fbpx

Private Ski Guiding

1 Day in Lake Tahoe, CA / (Skill level: Any)

Price per person

$225 Based on a group of 5 skiers

About this trip

Private ski guiding allows you to customize your day for up to 5 skiers and riders. Most interested in backcountry education? Or are you looking to ski fresh tracks on steep slopes all day? Give us a call to start planning your dream ski adventure in Lake Tahoe.  

  • Full-Day Rates on Weekdays:
  • Single: $525
  • Group of 2: $337/person
  • Group of 3: $275/person
  • Group of 4: $244/person
  • Group of 5: $225/person
 
  • Full-Day Rates on Weekends:
  • Single: $575
  • Group of 2: $362/person
  • Group of 3: $292/person
  • Group of 4: $256/person
  • Group of 5: $235/person
  • Please contact the office to book groups of 5 or more
Please review the preparation section before reserving your trip.

Overview

  • skill level

    Any

  • Duration

    1 Day

Privately 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 the day with your guide as you see fit. The goals and outcome of a day out with our guides is customized to your group.

  • 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, and Alpenglow’s exclusive lift access at Palisades Tahoe gives us the ability to find the best conditions out there.
  • 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.

You must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste in a variety of conditions. Here is a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.

Location

Your day out will take place somewhere on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, within the Tahoe National Forest. We have many trailhead options at our disposal and with your input, your guide will pick the location with the best conditions for the day. Alpenglow operates in partnership with the Tahoe National Forest and Palisades Tahoe.

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 which trailhead you’ll be using for the day.

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 carveable chalk snow.

Who Can Participate

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.

Skiers or riders 12-16 years old can join us with a parent. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment.

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.

Preparation

  • Fitness

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

  • Technical Experience

    Must be an advanced intermediate skier/rider that is competent on and off-piste terrain in a variety of conditions. Should feel comfortable on all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort.

      • You tell us! — What are your goals?

        You tell us what your goals are and we'll build the ski experience that you'll never forget.

        • Ski/Splitboard Equipment

        • 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: Fischer Hannibal 106 Skis Recommended Bindings: Dynafit Speed Radical

        • 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

        • Splitboard

          A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Recommended: Jones Solution Splitboard

        • 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 Bindings

          Splitboard bindings are required for uphill travel. Be sure to adjust the straps to your boots before using. Recommended: Spark R&D Arc Bindings

        • 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. Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles

        • Shovel

          A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended. Recommended: Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel

        • Probe

          A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm. Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Tour Probe 280

        • Avalanche Transceiver

          A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using. Recommended: Black Diamond Recon BT Avalanche Beacon

        • Backpack 25-35L

          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 25L Pack or Black Diamond Mission 35L Pack

        • Apparel

        • 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: Eddie Bauer BC Freshline Jacket

        • Hard Shell Pants

          Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets. Recommended:Eddie Bauer BC Duraweave Alpine Pants

        • Synthetic Top

          A simple, lightweight synthetic jacket. This item is good for layering systems and the Primaloft keeps you warm when wet. Recommended: Eddie Bauer IgniteLite Stretch Reversible

        • 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. The new wool blends are also an option. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Resolution Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

        • 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: SmartwoolMen's Intraknit™ Merino 250 Thermal Bottom

        • Long Sleeve Base Layer

          A poly-pro mid-layer that you will never take off. Fitted, light- weight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck-in and we recommend zipper collars for more ventilation. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Midweight FreeDry® Merino Hybrid Baselayer 1/4-Zip

        • Warm Layer

          A polarguard or fleece jacket. This is your mid layer that will be worn over your baselayer most of the trip. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Cloud Layer Pro 1/4 Zip or Patagonia R1 Jacket

        • 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 altitude and are need to keep your hands dry, and warm. Over the cuff style is desired. Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Glove

        • 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: Eddie Bauer Mountain Glove

        • Ski Socks

          Your everyday ski sock, good for ski tours and day hikes. NO COTTON. Recommended: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Merino Wool Ski Socks

        • Accessories

        • 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: Julbo Shield

        • 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 5-Panel

          $25.00
        • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

          Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles. Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

        • 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: Smith I/O MAG

        • Beanie

          A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet. Recommended: Eddie Bauer First Slouch Beanie

        • Ski Helmet

          A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old. Recommended: Scott Couloir Mountain Helmet 

      • What is your cancellation policy?

      • I just booked a tour, what do I do now?

        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.

      • What sort of experience is required for this trip?

        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.

      • How much hiking will we do?

        The amount of hiking during the day varies largely on the size, pace, and motivation of the group. On a light day, you can expect about 1-2 hours of hiking, and on a larger day some groups may surpass 4 hours of hiking throughout the course of the day.

      • When & where do we meet?

        Location and timing vary depending on the conditions and objectives of the group.

      • What gear do I need to bring?

        In general, your gear for the day will be very similar to a day of skiing in the resort, but here are a few key pieces that are unique to the backcountry and crucial for the day –

        A hat and pair of sunglasses (These come in handy on the hike up)
        Sunscreen
        Water and snacks (Our guides recommend between 1-2L of water depending on your intake)
        Lighter, more breathable layer options than a typical resort layering system. An additional light pair of gloves is preferred for uphill travel
        Ski poles with powder baskets, or a pair of collapsable poles for splitboarding. (We have these available at no extra charge if you need them)
        A backpack, and any avalanche rescue gear you may own. (Our guides recommend packs around 20-30L)
        **Please give us a call if you have any questions about what to bring, or if your gear will be appropriate for the day.

      • I need to rent gear, what information should I provide in advance?

        We have an excellent selection of backcountry ski gear available to rent. We offer top of the line equipment from Blizzard Skis, Technica Boots, Jones Snowboards, and Black Diamond. 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.

      • I don’t have any avalanche gear- can I still sign up?

        Yes! Alpenglow rents beacons, probes and shovels for a small daily fee.

      • Is lunch included on this trip?

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

      • 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.

Logan Talbott

co-owner / chief guide

Logan has been guiding professionally for over a decade in the disciplines of Rock, Alpine and Ski Mountaineering. When not out guiding, Logan spends time in the office helping the team with the day-to-day operations of the business. From one day ascents of El Capitan to big Alpine climbs in the Himalaya, from ski descents on Denali to backyard ski tours in Lake Tahoe, he can’t help but smile when out running around the hills. Logan is an AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, an Avalanche course leader with AIARE, as well as a wilderness EMT. In addition to guiding, Logan has extensive experience in mountain rescue, having worked for rescue teams in both Yosemite and Denali National Parks, and volunteering locally for Tahoe Nordic SAR. When not out in the hills, he lives in Truckee, CA with his lovely wife Lynette and daughter Maggie.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide

Tim Dobbins

With notable first descents in the Alps, Tim Dobbins represents Alpenglow’s cutting edge guiding philosophy providing only the best guides for every trip and expedition.

Growing up in Oregon, Tim started out skiing at the young age of 4 years old. Tim grew up ski racing for 9 years before he moved on to backcountry skiing in Aspen, Colorado. He spent 4 years working as ski patrol at Snowmass Ski Resort.

Tim moved to Chamonix in the mid-’90s where he spent 6 seasons skiing and climbing while studying French. Tim says that Chamonix is where he really started learning how to ski tour, rock climb, ice climb and eventually began skiing the steepest lines he could find.

Examples of those steep lines were the North-East face of Les Courtes, Couloir Barbey from Aiguille D’Argentiere, Couloir Couturier from L’Aiguille Verte, Couloir du Diable on Mont Blanc du Tacul, East face of the Matterhorn and many, many others.

Tim has spent the last 10 years guiding and instructing in rock, ice, alpine, and skiing. He is an AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, and lives on Donner Lake in Truckee with his wife Gisele, sweet daughter Manue and son Matisse.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide

Sam Kieckhefer

Born and raised in Northern California, Sam began exploring the Sierra and developed a love for the mountains at a young age. He started backcountry skiing in 2010, and found his way up Mt. Shasta on only his second ski tour ever. After years of gaining experience, he started guiding in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. Sam guides full time in the winter around Tahoe as he continues to work towards his AMGA Ski Guide certification. Sam also teaches both recreational and professional avalanche courses with the American Avalanche Institute in the Tetons.

Sam is an AMGA Apprentice Ski and Alpine Guide, and AIARE Avalanche Course Instructor. He lives on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe with his partner Susie.

Guide Certifications
  • AIARE instructor

Rich Meyer

Rich has been guiding professionally for over twenty years.  His work has varied from single day backcountry ski tours in Tahoe, to ski expeditions from Alaska to Antarctica.  Rich has been lucky enough to guide, travel, ski, and summit peaks in places such as:  Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Alaska, and Antarctica.  As well as scores of Mt. Shasta & Sierra Nevada summits. Promoting the human powered outdoor experience is a big part of Rich’s passion and work, both locally and nationally.  He feels strongly that protecting our natural environment and educating skiers and climbers about our winter wild places has to be a priority.

Rich is an AMGA Certified Ski Guide.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Ski Guide

Jules Hanna

If you are looking for an AMGA Splitboard guide, Jules is your man. He has been guiding for 10 years and spends his winters in Tahoe and summers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Whether it’s a ski day or time to board, Jules enjoys the rewards that the backcountry experience provides. He is an AIARE course leader and has logged many adventures in mountains up and down the west coast learning about the avalanche phenomena. Jules is also an Ambassador Guide for Jones Snowboards.

In addition to guiding, Jules has worked as a climbing ranger at Mt Rainer and a mountaineer for the US Antarctic Program and has many stories to tell from his time on Search and Rescue in those locales.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Ski Guide

Ben Mitchell

Ben has been in love with the mountains from a young age. He began hiking and skiing with his family and quickly decided he never wanted to stop. After finishing university in Portland, OR Ben moved back to Washington State and began guiding on Mt. Rainier and around the Cascades. For the next many years he followed the seasons, skiing, climbing and pursuing the art of human flight through out the world. He has made expeditions into both polar circles, skied first descents in Afghanistan and climbed throughout the Americas and Europe. When not looking forward to the next adventure he thoroughly enjoys roasting coffee, reading and taking his dog out for walks.

Ben is an IFMGA/AMGA mountain guide, Certified Level III Avalanche Professional, and Wilderness First Responder.

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA - American Mountain Guide
  • IVBV IFMGA UIAGM - Mountain Guide

Ben Weaver

Ben comes to guiding after being a professional ski patroller for several years. Three of those seasons were spent working as part of the snow safety department at Mt. Hood Meadows.  Ben is now in his fourth winter season with Alpenglow Expeditions here in Squaw Valley.   He is a professional member of the AMGA, has his AIARE level 3 certification and is also an AIARE Course Leader. After successful completion of the Aspirant ski course/exam he is an AMGA Assistant ski guide and will be participating in the AMGA Alpine Guide Course later this spring.  Ben has spent three spring climbing seasons in Alaska volunteering with the National Park Service climbing rangers on Denali.   He is a Board Member of the Denali Rescue Volunteers organization and will be back on Denali this coming May.  He has skied in the Western US, Alaska, Canada, and two seasons in Chamonix & La Grave.   Ben has a Master’s Degree in Anesthesia and he works as a CRNA in the summer.  Ben lives here in the Tahoe area with his lovely wife Katie and their two dogs, Roscoe & Murdock.

Ben is an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide.

What others are saying about this trip

Expedition Inquiry Form

  • Have questions about this trip?

    Private Ski Guiding

Private Ski Guiding

Private ski guiding allows you to customize your day for up to 5 skiers and riders. Most interested in backcountry education? Or are you looking to ski fresh tracks on steep slopes all day? Give us a call to start planning your dream ski adventure in Lake Tahoe.  

  Please review the preparation section before reserving your trip.