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Truckee Skyline Traverse

1 Day in California, Lake Tahoe / (Skill level: Advanced)

Price per person

$575 for 1 skier (midweek), $625 (weekends) | $100 each additional person
Inquire

About this trip

Please call the office to make a reservation (877-873-5376). A must-do tour for any California backcountry skier, this ski day follows the legendary and beautiful sierra crest from Sugar Bowl Ski Resort to Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort. Requires excellent physical fitness and proficient backcountry touring skills and experience.

  • Full-Day Rates on Weekdays:
  • Single: $575
  • Group of 2: $337/person
  • Group of 3: $258/person
  • Group of 4: $219/person
  • Group of 5: $195/person
 
  • Full-Day Rates on Weekends:
  • Single: $625
  • Group of 2: $362/person
  • Group of 3: $275/person
  • Group of 4: $231/person
  • Group of 5: $205/person
  • Please contact the office to book groups of 5 or more

Overview

  • skill level

    Advanced

  • Duration

    1 Day

This ski traverse will take you along the iconic sierra crest from Donner Summit to Olympic Valley, passing through some of the best ski terrain that Lake Tahoe has to offer. At times following the ridge top, at times skiing classic descents off either side of the crest, this tour is not to be missed.

Traditionally skied in two days, we are offering this as an advanced 1 day journey along the crest of the northern Sierra Nevada. With stunning lake views, expansive vistas of remote portions of the Granite Chief wilderness, the Truckee Skyline Traverse is a must do for any California skier. This is a long day, and skiers/riders must be in excellent shape and capable of hiking for many hours at a time. The typical time to complete this traverse ranges from 7-10 hours.

Who Can Participate

Expert level skiers/riders that are competent on all black diamond runs in a ski area, on and off-piste, in all conditions.  Skiers/riders must have either our Backcountry 2.0 course plus 5-10 days of touring experience, or 25+ days of touring experience.

Alpenglow Expeditions operates under a special use permit from the Tahoe, Inyo, and Eldorado National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

Preparation

  • Fitness

    Excellent physical fitness is required. Participants must be able to hike for many hours at a time while carrying a pack. This is of paramount importance, as it is difficult to abort the tour part way.

  • Technical Experience

    You must be an expert level skier/rider that is competent on all black diamond runs in a ski area, on and off-piste, in all conditions. 

  • Prerequisites

    Backcountry 2.0 course PLUS 5-10 days of touring experience, OR 25+ days of touring experience.

  • Download Trip Details

    • Morning — Meet & Greet

      Meet at Alpenglow office, gear check and introductions. Ride shuttle to Sugar Bowl Ski Resort.

    • Mid-Morning through Afternoon — Ski Tour

      Once we arrive at Sugar Bowl we ride the Lincoln chairlift where we access the backcountry. From here we follow the Sierra Crest to Olympic Valley. Alternatively, we can get an earlier start by skinning from Donner Pass well before the Sugar Bowl Lifts open.

  • Download Equipment List

      • 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

      • 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

      • Splitboard

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

      • 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

      • 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

      • Backcountry Touring Pack

        Internal frame pack that is between 30 and 40 liters and is designed to carry skis or a splitboard. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Recommended: Black Diamond Cirque 35 or 45 Pack

      • Shovel

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

      • Avalanche Transceiver

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

      • Probe

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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • 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

      • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

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

      • Ski Helmet

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

  • Download Trip Details

    • What is your cancellation policy?

      Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

    • Would you consider organizing a private or custom Truckee Skyline Tour?

      We always welcome custom inquiries. Please call or email for more information.

    • What sort of experience is required for this trip?

      You must be an expert level skier/rider that is competent on all black diamond runs in a ski area, on and off-piste, in all conditions.  Skiers/riders must have either our Backcountry 2.0 course plus 5-10 days of touring experience, or 25+ days of touring experience.

    • What is a good course to take in preparation for the Truckee Skyline Traverse?

      Try our Backcountry 2.0,  or book a private backcountry tour! Perfect for sharpening your backcountry skills!

    • How much hiking will we do?

      The Truckee Skyline Traverse is a 12-mile trek. It can be expected that much of the day will be spent climbing.

    • 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 Equiptment

      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! We rent 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.

    • Is it safe?

      While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains, we encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Meet your guides

Tim Dobbins

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
Ben Mitchell

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
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

What others are saying about this trip

  • This experience was different than what other companies can provide...

    My experience with Alpenglow expeditions in Ecuador was wonderful. Experiencing Ecuador and the mountains with two Ecuadorean guides made this experience different than what other companies can provide, and that was what I was looking for. Not only did the guides know and love the mountains, but they knew the land, the people, the culture in ways you don't get from other tours.

    Kat McLaughlin, Ecuador, February 2015

  • A passionate group of guides that will help you reach your personal goals...

    If you're headed into the mountains, you'll want Alpenglow Expeditions take you there. They are a passionate group of guides that will help you reach your personal goals, whatever they might be.

    Greg Childs

    Expedition Inquiry Form

    • Have questions about this trip?

      Truckee Skyline Traverse

    Truckee Skyline Traverse

    Please call the office to make a reservation (877-873-5376). A must-do tour for any California backcountry skier, this ski day follows the legendary and beautiful sierra crest from Sugar Bowl Ski Resort to Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort. Requires excellent physical fitness and proficient backcountry touring skills and experience.

     

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