North Lake Tahoe is known world-wide for its ski resorts. A lesser known fact about the region outside of the ski resort boundaries is some of the most incredible backcountry skiing terrain in the nation beckons with jaw-dropping views, wilderness solitude and perfect powder.
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding is booming in North Lake Tahoe as improved gear and a sense of adventure lures skiers into the many majestic North Tahoe peaks where chairlifts do not reach.
Backcountry skiers and snowboarders ascend mountains on specialized touring set-ups – alpine touring gear for skiers and splitboards for snowboarders. Skins attached to the bottom of skis or splitboards grip the snow on the uphill climb, and are removed at the summit before descending.
Backcountry skiers and snowboarders are advised to carry avalanche equipment – a beacon, shovel and probe – and know how to use them. Backcountry travelers are also advised to understand avalanche conditions and how to travel safely in avalanche terrain.
For those equipped and knowledgeable enough, backcountry skiing and snowboarding offers an athletic challenge and a chance to explore a lifetime of peaks around North Tahoe.
Prime backcountry spots include West Shore destinations like Jakes Peak, Hidden Peak and Rubicon Peak; Donner Summit destinations like Mt. Judah, Donner Peak and Castle Peak; and high-elevation terrain around Mt. Rose.
Many North Tahoe ski resorts also offer open boundary policies were skiers and snowboarders can venture into the backcountry from the top of a chairlift at a ski resort.
Sugar Bowl Resort’s open boundary policy gives access to massive backcountry terrain on Donner Summit. Alpine Meadows ski resort has challenging backcountry terrain on multiple sides of its boundaries, and Mt. Rose ski resort offers open boundaries.
North Tahoe is also a hub of backcountry skiing shops, guiding services and education resources. Shops like Alpenglow Sports, Tahoe Sports Hub, Tahoe Mountain Sports, The Backcountry and Start Haus offer the full range of backcountry equipment. Guiding services like Alpine Skills International offer guided backcountry tours and avalanche educations classes.
And resources like the Sierra Avalanche Center offer daily avalanche advisories, check their website for updates: http://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org.
The Alpenglow Mountain Festival takes place from February 21 – March 1. This nine-day festival is geared toward beginner and intermediate enthusiasts, looking for an opportunity to learn about Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing and split boarding. Clinics, equipment demonstrations, presentations, film and more help open the door for people of all interests and ability levels.
“We understand these sports can be intimidating to launch into, but everyone here is enthusiastic about helping aspiring adventurers bridge the gap between fear and passion,” said Brendan Madigan, owner of Alpenglow Sports and founder of the festival.
The majority of the events are free, a complete events schedule and map of locations can be found online at http://www.gotahoenorth.com/events.
