Join our private ski guides for a single lap in the Tram Ridge Zone backcountry! Avoid using backcountry skis and boots and still get a taste for backcountry skiing using your everyday resort setup.
At the top of Broken Arrow, your private guided ski group will exit the resort boundary, entering the Palisades Tahoe backcountry, exclusive only to Alpenglow ski guides. Expect a 5-10 minute hike upon exiting the boundary and another 10-15 minute skate out of the zone after skiing.
Skiers and riders are still expected to wear a beacon and carry a probe and shovel. Alpenglow provides these items at no cost to all reserved clients.
You must be an intermediate to advanced skier for this course and be comfortable on ungroomed terrain. Here is video showing a good example of intermediate skiers and riders.
What To Expect During A Single Run Through Palisades Tahoe Backcountry
Your private ski guiding group start the day with a ride on either the Funitel or Tram. We proceed to the Broken Arrow zone within Palisades Tahoe, and we exit into the Tram Ridge zone through a gate that only Alpenglow Expeditions guided ski groups can use. These boundaries are still closed to public. We’re able to ski in the Tram Ridge zone down into Shirley Canyon floating down slopes of various steepness through playful terrain. Near the bottom we make a hard right and use the last bit of vertical to get back to the trailhead. From here we pop off our skis or boards, and in 10 minutes or less we’re back in the Village.
Even on the most crowded days at the resort, this zone is truly the backcountry. Similar to ski school participants, Alpenglow ski clients have lift line privileges with their guide to efficiently move toward the ski area boundary. Once in the Tram zone, guided ski groups enter an uncontrolled avalanche area – our ski guides will be critical in selecting the best lines to ski.
Who Can Participate in Palisades Tahoe Backcountry Skiing
Intermediate and Advanced skiers or riders. Skiers and riders must be competent in a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Skiers and riders must be able to link turns on ungroomed runs while maintaining control. This is comparable to skiing ungroomed black diamond terrain confidently. Skiers or riders 12-16 years old can join tours if accompanied by a parent. Skiers and riders 16 years and older may join without accompaniment.