Both at home and abroad, we do our utmost to take care of our people, uplift local mountain communities, and protect the environments we explore.
Technical
Fitness
Prerequisites

Frog Lakes Itinerary
- CUSTOM
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What do you want to achieve?
When you book your private Frog Lake tour, you can either leave the planning up to us, or work directly with your guide to point out goals and objectives for your time in the backcountry with us. This allows you to fully tailor the trip – from skills based sessions, to pure powder hound status, and everything in between. You’re only limited by conditions and time, the rest is up to you.
Meet Your Guides.
The answers to our most commonly asked questions.
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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.
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We have an excellent selection of backcountry ski gear available to rent. We offer top of the line equipment from Black Diamond Skis, Technica 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.
A/T Skis
We can offer touring specific skis from Blizzard, a personal favorite for our mountain guides. We have skis available for both females and males. We have sizes available in 164cm, 171cm, 178cm, and 185cm.
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.
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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.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
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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.
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The amount of hiking during the day varies somewhat on the zone and motivation of the group. The shortest day you can expect contains about 2 hours of skinning, and the longer days may have upwards of 4 hours of skinning.
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Yes! We rent beacons, probes, and shovels for a small daily fee.
Here’s what you’ll need.
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
Sleeping Bag (15º)
Rated to 15º F. Choose an 800+ Fill Premium Goose Down bag. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG. Granite Gear Compression Sack is desired.
Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass™ Gore-Tex® 15F/-9C
Ski Helmet
A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.
Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
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
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
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: Vaurnet 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
Down Booties
You’ll love having a warm, comfortable shoe to slip into when tent-bound. These are optional, but nice to have.
Recommended: Western Mountaineering Flash Down Booties
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
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
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 Tour 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
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 Wooltech Gloves
Down Parka
A puffy jacket with a hood that will keep you warm during the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). However, be sure the jacket is still lightweight.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
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 Liquid Point Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point 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 Liquid Point Pant
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Liquid Point Pant
Ski Crampons
While ski crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry ski programs, they are required on all of our International Ski Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Ski Crampons
Splitboard Crampons
While splitboard crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry splitboard programs, they are required on all of our International Splitboard Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Spark R&D Ibex ST Splitboard Crampons
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions.
Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard
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 Ascension Nylon STS
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Ascension Splitboard STS
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
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
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 Jacket
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Jacket
Mid-Weight Warm Layer
A polar guard or fleece jacket. This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Quarter Zip
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Quarter Zip
Long Sleeve Base Layer
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 Coefficient Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution Crew
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
Base Layer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
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.