What’s new for the Tahoe Via in 2020?
We’re Building a New Route
With a low snow February, we’ve already been able to get out on the Tram Face and scout out a plan for a new route. Stay tuned for a release of details. The new route will be a 2.5-hour experience and will allow climbers to reach a special spot on Tram Face which had previously been inaccessible,
The Beast 2.0!
We have completely rebuilt the safari truck that we use to shuttle climbers up to the base of the route. The Beast is bigger and badder than ever before. She’s currently hibernating in balmy Sparks, Nevada, waiting for the snow to melt off the base of Squaw so she can make her inaugural charge up Mountain Run.
What does it take to get ready for 2020?
The Countdown to Opening Day
In anticipation of opening day on May 16, we are putting all the final inspections, training, and logistics in place. In the meantime, you can take advantage of our early booking offer: 20% off any Via Ferrata adventure if you book your summer adventure between now and May 16. Use code “Via2020” at checkout.
Safety Inspection on the Tahoe Via Ferrata
Our operations team has already been scouting the condition of the routes and we’ve scheduled our annual safety inspection to take place in late April. So we’ll be dialed for opening day on May 16.
Reinstalling the Cables
Before the inspection, our build team will head out to reinstall the cables on the three bridges, which are taken down each winter to avoid potential damage from snow creep on Tram Face.
If you think about it, moving the cables is a BIG job. The steel cable is burley, to say the least. With a 12mm diameter, one 1000’ spool weighs 1,200 lbs and we used two full spools to build the Tahoe Via Ferrata. When we started building the via ferrata in the summer of 2018, the materials had to be transported to the top of Tram Face via helicopter. Stringing up the 40’ long Super Monkey Bridge takes some serious elbow grease!
Guide Training
After our formal inspection takes place, it’s time for our biannual guides training. Every spring and fall, our staff completes 8-hours of training to refresh their rescue skills and dial in their guiding protocols. This training supplements the education they have completed with the American Mountain Guides Association and their wilderness medical training.
We can’t wait to launch into our third season of via ferrata operations. We hope to climb with you this summer!
BOOK A HALF DAY VIA ADVENTURE
For more information about Via Ferrata at Squaw Valley or Rock Climbing at Donner Summit, or any of our other international expeditions, check out our website. For any questions call our office at 877-873-5376 or send us an email info@alpenglowexpeditions.