Skin up to Herlan Peak on Lake Tahoe’s east side with a local guide who reads snow and routes. Expect about 4 hours of ascent-and-descent, varied alpine terrain, and focused avalanche-safety practices—perfect for fit skiers or split-boarders.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push through a stand of wind-scoured pines, breath fogging in the clear high-country air, while Lake Tahoe unfurls below like a sheet of hammered glass. The skin track angles up the east side ridgeline; snow dares you to move faster, and the descent waits—deep pockets and firm ribs depending on the morning sun.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a high level of cardiovascular fitness and regular uphill touring experience for sustained skinning and technical transitions.
Wildlife
History
The Tahoe basin is the result of glacial carving over the Sierra Nevada crest and lies within the ancestral lands of the Washoe people; modern recreation grew with 20th-century alpine development.
Conservation
High visitation and climate-driven snow variability strain Tahoe ecosystems; practice Leave No Trace, stay on hardened approaches, and follow guide instructions to reduce impacts.
Reserve your spot on the Guided Backcountry Ski Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early
Begin before sunrise or very early morning to avoid sun-baked south aspects and to maximize powder or firm corn conditions.
Carry avalanche gear
Beacon, probe, and shovel are mandatory—know how to use them or book with a guide who provides instruction.
Layer smart
Temperatures swing quickly; use a breathable insulation layer plus a waterproof shell for wind and melt.
Pace for transition
Expect 20–30 minutes at the summit for ski-mode transitions and safety checks; don’t rush companion rescue practice.
Avalanche beacon, probe & shovel
Essential for group safety and companion rescue in backcountry terrain.
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Alpine touring or splitboard setup with skins
Skis/splitboard and skins are required to climb and descend efficiently in variable snow.
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Insulated mid-layer and waterproof shell
Protects from wind and wet snow while allowing ventilation on steep skin tracks.
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Helmet and goggles
Protects against hard snow, rocks at low elevations, and bright reflected light.
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