Backcountry Skiing in Lake Tahoe, CA

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  1. Skinning up for another lap on Castle Peak with great views with the I-80 corridor below and the Lake Tahoe Basin visible on the left. You can even see the avalanche scar from the “Elevens” on Trimmer Peak in South Lake on the left and the peaks of the Sierra Crest stretching southward.
    Castle Peak - Backcountry Skiing

    Looking north from Donner Pass a large rock buttress juts out from the ridgeline like a crown resting on the ridge over Truckee. This is the regal Castle Peak, offering a multitude of outdoor recreation options year round, including phenomenal backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    23.6 miles
    Duration
    No matter which route you choose, this trip will take you at least two hours to complete. However you can easily make it two plus hours. You can hustle up for a quick lap on the southern slopes, or spend the day exploring the north ridge.
  2. Take in that view from the summit! Notice the Sherwood Chair loading area and parking space on the lower left of the picture.
    Grouse Peak - West Shore Lake Tahoe - Backcountry Skiing

    This is an awesome intermediate ski tour with sunny slopes and rewarding views of Lake Tahoe over 3 miles and 1500’ vertical feet of ski touring.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    7.2 miles
    Duration
    You could do a quick out and back, multiple laps up and down, or keep going out to Little Alaska or Twin Peaks for a full day tour.
  3. Better get out your panoramic lens to take in the views from the summit of Jake’s Peak.
    Jake's Peak - Backcountry Skiing

    A Tahoe favorite due to its easy access and minimal approach combined with unsurpassed lake views and perfect steep stashes of powder or spring corn.

    Difficulty
    4 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    11.0 miles
    Duration
    You could sprint up it in an hour or do some laps making the most of the powder all day long.
  4. Exploring the gorgeous trails of Sugar Pine.
    Sugar Pine Point State Park - West Shore Lake Tahoe - Cross-Country Skiing

    Easy access, quiet trails, and no fees to ski; when looking for locations to cross country ski in the Lake Tahoe area it doesn’t get better then this. Rich with local history, the biathlon and cross-country ski events from the 1960 Winter Olympics were held here, at Sugar Pine Point State Park, and it’s still a great place to explore today.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    7.2 miles
    Duration
    Short enough for a quick lunch-break workout, or you can link the loops for a longer day of exploring.
  5. Glimpse of the wind swept summit of Mount Rose.
    Mount Rose - Lake Tahoe / Mount Rose Pass - Backcountry Skiing

    Mount Rose is a striking peak that stands tall among others of the Sierra, and as the most prominent of the mountains sharing it’s namesake pass. This often, wind-swept summit, sees relatively little skier traffic, but has amazing views, backcountry solitude and a sense of accomplishment standing atop this local giant that can make this tour well worth the effort.

    Difficulty
    4 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    16.6 miles
    Duration
    Around 3.5 miles of travel one way to the summit of Mount Rose requiring a transition at Galena Creek on each pass, this tour can take the better part of a day depending on the speed of the group.
  6. Dawn patrol on Powderhouse Peak provides amazing views of the morning sun blanketing the Sierra.
    Waterhouse/Powderhouse Peak - Backcountry Sking/Snowboarding

    Waterhouse and Powderhouse Peak are classic Tahoe backcountry skiing and snowboarding destinations just south of Lake Tahoe.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    21.8 miles
    Duration
    Waterhouse Peak typically takes 1-1.5 hours to get up and 20-30 minutes to ride down. Powderhouse peak typically takes 1 hour to get up and 20 minutes to get down.
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