Do I need to bring a lunch?

Yes, you should bring a sack lunch and water bottle for this course.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

How much hiking will we do?

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.

Where are the South Lake Tahoe courses located?

This course will take place in the area surrounding South Lake Tahoe, within the Carson Ranger District of the Humbodlt-Toiyabe National Forest. Your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day. Alpenglow operates in partnership with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Classroom sessions will be held completely online. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe.

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.

Is lunch included on this trip?

Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.

What sort of experience is required for this trip?

Skiers/Riders must have our Backcountry 1.0 plus 5-10 tours, OR 10+ days of individual touring experience, and be competent in variable terrain and conditions. This is comparable to confidence on and off-piste on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at the resort, in variable weather.

I need to rent gear for my South Lake Tahoe adventure, where can I go?

We recommend visiting Sports LTD or Sierra Ski and Cycle . Both locations are in South Lake Tahoe.

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.

South Lake Tahoe Backcountry 2.0

private backcountry ski guiding in lake tahoe with professional mountain guides

South Lake Tahoe Backcountry 2.0

$249MON – THU

Per Person

$299FRI – SUN

Per Person

Intermediate Full Day, 8 Hours South Lake Tahoe, CA

Learn to Backcountry Ski or Ride in South Lake Tahoe! This is the second part in our three-part Intro To Backcountry series. Please see Backcountry 1.0 for an overview of part 1. In this 2.0 course, you’ll build upon basic backcountry touring skills, diving into advanced tour planning and backcountry leadership principles and practices. Both skiers and splitboarders are welcome. This is an intermediate-level backcountry course. Please see the preparation section before reserving. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe, see here for details.

December 21, 2024

Inquire

Backcountry 2.0 Intro

South Lake Tahoe Backcountry Tour Overview

Expand upon baseline backcountry skiing or riding knowledge and allow the accessible South Lake Tahoe backcountry terrain to blossom before your eyes.

Solidify your intermediate backcountry touring skills in this second part of our 3-part Intro to Backcountry series. This backcountry touring course is designed for someone who already has the basic training and experience to go on a backcountry tour, and seeks the next step. Our Backcountry 1.0 course plus 5-10 days of touring experience, OR 10+ days of touring experience are ideal prerequisites. Backcountry 2.0 picks up where 1.0 leaves off, continuing the intermediate skills of touring in the backcountry.

You must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider for this course and be competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions. Skiers/riders should be comfortable on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE BACKCOUNTRY TOURING LOCATION
This course will take place on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, within the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. There are multiple terrain options at our disposal, and your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Depending on fitness level of the group, technical ability and daily conditions skiers and riders can expect to get multiple laps of fresh tracks while expanding upon techniques and skills learned on past tours. Terrain varies from wide open bowls to widely spaced trees.
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 either tour right out of our offices, or take a short drive to a trailhead.
Your Tahoe ski guide will come prepared with a defined itinerary for the day, but you’ll have the opportunity to stop and ask questions along the way.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR INTERMEDIATE BACKCOUNTRY TOURING COURSE
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). This video gives a good example of intermediate to advanced skiers and riders.
Skiers or riders 12-16 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Leadership in the backcountry setting
Tour planning
Avalanche hazard management
Touring movement skills
Difficulty: Strong intermediate to advanced skiing/riding level required.

BACKCOUNTRY RENTALS
A complete backcountry touring setup is required. Tahoe Sports LTD in South Lake Tahoe has alpine touring and splitboard setups, along with beacons, probes, and shovels for rent.

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE

As a Tahoe 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”. 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

Prerequisites

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.

Fitness

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

Technical

Skiers and split borders must be competent in backcountry travel, and able to link turns in a variety of terrain and snow conditions. This compares to competency on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at the resort, including off-piste terrain.

8 – 8:30am: Meet & Greet
Meet your guide and fellow skiers. Set goals for the day.
8:30 – 12pm: Morning Tour
After making our plan for the day, we head out for the first climb and descent of the day.
12 – 12:30pm: Lunch
In between the morning and afternoon sessions we’ll take a break for some much needed calories.
12:30 – 3:30pm: Afternoon Tour
Depending on our observations from the morning we’ll spend the afternoon harvesting the goods!

Alpenglow’s South Lake Tahoe Ski Guides

Our Backcountry Ski Guides

Meet who you will be backcountry skiing with in South Lake Tahoe.

FAQ’s

South Lake Tahoe Backcountry Touring Questions

The answers to your most commonly asked questions about backcountry skiing in South Lake Tahoe.

: Yes, you should bring a sack lunch and water bottle for this course.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: 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.
: This course will take place in the area surrounding South Lake Tahoe, within the Carson Ranger District of the Humbodlt-Toiyabe National Forest. Your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day. Alpenglow operates in partnership with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Classroom sessions will be held completely online. We also offer this course in North Lake Tahoe.
: 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.
: Lunch is not included. We recommend bringing a sack lunch and plenty of water.
: Skiers/Riders must have our Backcountry 1.0 plus 5-10 tours, OR 10+ days of individual touring experience, and be competent in variable terrain and conditions. This is comparable to confidence on and off-piste on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at the resort, in variable weather.
: We recommend visiting Sports LTD or Sierra Ski and Cycle. Both locations are in South Lake Tahoe.
: 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

South Lake Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need to go backcountry skiing in South Lake Tahoe.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

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

Testimonials

The most memorable experiences on skis
“My Backcountry 1.0 ski trip with Alpenglow was the best decision I made before attempting to ski in the backcountry. My guide, instructor Ben W, not only gave me the most memorable experiences on skis but he also educated me on the importance of safety and the fundamentals of skiing in the backcountry. His professional certifications, avalanche training, and personalized instruction assured me that I was learning from a qualified and professional instructor. I learned new skills, hiked on my skis, had some awesome descents and enjoyed the beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. Although trying new skills can feel challenging and overwhelming, Ben was always patient and happy to answer any questions and guide me throughout the day. He always reinforced the importance of having fun and returning back safely to enjoy another day of skiing. I am excited to go to the next level with Alpenglow’s Backcountry 2.0 class and a basic avalanche safety class.
Thank you Ben and the staff of Alpenglow!”
Jenna M.