The Best Backcountry Lines in North Lake Tahoe

Our guides have skied and guided on some of the biggest mountains in the world. From the highest peaks in South America to 8,000-meter objectives in the Himalaya, they’ve spent years chasing good snow in serious places. And when it comes time to choose where they want to ski at home, they choose North Lake Tahoe.

That says a lot.

Tahoe’s backcountry combines real alpine terrain, consistent access, and an incredible range of lines within a relatively small area. From long, scenic descents to steep, technical zones, it’s a place where you can ski hard, learn a lot, and still be home for dinner.

Here are a few standout areas that define backcountry skiing in North Lake Tahoe, and why our guides keep coming back to them.

Tamarack Peak: Big Views, Reliable Skiing

Tamarack Peak is a classic North Lake Tahoe objective. The approach is straightforward, the terrain is varied, and the payoff is long runs with expansive views of Lake Tahoe. Lines like Hourglass Bowl offer sustained pitches that feel committing without being overwhelming, making Tamarack a favorite for both experienced backcountry skiers and those building confidence in steeper terrain.

It’s a place where snow quality, terrain, and efficiency line up well. It’s one of those zones that reminds you why Tahoe is such a special place to ski.

Donner Peak: A True Alpine Feel

Donner Peak delivers a different kind of experience. The terrain is more technical, more exposed, and distinctly alpine. The lines here demand good decision-making and solid fundamentals, but the reward is skiing that feels remote and serious despite being close to town.

This is North Lake Tahoe at its most rugged. With steep faces, wind-affected snow, and terrain that rewards patience and local knowledge.

Palisades Tahoe Backcountry: Our Guides’ Favorite Lines

As good as the broader Tahoe zone is, our guides’ favorite terrain is right here at home in Olympic Valley, in the Palisades Tahoe backcountry.

This zone combines lift access with true backcountry skiing, allowing you to reach serious terrain without long approaches. It’s efficient, wild, and consistently delivers some of the best skiing in the region.

National Geographic Bowl

The National Geographic Bowl stands out even by Tahoe standards. The terrain is expansive, steep, and feels far more remote than its access would suggest. These are lines that would normally require a long tour to reach, but with lift access and our permitted entry, you’re skiing them efficiently and safely with experienced guides.

It’s big-mountain terrain in every sense as it hosts wide bowls, fall-line skiing, and the kind of runs you remember long after the season ends.

Tram Ridge

Tram Ridge is another local favorite, especially for those looking for a single, high-quality run. This zone is closed to the public and only accessible with our guides, making it a rare opportunity to ski terrain that very few people ever touch. The ridge offers a mix of open faces and glades that hold snow well and provide excellent skiing across a range of conditions.

If you’re new to backcountry skiing, this is an ideal introduction to lift-assisted backcountry terrain in a controlled, guided setting. For experienced skiers, it’s simply a standout run. Efficient access, great snow, and a line that feels far more remote than its location suggests.

Lift-Assisted Backcountry, Guided the Right Way

With an Ikon Pass or a discounted Palisades lift ticket, we use lift access to reach zones that are otherwise closed to the public. Our guides skip the lift lines, manage the logistics, and focus on what matters: terrain selection, snow conditions, and keeping the day flowing smoothly.

No backcountry experience? No problem. We work with skiers at all levels, building skills along the way while putting you in the right terrain for your ability and the conditions of the day. Every trip is led by AMGA-certified guides who know these zones inside and out.

World-Class Skiing, Right Here

Our guides have skied all over the world, and they still choose Tahoe. This is not because it’s convenient, but because the skiing is that good. The terrain, the snow, and the access make North Lake Tahoe one of the best places on the planet to ski the backcountry.

Here at Alpenglow, we don’t just guide here, we live here. And there’s no one better positioned to show you what makes these lines special.