fbpx

Private Snowshoe Tours

4 Hours in Lake Tahoe / (Skill level: Introductory)

Price per person

$300 Group of 4 or less, $395 on weekends
Inquire

About this trip

Snowshoe in beautiful Lake Tahoe with Alpenglow! Our snowshoe tours are led by qualified guides who are able to show you some of the more beautiful parts of North Lake Tahoe. Tours are suitable for all ages and abilities.  

Overview

  • skill level

    Introductory

  • Duration

    4 Hours

Adventure surrounds us here in Lake Tahoe, and snowshoeing is a fantastic option for those looking for a fun day in the snow. Alpenglow guides will safely lead you into quiet and serene locations that are difficult to access without the appropriate gear. These locations are uncrowded and undeniably beautiful.

Alpenglow offers a diverse amount of terrain available to snowshoers. Each location offers its own unique terrain with beautiful views.

Snowshoe Tour Locations:

  • Olympic Valley  – Alpenglow tours in Olympic Valley normally head into Shirley Canyon. This beautiful canyon forms the head of Olympic Valley and the views it provides are stunning. With a rushing creek and beautiful waterfalls, Shirley Canyon is an incredible snowshoe hike not to be missed.
  • Truckee – Many options exist in Truckee, including tours of beautiful Donner Lake, as well as Donner Summit and Castle Peak areas. The peaks surrounding Truckee offer various snowshoe hikes of varying lengths and difficulty.

Snowshoe tours with Alpenglow are typically a couple hours long and cover a few miles, allowing your group to get the most out of their adventure. We travel in un-groomed terrain, and normally cover a handful of miles of snowshoeing before heading in for the day. Full day options are available and can be customized to go as long or as short as needed.

What to wear:

Start with a small backpack so you can carry all the necessities plus extra layers. Sunscreen, lip balm, snacks and a 1-Liter water bottle.

We recommend wearing layers so you can easily add or subtract clothing to manage your temperature whether you’re hiking uphill or taking a break. We recommend a non-cotton base layer, a breathable insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell jacket.

For pants, plan to wear waterproof snow pants and consider adding a non-cotton base layer, depending on the temps.

Wear warm waterproof winter boots; the snowshoes are adjustable and will fit with any standard boot.

Eye protection is a must, but depending on the weather, you can choose to wear sunglasses or goggles. (Sunglasses are better for not fogging, but goggles can be better if it’s snowing)

A good winter hat or ball-cap, and a neck buff complete the look.

Preparation

  • Fitness and Technical Ability

    There are no requisites to join one of our snowshoe tours.

  • Download Trip Details

    • Morning — Meet & Greet - Rent Gear

      In the morning you'll meet your guide at the Alpenglow Expeditions offices. Here you'll go over the plan for the tour and receive your rental gear.

    • Snowshoe Tour — Have Fun

      Once in the field, you'll be treated with phenomenal views and the serene beauty of snow covered trails.

  • Download Equipment List

      • Apparel

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • Hiking Boots

        Light to mid- weight boots for everyday use. The ideal boot is comfortable enough to wear for days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined boot often stays drier when hiking in rain or snow. Recommended: La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX

      • 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

      • Grey AEX Classic Trucker

        Affectionately referred to as the "dad hat", this mesh backed hat boasts a classically curved bill that is a bit more traditional than our other hat options. For those of us that prefer a classic look, this one is for us. The mesh back provides ample ventilation for those sunny days spent on the mountain keeping our heads cool and our face shaded. Recommended: Alpenglow Expeditions Classic Mesh Backed Hat

        $25.00

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

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

  • Download Trip Details

    • What is your cancellation policy?

      Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

    • What should I wear?

      Small backpack

      • Sunscreen, lip balm, snacks and a 1-Liter water bottle.

      Layers!

      • non-cotton base layer
      • breathable insulating mid-layer
      • waterproof shell jacket
      • waterproof snow pants

      Winter boots

      Eye protection

      • sunglasses or goggles. (Sunglasses are better for not fogging, but goggles can be better if it’s snowing)

      Winter hat and a neck buff

    • What if my group is larger than 8?

      Each guide can take 8 snowshoers, for groups larger than 8, you will be assigned an additional guide.

    • What is included in the price?

      The price includes a professional guide for 4-hours, a snowshoe rental, a hot drink (coffee, tea or hot chocolate). The price does not include lunch or gratuity for your guide.

    • How do I arrange lunch for my group of snowshoers? What if we have special dietary restrictions?

      Alpenglow will provide complementary hot chocolate or coffee. Packed sack lunches are available from Wildflour Bakery for $20/person. If you would like Alpenglow to arrange a sack lunch for you or your group, please contact the office with your request (and any dietary concerns) by the Friday before your tour at 10am. (For example, if your tour is on February 15 or 16th, your lunch order is due before Friday the 14th at 10am.

      If you have dietary restrictions, please communicate them to us! We will do our best to accommodate with our restaurant partner.

    • When and where do we meet?

      You’ll meet your guide at the Alpenglow Expeditions offices. Here you’ll go over the plan for the tour and receive your snowshoe gear.

      Our office is located in The Village at Squaw Valley,  located in the breezeway between Starbucks and Fireside, facing the parking lot.

      Please arrive right at your scheduled time, you do not need to arrive early. The address for the office is 1985 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, and we are unit #23.

       

Meet your guides

Nolan Van Herk

Nolan Van Herk

Nolan embodies the spirit, history, and progression of climbing, crimping and jamming his way through over a decade of experience on the rocks. Whether he’s scaling Sierra spires, wiggling up walls or cramming his crack-addicted (and never taped) hands into Tahoe splitters, Nolan’s enthusiasm and knowledge is contagious. Cutting his teeth on the rough granite monzonite of Joshua Tree and the polished proving grounds of Tahquitz, Nolan’s climbing developed amidst the proud ethics and traditions established by the Stonemasters. Ascents of the Rainbow Wall in Red Rock, Sierra gems such as Bastille Buttress, the Incredible Hulk, and Mt. Whitney as well as numerous Needles classics solidify Nolan’s traditional climbing resume and hint at his passion for big adventure. Nolan’s love for the mountains and appreciation for wild places cannot be contained solely by climbing; his backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering resume includes a descent from the third highest mountain in North America, Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba, as well as numerous corn-cruising missions on Mt. Shasta. Nolan is no stranger to those huge, soul-feeding days in the alpine and enjoys sharing outdoor experiences large and small with those around him. Nolan currently holds the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder certification, and is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide. 

Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor
Logan Talbott

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
Sydney Paez Duncan

Sydney Paez Duncan

Skiing is just part of life growing up in Colorado, so naturally, Sydney has been in love with skiing since she was 3-years-old. At 18 she started her guiding career as a raft guide and became enamored with working in the outdoors.  For years she honed her backcountry skiing skills in France, Idaho, Colorado, and Tahoe, and she is so happy to be able to share her love for human-powered turns with others.  Sydney has worked at Squaw Valley on Ski Patrol for 4 seasons and guiding was a natural progression.  Recently, she was accepted to the AMGA’s Ski Guide track and she is on the path to becoming a certified Ski Guide. Once the skiing dries up in the summers, you can find Sydney guiding trips in the Cascades.

Sydney is an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide.

Sam Kieckhefer

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
Isaac Laredo

Isaac Laredo

Isaac found his appreciation for the outdoors growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Isaac attended Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe where his appreciation  evolved into a lifelong passion. The scenery, accessibility, and culture of the surrounding mountains captivated Isaac to major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Environmental Science and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Sierra Nevada College. Here he was inspired by his teachers and peers to facilitate the creation of special moments in the outdoors. As one of his mentors say “special moments happen, we just have to show up for them”. These special moments have been responsible for lots of personal growth for himself and those around him. He has experienced the power of the outdoors first hand and looks forward to life long learning in the mountains through climbing and skiing.
Isaac is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Ski and Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Guide Certifications
  • AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor
Patrick English

Patrick English

Patrick started climbing on the steep sandstone of the South East. After a trip to the Sawtooths in Idaho, he was hooked. He left his job as a firefighter/medic and packed whatever fit into his Jeep to head west, finding his happy place in the Sierra Nevada. With a background as a technical rescue operator, big wall climbing came pretty naturally to Patrick. Now, hunting down classic alpine rock climbs and multipitching at Lovers Leap are where Patrick spends his summers. In winter, you’ll find him scoping out couloirs and alpine faces to carve up on his splitboard.

Patrick is an AMGA Apprentice Rock and Apprentice Ski Guide.

Ali Agee

Ali Agee

Growing up just outside Lake Tahoe in Reno, skiing has been keeping Ali motivated her whole life. As she grew older and gained more appreciation for moving through the mountains, whether it be on skis or via long alpine rock routes, the journey toward becoming a ski guide has only been a natural progression.

On this journey, she’s had the opportunity to ski and rock climb in multiple venues including the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Tetons, Japan, Canada, and beyond.

Ali has experienced firsthand the transformative powers that guided trips can have on someone looking to break through comfort zone barriers. She is passionate about sharing similar soul-filling, life-changing experiences with others.

Ali is currently an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, Certified Single Pitch Instructor, AIARE Avalanche Instructor, Pro 2 Avalanche Professional, Wilderness First Responder, mountain biker, and type-two fun seeker living in Truckee, CA.

Will Sperry

Will Sperry

After Will’s first ever outdoor rock climb in Slovenia, he was hooked and knew he wanted to pursue a profession in the Mountains. In the subsequent years he worked on honing his craft on rock and enjoyed the places and adventures climbing brought him. Will has traveled to many mountains all around the world since his first taste of climbing, but always seems to call the Sierra his favorite place on earth… so far.

Will has seen the transformative power of the mountains first hand and works to provide experiences to his clients that will challenge their comfort zone and their perception of possibility. Whether this comfort zone is going for a long hike, or spending 5 nights on the side of a mountain, the power of stepping out is undeniable and in Will’s point of view essential for a well lived life.

Will spends his summers guiding on Mt. Shasta, Tahoe, and the Sierra and when winter comes around you can find Will on his splitboard practicing shinrin-yoku in the trees and alpine zones of Lake tahoe and Japan. Will also considers himself a nerd for snow science and will be happy to explain temperature gradients and avalanche problem types to those ready to learn.

Will is currently an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide and an Apprentice Ski Guide.

What others are saying about this trip

  • Incredible Backcountry Experience

    Being new to backcountry skiing in Lake Tahoe, I wanted to learn as quickly as possible by hiring a guide. I settled on Alpenglow Expeditions and never looked back. The office staff were very professional prior to my trip, and my guide Tim Dobbins was one of the most knowledgable skiers I've ever skied with.

    Shannon Beary

    Expedition Inquiry Form

    • Have questions about this trip?

      Private Snowshoe Tours

    Private Snowshoe Tours

    Snowshoe in beautiful Lake Tahoe with Alpenglow! Our snowshoe tours are led by qualified guides who are able to show you some of the more beautiful parts of North Lake Tahoe. Tours are suitable for all ages and abilities.  

    © 2023 Alpenglow Expeditions. All rights reserved.